It's Too Late - Gloria Estefan (1994)

UGH, I HATE

I really hate this cover because I love the Carole King original:

It's such a sad, yet sorta sweet sounding song. Gloria Estefan's vocal delivery is cold and unfeeling at best. I mean frankly, "something has died" alright, the emotion that was in this song. Her sing-speak of "I just can't fake it" just makes me want to throw tomatoes at her Fozzie Bear style. It just comes off as super lazy and distracted. I wondered if she was mentally somewhere else when she recorded it. Maybe she had her mind on something else. "Did I lock the front door?", "did I turn the oven off before I left the house?". She sounds so vacant from the song, just devoid of any sadness that the song originally evokes. This is yet another example of singers who don't know what they're singing about. It's also an example of older songs that can't fit into "The Blend's" time frame but the newer cover is acceptable. Other violators of such magnitude are Seal (Al Green's "Let's Stay Together"), Annie Lennox (Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put A Spell On You"), and Michael McDonald (Van Morrison's "Moondance"). All of these are just gawd-awful!

Maroon 5

I'm finally off today after what seemed like a marathon work schedule. I'd have to look, but I don't think I worked more than five days in a row, but when your store is one of the few in this small mountain town I'm currently in, it's always insanely busy. The past couple of days, I'd finally had a break from the register, which is what I seem to do mostly. The customers are probably 85% nice, but there's that 15% leftover of mostly mean old ladies, and they just seemed to have all joined together and said, "let's go pick on the workers at..." So, I had it with register and people just degrading me. With fitting room, there's no attendant at my store, so you have to empty all the rooms (which are always full of junk) and then put all the clothes back up in the store. I thankfully didn't have any horror stories (that I remember anyway) that fellow co-workers have expressed in the past. One time a kid peed on the floor because their mom was too caught up in her shopping to take her poor kid to the bathroom. Another time, someone dumped a bunch of clothes on the floor and someone I work with went to pick them up only to discover them dripping in urine. *shudders* People are so disgusting sometimes.

I HATE

As far as music goes, I almost have too many songs that I want to cover. I hate that when I'm at work, I'll suddenly have an idea, but I never have any time to write them down. I sometimes wish I could just write my entries right then and there, but obviously that's not going to happen. When I work fitting room, I'm more aware of the music playing in which I notice more of the repetition of songs. One of the groups most guilty of this is Maroon 5. I can't stand Maroon 5's music. There's at least 3 songs I hear every single day that I work by them; "Love Somebody", "Maps", and "Daylight". "Maps" is played like clockwork after an ad by "The Blend" that combines three music clips from songs with the word "love" in them, which incidentally includes "Love Somebody", Amy Grant's "That What Love Is For" and Faith Hill's "The Way You Love Me" (*vomits*). This happens every single time.

"Daylight" I'm wondering if it has something to do with vampires. He says, "when the daylight comes I'll have to go, but tonight I'm gonna hold you so close". I guess I'm actually romanticising his actions a bit, because for all I know, he might just have to work in the morning. Or, he could be one of those scumbags that leaves immediately after sex. I guess it depends on their individual arrangement. Did they use this song in one of those "Twilight" movies? Upon further investigation, the song's meaning isn't explained. That's fine and all because whatever writings, art, etc I come up with, it usually ends up being left up to interpretation. If you read the wiki entry for "Daylight" (linked above), you'll see much harsh criticism towards this song. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so.

"Love Somebody" makes me want to punch somebody. I'm probably misinterpreting this song also, but sounds like another asshole guy, here pressuring this girl to have sex with him. "I'm only halfway baby, but take me all the wayy". Is he referring to blue balls? Aren't blue balls a myth anyhow? I see in the text of the Wiki entry that one of those assholes (again, they're probably all really nice guys!) from OneRepublic helped write this crap-fest. I'll save my OneRepublic distaste for another entry.

uh oh!

I remember seeing Adam Levine in the first episode of the second season of "American Horror Story". I'll have to re-watch it, but if I remember right he gets killed in that episode. I'm sure he's a nice guy and blah blah blah, but damn, sometimes when hear his music enough to makes you want to kill the guy. Sorry Adam and co!

Tea Will Be Loved, get it? Remember when Snapple was good? I think it went downhill after The Snapple Lady left. Watch all those great old commercials HERE.

I used to hear another one of their songs when I worked at a beauty supply store "She Will Be Loved". That song just grates on my nerves, so at least with their newer songs, they're consistent. "Moves Like Jagger" is another one, but probably not soft enough for work radio station status. My husband had a conversation with a co-worker of his where he found out the poor guy didn't even know who this Jagger character was. hahaha MICK JAGGER!! I guess they never heard the Rolling Stones. Do they live under a rock (nice pun!)? No one "moves like Jagger", in yer dreams!

I watch "Project Runway" and one of the contestants is related to one of the members of Maroon 5. She would say something along the lines of her brother being a "rock star". Ugh, I think he'd have to play rock music to ever be considered as such. I've always hated that "rock star" term anyway. All Maroon 5 songs sound less than natural to me. I can't imagine a live band playing these songs. It all sounds like the result of a couple of keyboards and a drum machine.  Maroon 5 seems to be the new Matchbox 20 as far as soft rock stations go. They're constantly played on rotation with annoying "unique" lead vocalists. I still hear some Matchbox 20 at work unfortunately. The only thing different about Matchbox 20 though is it sounds like actual guitars, etc. I didn't think I could dislike Maroon 5 anymore because they just made me give a slight compliment to Matchbox 20. Bastards! haha. Also, there's way too many "name and number" bands out there. Off the top of my head, I can't think of any good ones. Blink 182? Nope. Eve6? Nope. Sham69? Ah, they're good from what I've heard, I don't know enough of their music though. Effiel65? Nooo.

Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars

"Uptown Funk!" is unbelievably terrible. I don't know if I'm just being a totally close minded jerk about it, but damn, the first time I heard it, all I thought was who is taking a dump on James Brown's grave? This song is first credited to Mark Ronson, who is a DJ and producer with many famous artists on his portfolio. He's worked with many random artists such as Amy Winehouse (R.I.P.), Adele, Foreigner (who include Ronson's step-dad, Mick Jones) and even Black Lips.  Bruno Mars supplies the vocals and songwriting credits along with Ronson, Jeff Bhasker and Philip Lawrence. Mars is a modern work radio station favorite, with at least two songs on rotation at my current job. I had mentioned in another post about "Locked Out Of Heaven", which I used to hear clips of at my old Target job. I'm sure he's a kool dude, etc but man, I'm always less than impressed by his musical efforts but I haven't seen any of his performances to be fair. They also play "When I Was Your Man" at work, in which he belts his best Michael Jackson impersonation. It sorta grates on my nerves, the vocal delivery, because the verses are sung LOUD and then quiet. For example, he says, "I SHOULD'VE BOUGHT YOU...flowers/SHOULD'VE GIVEN YOU ALL MY...hours"

As far as "Uptown" is concerned, it sounds a hell of a lot like Arsenio Hall's gawd-awful music project called "Chunky A". It's basically a terrible parody of Cameo. Haven't heard of it? Check out the "25 Lamest Videos" version of it below. 

I appreciate the efforts made on this song, but damn, there's just so many more superior examples of funk music. I think also this being heard while I'm at work is hurting its appeal for me. The video definitely improves this song, which pumps up the theatricality of the 1980s throwback style they seem to be going for. I'd suggest as far as modern funk and R&B goes, to check out the Daptone Records discography. Funny enough, Ronson worked with Daptone artist, The Dap-Kings on Amy Winehouse's "Back In Black" record. I'm not sure why "Uptown" doesn't sound anything like that though. I'm more into the 1960s/1970s funk sound, though Ronson is going for more 1980s. For me, 1980s R&B, is somewhat spotty. There's Prince and others that are super fun though. Here's some good funk songs that I really like below, enjoy! 

Also, there's an interesting comment section on "Uptown Funk"'s WhoSampled.com entry. 

Try - Colbie Caillat

I'm off from work today and tomorrow, but a couple of work songs have been nagging me. I've been working about 35-40 hours a work, which is great, but of course that means more exposure to terrible music. Boo-hoo. haha. I end up with some songs stuck in my head and I'll annoy my husband by singing them terribly. That's carried over from work where I'll also more or less speak the lyrics, resulting in the usual "don't quit your day job, Kristin" type of comment. haha.

I HATE

"Try" by Colbie Caillat is played about 3 (incidentally, it took more "songwriters" than than to write this crappy song) times a day. It's a terrible song and to me just screams ROUGH DRAFT. The song seems so unfinished and has "in the meantime" or "holding place" types of lyrics. The repetition of a single word isn't always a downfall of a song, but the execution here really hurts the supposed message lurking underneath.

I sorta understand the sentiment to the song. It's referring to that teenage girl trying their best to get guys to like them or making friends and pretending to be something you're not. That constant need to have people like you, even if it means sacrificing your own sanity. I don't understand the "Try, try, try, try-yy..." remark though, because it sounds like a put down, as in why bother trying? It's a weirdly backhanded the song, mostly in the words chosen to express these fleeting emotions involved in one's self-esteem and view of themselves in this difficult world. I'm also perplexed by the "get up-get up-get up" line the song. Wait, what? The poor girl has already taken her clothes off so guys will like her, she maxed out her credit cards (is she old enough to even have said cards?) to buy "cool" clothes (which nowadays are all horribly unflattering anyway). I think she's done more than her fair share of "getting up". Which one is it?

This song is supposedly about Caillat's own personal struggle with image as a pop star. The video resembles a Dove soap ad, with various women in white tops looking at the camera. It apparently features a cornucopia of bland ("The Blend") artists such as Sheryl Crow, Christina Perri, and many more. It's the epitome of accessible feminists patting themselves on the back for their mainstream contribution to society. I guess that's a harsh thing to say. I'm sure they're nice people and everything, using their notoriety to help their young fans cope with the trials and tribulations of being a woman or really just a human (no one has it easy). Maybe they're just trying their best to put to rest some of the stereotypes women have been trying to shake off for centuries. I suppose any positive change made (whether fueled by popularity or not, which comes off as the ultimate irony, feminist ideals are trendy) is step towards the right direction. It's just too bad, positive message or not, this song is just terrible.

As for her background, Caillat is a California native and her dad, Ken Caillat, co-produced the aforementioned Fleetwood Mac record, "Rumours". She also sings other "work song" hits (ugh) "Realize", "Falling For You" and possibly some others I'm not aware of. You sorta wonder about the supposed "struggle" that these "artists" go through if they're from southern California and have a music producer in their family. I'd say it shouldn't matter, but sometimes its a bit annoying when these music careers are seemingly handed to some. I think I'm just saying this because, while Colbie's probably a really nice person and everything (already said that), but someone like her in say a small town on the other side of the country would probably never reach these same heights. I like California, but I hate that location is so important to one's success, despite how much talent they have. That's why New York and Los Angeles are over populated. I sure wish that would change. Talent is talent no matter where you're from or reside.

Young Turks - Rod Stewart

I LIKE

I luv hearing "Young Turks" by Rod Stewart at work. I had a co-worker at my current job who said it was "her jam". In this stormy cloud of horrible songs raining down on us at work, the once mediocre seems to swell into a surreal greatness. There's many Rod Stewart songs played at work, but unfortunately many many bad ones. This includes the asinine covers he's done over the years. Carole King's "You're So Far Away", Isley Brothers' "This Old Heart Of Mine", etc. There's a contemporary song he's done that's played called "She Makes Me Happy", which unfortunately makes me want to kill myself. It's poorly written, redundant, just boring as hell. What a waste.

I saw the "Pop Up Video" version (unfortunately doesn't seem to be available for viewing online) of "Young Turks" this morning. That's such a great show and it's too bad it's not on anymore, although music videos aren't as widely seen or as important as they used to be. E.G. Daily is in the music video. You may know her best as either the voice of Tommy from Nickelodeon show, "The Rugrats", Pee-Wee Herman's girlfriend Dottie in "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" or as the lead singer of the band that plays the dance in "Better Off Dead". She's also one of Julie's friends in the great teen film, "Valley Girl". Russell Mulcahy directed the video and has made tons of music videos and more over the years.

I Won't Hold You Back - Toto

This is a YouTube user's video. I couldn't seem to locate an official music video for this song. 

I CAN TOLERATE IT

I don't mind this song, it of course, gets even better when heard at the work in the midst of far inferior songs. I'm not sure where I originally heard this one, but the first time I re-heard it at work, it was super familiar. At first I thought maybe it was a 1980s Bee Gees song, but I looked it up and figured out it was Toto. My dad had a few Toto records, so I probably heard it from then. There's, I think 7 (6 according to the picture below) guys in Toto. I've always referred to them as a band of "ugly secretaries". Sorry guys, they're a super nerdy lookin' bunch, and added to that equation are the wonderful shades of tan that is early 1980s mainstream fashion. But, I do absolutely love to see bands of pretty much average looking guys succeed in popular music, especially in these appearance obsessed times. 

They're still better looking than glam rock group Mud

"The Blend" usually plays this song either late at night (around 9pm-10pm) or on Sundays. I'm guessing it's too un-hip for their listening base? Who knows. All I know is I'd rather hear Toto than crap like Capital Cities and Passenger's "Let Her Go". Check out the "WhoSampled.com" entry for "I Won't Hold You Back". It has been sampled in 9 songs, very interesting.

Break

Mac'n'cheese with Adele and godawful Imagine Dragons' "Demons".

 

KT Tunstall

They say "woo-hoo" 30 times in this. THIRTY!!!!!

When Smokey Sings by ABC

I used to hear "When Smokey Sings" by ABC at TJ Maxx when I worked there in 2001-2002. I think its in my top ten songs that I hate the most. I'm sorry guys, but this song is horrible. I can't even bring myself to re-listen to the song for this post. I don't think I've heard this song in 13 years. The radio feed at TJ Maxx was all their own. It wasn't commonplace for businesses to use SiriusXM at the time, even though it existed then.  I remember the first commercials I used to see for the satellite radio service featured David Bowie.

Nice Chanel guitar! *barfs*

UPDATE:
Do yourself a favor and just listen to the original Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. For cryin' out loud, the guy's still alive, I don't care what ABC was thinking.

Train, Phillip Phillips

I had three days off in a row (*whew!*), but today I have to go back to work (boo). There's two songs that they play at work that have almost the exact same "whoaaaa" type harmony sung. It took me awhile to figure out who sang one of these songs because there's so many newer groups they play on The Blend that I've never heard of. Hopefully these songs eventually go away, but I know there's a few songs that I still hear and remember hearing when they were new. One example that I need to cover is anything by Faith Hill or Shania Twain. Ugh, the worst! This time though, I'm covering "Angel In Blue Jeans" by Train and "Home" by Phillip Phillips.

Train dominates the station at my job, even though as far as I know, they only play two of their songs, over and over. "Drive By" is another crap-fest by them that I'll hear at least 3 times a day. "Angel In Blue Jeans" is also played constantly. There's only one redeeming quality to this song is the two second twang of surf guitar thrown in there randomly. Train's biggest hit is probably "Drops Of Jupiter" which I always thought was total rip off of "Don't Go Away" by Oasis, whom I'm not that a big fan of either, but I'd rather hear them than Train.

Train is a terrible band from San Francisco, who formed in 1993. According to the Wikipedia I skimmed, their songs have been used in tons of TV, movies and commercials. They're also responsible for other horrible songs such as "Soul Sister", "Calling All Angels", and others I'm probably not aware of. Make this band go away already.

Phillip Phillips I just learned is a winner from TV show "American Idol", basically the resurgence of 1980s talent show, "Star Search". It's good to see some success from those kinds of shows that promise so much, yet deliver so little. There's very few winners that have careers for themselves (Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, etc), at least as far I know, I stopped watching many years ago. Apparently, the best way to succeed from that show is to not win (Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Daughtry, etc) because many of the contestants who didn't have actually done better for themselves. From what I've heard its because the contract they're signing onto is extremely rigid. I believe the same can be said for other competition type shows like "Project Runway" and "America's Next Top Model". It seems like the emotional roller coaster people put themselves through to win just doesn't pay off.

Wilson Phillips/Berlin

I HATE

At work, there are many cover versions of superior original songs played throughout the day. Here's "Go Your Own Way" originally by Fleetwood Mac, redone by Wilson Phillips. Like many of the songs I hear throughout the work day, I'm not sure who sings most of the songs I hear. This one came as a surprise because it was a group I had actually heard of. I think back in elementary school either myself or my sister had a Wilson Phillips tape or CD. They play a few of their songs at my present job and I've heard their songs probably all throughout my retail "career" (*shudders*). If you're not familiar with their singing, do yourself a favor and just skip to their parents music, Brian Wilson (father of Wendy and Carnie) of the Beach Boys and Michelle Phillips (mother of Chynna) of the Mamas And Papas.

MTV had a special, or a pilot that never launched called "The 25 Lamest Videos". It starred Denis Leary, Janeane Garafalo, Jon Stewart and Chris Kattan (the only funny thing I think he ever did). I have it taped off of TV, but unfortunately it's not available in it's entirety online. Number 23 on the countdown is Wilson Phillip's "Hold On" which is hilariously torn apart. I recall such lines "Prince Valiant haircut" referring to Chynna Phillips and Carnie Wilson after harshly being called "the fat chick" is said to also have the "best personality". Soo wrong. Speaking of Carnie, have you seen her on "Celebrity Wife Swap"? Her husband was such a jerk. If anybody should "go their own way", it should be her.

Fleetwood Mac's original version of "Go Your Own Way" (released in 1977) is bitingly cruel but ended up being a huge hit song for them. The group consisted of two on again off again couples and a weird drummer. This particular song is about guitarist Lindsay Buckingham and backing vocalist Stevie Nicks' deteriorating relationship. I mean the whole time he's telling her "YOU CAN GO YOUR OWN WAY" or really, "get the fu** outta here!". It's a pretty mean song despite it's upbeat sound. BUT, this is a blog about work songs, so I'm stuck with the neutered Wilson Phillips version which has about as much energy as a coma. It's almost as if they have no clue what they're even singing about. It's devoid of emotion and any sort of understanding of the lyrics. I find this true among many newer artists; it's all vocal acrobatics and absolutely no sense of what they're singing about. It's soulless and meaningless.

Courtesy of http://www.azlyrics.com

"Go Your Own Way"

Loving you

Isn't the right thing to do

How can I ever change things that I feel?

If I could

Baby I'd give you my world

How can I

When you won't take it from me?

You can go your own way

Go your own way

You can call it another lonely day

You can go your own way

Go your own way

Tell me why

Everything turned around

Packing up

Shacking up's all you wanna do

If I could

Baby I'd give you my world

Open up

Everything's waiting for you

You can go your own way

Go your own way

You can call it another lonely day

You can go your own way

Go your own way

I LIKE

"Take My Breath Away" (1986) by Berlin isn't played too often at work, but I get pretty excited when I hear it, saying "yes!" to myself. I like Berlin, although I only have their first record ("Pleasure Victim") with "The Metro", "Sex (I'm A..), etc. This song was written by soundtrack great, Giorgio Moroder and also Tom Whitlock which was used in the film "Top Gun".  It even won an Oscar for Best Song that year. My husband Jeffrey and I while traveling across California stopped at some landmark from that film in San Diego. Apparently this song caused a rift in Berlin because it wasn't written by band songwriter, John Crawford and shortly after they split up. 

"Take My Breath Away"

Watching every motion

In my foolish lover's game

On this endless ocean

Finally lovers know no shame

Turning and returning

To some secret place inside

Watching in slow motion

As you turn around and say

Take my breath away

Take my breath away

Watching I keep waiting

Still anticipating love

Never hesitating

To become the fated ones

Turning and returning

To some secret place to find

Watching in slow motion

As you turn to me and say

My love

Take my breath away

Through the hourglass I saw you

In time you slipped away

When the mirror crashed I called you

And turned to hear you say

If only for today

I am unafraid

Take my breath away

Take my breath away

Watching every motion

In this foolish lover's game

Haunted by the notion

Somewhere there's a love in flames

Turning and returning

To some secret place inside

Watching in slow motion

As you turn my way and say

Take my breath away

Take my breath away

The Blender Survey

A few days ago, I received an email from SiriusXM to participate in their periodic, "Music Blender Survey." What's that you say? Well, it's a survey that this particular station (which is the station they play at my job), where you can supposedly help "pick the music". They "want to know what you think of the music". I managed to figure out how to sign up for this ability to attempt at picking better music which at the time seemed a bit challenging. I recall on the main website being a slew of strange demographic type questions and an activation code that didn't seem to exist. I think they've made it easier since then. By following this link (which is from Facebook), you might be able to take the quiz.

Basically what the survey consists of are song samples and choices as to what your opinion of them are. I took a bunch of screen shots to show examples of this.

This goes one for all these songs: 

1. Best Day Of My Life - American Authors
2. Roar - Katy Perry
3. Uptown Funk - Bruno Mars
4. Story Of My Life - One Direction
5. I'm Not The Only One - Sam Smith 
6. Let Her Go - Passenger
7. Rude - Magic
8. Just Give Me A Reason - Pink + Nate Ruess (see post 1)
9. Brave - Sarah Bareilles
10. Superheroes - The Script
11. Headphones - Matt Nathanson
12. All About That Bass - Meghan Trainor
13. Come To Me - Goo Goo Dolls
14. Counting Stars - One Republic
15. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
16. Try - Colbie Caillat
17. Angel In Blue Jeans - Train
18. Maps - Maroon 5
19. Stay With Me - Sam Smith
20. Daylight - Maroon 5
21. Jealous - Nick Jonas
22. Carry On - Fun.
23. Me And My Broken Heart - Rixton
24. Drive By - Train
25. The First - Villains
26. Demons - Imagine Dragons
27. Bartenders - Lady Antebellum
28. All Of Me - John Legend
29. Try - Pink
30. I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz
31. Cool Kids - Echosmith
32. True Love - Pink
33. Say Something - A Great Big World
34. Am I Wrong - Nico And Vinz
35. Shake It Off - Taylor Swift
36. A Sky Full Of Stars - Coldplay
37. Night Changes - One Direction
38. I Choose You - Sara Bareilles

With the exception of just a couple, these are the songs that are repeated over throughout one of my 8 hours work days. Over time, I've noticed very little changes to the songs that they pick for this survey. Although, this past one did have a couple of newer ones, but still consisted of a few pesky songs that for some reason will not go away. Is this modern day payola? Are these songs' companies, labels, etc paying for these songs to be aired constantly? It just doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense. Do that many people actually like these terrible songs? Well, there's no accounting for taste among the general public. Even in this day and age where your own personal choices are so much more in reach than ever. You can listen past the radio format to find bands that you may have never heard otherwise. When I was younger, I had my older brother's interests to take as an influence on my own likes and dislikes when it came to music, movies etc. We listened to college radio, had pen pals mixtapes, independent magazines, etc. The internet just makes so much of the legwork in this almost nonexistent and much more accessible. So because of this, it boggles my mind as to why people still buy into garbage music such as what they play on "The Blend". BUT, there are a few folks out there who have a similar opinion to mine as to redundancy of this station.

 "The Blend"'s poor Facebook sap sometimes chimes in on the comments:

While others make some interesting songs requests:

Also in the survey, there are a few "fill in the blank" type questions. Here are some of my answers: 

 

In conclusion, I'm pretty certain the "become a music blender" program doesn't really change a whole lot. If you want to sign up for it, this is the link from their main website. If that doesn't work, try the Facebook one towards the top of this post.  

Lady Gaga

"I HATE"

I had no idea this was Lady Gaga (AKA Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) until I looked it up. It's hard to discern every detail in a song when broadcast from the ceiling, high up, especially when you're as short as I am. This always sounded like either a lost song by Swedish pop group, Ace Of Base or just someone heavily influenced by them. Incidentally, the co-author of this song, RedOne is also from Sweden so there's that connection. I think I had an Ace Of Base "cassingle" when I was in elementary school. Maybe "The Sign"?

I love that episode of "Full House" when Stephanie forms a band called Girl Talk and they horribly cover "The Sign". Their musicianship is awful because they spend all their time getting their outfits just right instead of actually practicing. haha.

Lady Gaga is a hot topic at the moment, although I think it's water cooler appeal has worn off since it's been over a week since the Oscars. She sang a medley of "Sound Of Music" songs and everyone was "blown away" by her vocal abilities, tattoos and all. 

I swear people are blindsided by the stupidest things, such as tattoos which are hugely popular.  She definitely can sing, which is great to see in mainstream pop artists of now which seem to be all charade, auto-tune and no talent. "Alejandro" grates on my nerves, actually I think all of Gaga's music is just not something I'd be interested in (to put it kindly). She parades around in the strangest outfits which is great. I think she's more artistic spectacle than anything. 

Meat anyone? 

I find this true among many pop stars of today; they're alright if put them on "mute". Many are great eye candy where crazy outfits are concerned. This is also true of extremely irritating Katy Perry. I'd defintely take Gaga over Perry any day though. I think Gaga would be a blast to hang out with, while Katy seems like a stick in the mud. Funny enough, an indirect critisim of the "Alejandro" video was made by Perry saying, “Using blasphemy as entertainment is as cheap as a comedian telling a fart joke,”. Surrree, whatever Katy.

Lastly, let's mention that elephant in the room; the music video. It clocks in at over 8 minutes long, yet I think the song is maybe 4-6 minutes long. I've never seen the film, "The Night Porter", but somehow I'm guessing if it had the gloss over pop treatment it might look something like this.

There's an oddball mix of nazis, sex and religion, with Gaga and her barely dressed dudes in tow. Remember the Spice Girls video, "Say You'll Be There"? That was based on "Faster Pussycat, Kill! Kill!".

Also, almost forgot to mention, did you know that some clothing fixtures are shaped like swastikas? If look at a diagram of what they call a "four way" or a "quad", which is a four armed clothing rack, you can see it's nazi symbol resemblance looking at them from above.

Lyrics to "Alejando"

Courtesy of AZLyrics.com

"Alejandro"

I know that we are young

And I know that you may love me

But I just can't be with you like this anymore

Alejandro

She's got both hands

In her pocket

And she won't look at you (won't look at you)

She hides true love

En su bolsillo

She's got a halo around her finger

Around you

You know that I love you boy

Hot like Mexico

Rejoice

At this point I've gotta choose

Nothing to lose

Don't call my name

Don't call my name

Alejandro

I'm not your babe

I'm not your babe

Fernando

Don't wanna kiss

Don't wanna touch

Just smoke my cigarette, hush

Don't call my name

Don't call my name

Roberto

Alejandro

Alejandro

Ale-Alejandro

Ale-Alejandro

Stop

Please, just let me go

Alejandro

Just let me go

She's not broken

She's just a baby

But her boyfriend's like her dad

Just like a dad

And all those flames that

Burned before him

Now he's gotta firefight

Gotta cool the bad

You know that I love you boy

Hot like Mexico

Rejoice

At this point I've gotta choose

Nothing to lose

Don't call my name

Don't call my name

Alejandro

I'm not your babe

I'm not your babe

Fernando

Don't wanna kiss

Don't wanna touch

Just smoke my cigarette, hush

Don't call my name

Don't call my name

Roberto

Alejandro

Alejandro

Ale-Alejandro

Ale-Alejandro

Don't bother me

Don't bother me

Al-e-jan-dro

Don't call my name

Don't call my name

Bye Fernando

I'm not your babe

I'm not your babe

Alejandro

Don't wanna kiss

Don't wanna touch

Fernando

Don't call my name

Don't call my name

Alejandro

I'm not your babe

I'm not your babe

Fernando

Don't wanna kiss

Don't wanna touch

Just smoke my cigarette, hush

Don't call my name

Don't call my name

Roberto

[2x]

Alejandro

Alejandro

Ale-Alejandro

Ale-Alejandro

[Simultaneously - 2x]

Don't call my name Alejandro

Don't call my name Alejandro

Alejandro

I'm not your babe Ale-Alejandro

I'm not your babe Ale-Alejandro

Fernando

Don't wanna kiss Alejandro

Don't wanna touch Alejandro

Just smoke my cigarette and hush

Don't call my name Ale-Alejandro

Don't call my name Ale-Alejandro

Roberto

Alejandro

Alejandro

Ale-Alejandro

Ale-Alejandro

[Simultaneously]

Don't call my name Alejandro

Don't call my name Alejandro

Alejandro

I'm not your babe Ale-Alejandro

I'm not your babe Ale-Alejandro

Fernando

Don't wanna kiss Alejandro

Don't wanna touch Alejandro

Just smoke my cigarette and hush

Don't call my name Ale-Alejandro

Don't call my name Ale-Alejandro

Roberto

[6x]

Alejandro

Alejandro

Ale-Alejandro

Ale-Alejandro

[Simultaneously]

Don't call my name Alejandro

Don't call my name Alejandro

Alejandro

I'm not your babe Ale-Alejandro

I'm not your babe Ale-Alejandro

Fernando

Don't wanna kiss Alejandro

Don't wanna touch Alejandro

Just smoke my cigarette and hush

Don't call my name Ale-Alejandro

Don't call my name Ale-Alejandro

Roberto

Alejandro