Friday E-Male: It’s The Real Thing…

Reality Killed The Video Star

Mr. Robbie Williams will release his new album ‘Reality Killed The Video Star’ on Astralwerks on November 17, 2009. The CD version will be enhanced and will allow the user access to exclusive bonus content when the disc is inserted into a computer. It will also be released digitally on November 10, 2009.

The single “Bodies” was released digitally on October 13 and available in 2 special mixes – the Body Double Remix (Trevor Horn), and the Fred Falke Full Length Remix.

The album was produced by Trevor Horn (Paul McCartney, Seal, Pet Shop Boys, Cher) and features twelve brand new tracks (plus one reprise).

‘Reality Killed The Video Star’ was mostly written in Robbie’s home studio and was recorded in London. Among those who collaborated in the songwriting are Danny Spencer & Kelvin Andrews, Brandon Christy, Craig Russo, Richard Spencer and Scott Rudin, Chaz Jankel, Guy Chambers and Fil Eisler.

Of the legendary Trevor Horn’s production, Robbie says; “He’s added something to the record that I haven’t had on previous records – his genius”.

Continuing to talk about the album, Robbie says; “I want people to feel elated, I want them to dance, I want them to forget about who they are and where they are for 50 minutes – and, within those 50 minutes of forgetting who they are, I also hope people relate to the songs. This is a record that I’m very proud of – I think it’s fucking brilliant. I want it to be the record that, if people think of Robbie Williams, they go, “Yeah, Reality Killed The Video Star”.

Official Tracklisting:

01. Morning Sun
02. Bodies
03. You Know Me
04. Blasphemy
05. Do You Mind?
06. Last Days Of Disco
07. Somewhere
08. Deceptacon
09. Starstruck
10. Difficult For Weirdos
11. Won’t Do That
12. Superblind
13. Morning Sun (Reprise)

Cleveland Rocks!

[Cologne, Germany, 29 September 2009] – The city of Cleveland, Ohio, USA, has been chosen by the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) to host the 2014 Gay Games.

The announcement by the FGG comes after a year-long site selection process that culminated in formal presentations by bidding cities to the FGG Membership Assembly meeting this week in Cologne, Germany, site of the 2010 Gay Games. Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and Washington, D.C., USA were the other two finalists.

“Cleveland demonstrated to the Federation of Gay Games that they understood the mission of the Gay Games and our principles of ‘Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best’™,” said Kurt Dahl (Chicago) and Emy Ritt (Paris), FGG Co-Presidents. “We were highly impressed by the facilities and infrastructure, the widespread community sport, their financial plan and the city’s experience in hosting large scale sports and cultural events.”

“The City of Cleveland is prepared to roll out the welcome mat to the LGBT athletes, their families and spectators from around the world,” said Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “Fans of the Gay Games will find that Cleveland is a great place to celebrate sports and culture and that we have tremendous assets and amenities for them to enjoy. The sports and cultural environment here is truly a uniquely Cleveland experience, one they will cherish for years to come.”

“We are extremely honoured and pleased that Cleveland has been selected to host the 2014 Gay Games,” said W. Doug Anderson, spokesperson for Cleveland Synergy Foundation, the bidding organization. “It is truly a privilege to continue Dr. Tom Waddell’s legacy and vision in our city – an extremely enthusiastic sports town – where the guiding principles of personal best, inclusion and participation are held dear. We are also pleased to be considered and selected from among two of the greatest cities in the world – Boston and Washington, D.C. – and greatly appreciate the support of both cities as Cleveland hosts the Gay Games in 2014.”

The Gay Games is a quadrennial sports and cultural festival founded in 1982 by Olympic decathlete Dr. Tom Waddell. Drawing as many as 12,000 participants, more than the Olympics, Gay Games have been held in San Francisco (1982, 1986), Vancouver (1990), New York (1994), Amsterdam (1998), Sydney (2002), and Chicago (2006). The 2010 Gay Games (www.games-cologne.com) will take place in Cologne, Germany, from 31 July to 7 August 2010.

Cleveland’s 2014 Gay Games IX Sports & Cultural Festival is scheduled to take place 9 to 16 August 2014. The 8-day event will feature 30 sports, 4 cultural events, an Opening and Closing Ceremony and community and cultural events throughout the Cleveland metropolitan area. Gay Games generate $50 to $80 million in estimated local economic impact in additional to significant ongoing travel and tourism visibility benefits for the host city.

The announcement was carried live worldwide via webcast. A recording of the announcement can be viewed on-demand here.

Things I’m Loving Monday

Things rocking my world of late:

01. ‘Dexter’ is back! I’ve missed my weekly dose of serial killing. That, and of course, the delectable Michael C. Hall. “Living the Dream” was wry, creepy, witty and everything broadcast television will never be.

02. La Roux’s eponymous debut album is ear candy deluxe. If you were ever a fan of acts like Berlin, Human League, Thompson Twins, Falco, Yaz, Billie Ray Martin, etc., you MUST get this superb album. Sure to be on a lot of people’s year-end best lists. Key tracks: ‘Quicksand’, ‘I’m Not Your Toy’, ‘Tigerlily’, and ‘Reflections Are Protections’.

03. ‘Glee’ is one of the finest, most-daring hour longs in the history of television. There, I said it. I am a total Gleek. Last week’s episode, “Preggers”, was a sublime slice of pop culture meets human reality. It only gets better week after week. Kudos to Mr. Chris Colfer on his studied performance and portrayal of Kurt Hummel’s honest coming out. Long live Sue Sylvester…lol.

04. My new fiancé (of the week): He may not know it yet, but I’m in love with Mr. Chris Leabu. I mean…look at him! Pardon me, I need a moment (or an hour)…

Alan Cumming’s Debut Album

Star of stage and screen Alan Cumming is set to release his debut solo album titled ‘I Bought a Blue Car Today’ from the newly launched Yellow Sound Label. Including song selections from his original concert of the same name, the exciting collection is comprised of everything from rock opera to little-known gems, as well as brand new material. The album will be available on September 22, 2009.

A Tony Award® winner for his work in ‘Cabaret’, Alan Cumming is admired for his work on Broadway and beyond. Cumming takes us on a musical journey with ‘I Bought a Blue Car Today’. With an ensemble led by musical director Lance Horne, the album is peppered with material by Cyndi Lauper, Dory Previn and Kander & Ebb, to name a few. Tracks include songs from ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’, ‘Chess’, ‘Falsettos’ and ‘Cabaret’.

‘Alan Cumming: I Bought A Blue Car Today’ premiered at Jazz at Lincoln Center in February 2009 followed by a March 2009 run in Sydney, Australia, earning rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The New York Times claimed Cumming “exudes the fabulousness of a brash showbiz kid.” Alan will be performing live in concert in London on the West End in September 2009 before returning to New York and touring the West Coast and various other parts of the country this Fall. For a list Alan Cumming’s upcoming LIVE performance dates, please visit Alan Cumming.

The concert is based on Cumming’s experiences living in the United States for the past 10 years. He says, “The album title comes from the naturalization test I took to become a citizen of the U S of A. In the test, there is a bit where the man says a sentence and you have to write it down to prove your prowess in English. My sentence was “I bought a blue car today,” which initially I thought was really sweet and childlike, but on closer examination I realized that it’s all about consumerism and gas guzzling, which rather brilliantly encapsulates America’s financial and energy crises in one fell swoop. So, when I was putting my Lincoln Center show together, I knew exactly what title to choose. The album’s song choices come from that show. It’s made up of songs and stories about my ten years living in the states culminating in my becoming a citizen.”

Michael Croiter, album producer and co-founder of Yellow Sound Label, says, “This album is a diverse mix of pop, theater, punk and chamber rock. Alan’s immense talent and achievements in theater and film are abundant and nothing short of exceptional. His talent as a recording artist, singer and front man has been untapped until now. Biding his time, Alan waited for the perfect opportunity to debut this side of his personality. This now realized project features great songs with fresh arrangements enhanced by Alan’s natural and spirited delivery. This exciting adventure will keep followers of Alan excited and riveted, and likely make him a few new fans.”

Tracklisting:

‘Shine’–Cyndi Lauper
‘Dance and Dance and Smile and Smile’–Dory Previn
‘That’s Life’–Dean Kay & Kelly Gordon
‘Wig in a Box/Wicked Little Town’–Stephen Trask
‘Don’t Tell Me’–Lance Horne
‘Here You Come Again/My Interpretation’–Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Mika, Jodie Marr & Richie Supa
‘Next To Me’–Lance Horne & Alan Cumming
‘Unexpressed’–John Bucchino
‘Where I Want To Be’–Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Tim Rice
‘Thinking Of You’–Victoria Wood
‘What More Can I Say’–William Finn
‘Mein Heir’–John Kander & Fred Ebb
‘All I Know’–Jimmy Webb

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More About Alan Cumming:

U.S. film audiences were first introduced to Cumming in ‘Circle of Friends’, and he went on to appear in varied films including ‘X2: X-Men United’, the ‘Spy Kids’ trilogy, ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’, ‘Goldeneye’, ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, ‘Titus’, ‘Emma’ and ‘Sweet Land’, for which he earned an Independent Spirit Award for producing. Alongside friend Jennifer Jason Leigh, he wrote, produced, directed and starred in the acclaimed ‘The Anniversary Party’, which won a National Board of Review Award and two Independent Spirit nominations. Alan will next be seen in the upcoming films ‘Dare’, ‘Boogie Woogie’, ‘Riverworld’ and ‘The Tempest’ opposite Helen Mirren. On television he has appeared in “Sex and the City,” “Frasier,” “Third Rock From the Sun,” “The L Word,” “Reefer Madness” and in Sci-Fi Channel’s record-breaking “Tin Man.” He is also the host of PBS’ “Masterpiece Mystery.” Prominent stage work includes ‘Cabaret’, which garnered him a Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Awards, ‘Threepenny Opera’, ‘Design for Living’, ‘Elle’, ‘The Seagull’, ‘Bent’ and ‘The Bacchae’. He will next be seen as the Green Goblin in Julie Taymor’s ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark’ on Broadway in the Spring of 2010.

Cumming’s activism and charity work for civil rights and sex education causes have earned him several humanitarian awards including two Human Rights Campaigns awards, GLAAD’s Vito Russo Media award and The Trevor Project Hero Award. In 2005, he was awarded an Icon of Scotland and in 2006, received an honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Abertay, Dundee. Most recently, he was appointed an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list recognized for services to film, theater and the arts and to activism for equal rights for the LGBT community. He is also the author of the book ‘Tommy’s Tale’, and has launched a successful fragrance and body line.

About Yellow Sound Label:

Yellow Sound Label is a leading-edge record label that produces both established performers and up-and-coming artists. As a boutique label, the award-winning founders Michael Croiter and Bill Sherman take a hands-on approach in nurturing and producing their artists. The goal is to become the “go-to” independent label for passionate, focused performers and composers who seek a partner in the development and creation of notable quality recordings. On the heels of its debut release from Alan Cumming, YELLOW SOUND will follow with new albums from established stars and hot up and comers including: Tony Award® winners Chita Rivera (’The Rink’, ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’) and Karen Olivo (’West Side Story’), Christopher Jackson (’The Lion King’, ‘In the Heights’), the celebrated songwriting/performing duo Marcy and Zina (“Taylor, the Latte Boy”) and Jeremiah James, a member of the all-male vocal quartet Teatro. For more information, please visit: Yellow Sound Label.

Return Of The Divas…

(NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 25, 2009)–A superstar diva in her own right with sales of over 50 million records and six number one hits, multiple Emmy and Grammy awards winner Paula Abdul is set to host the VH1 Divas live concert event.

Joining the star-studded list of Divas performers is one of America’s favorite pop idols – the platinum selling artist, Jordin Sparks. Previously announced “Divas” include Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Miley Cyrus. The VH1 Divas concert will be televised live on VH1 on Thursday, September 17 at 9:00pm ET.

For the first time ever, these leading ladies at the top of their musical game will perform together live at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. Continuing in true Divas tradition, the evening will feature a night of unforgettable performances from various performers, presenters and special guests. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fans can go now to Divas.VH1.com to submit a “Diva Stories” text or video testimonial that tells the world how their favorite divas have influenced their lives. VH1 wants to hear from all Divas’ fans – favorite songs, favorite moments and the craziest things they’ve done to show their diva how they feel. Select testimonials may be featured online and on-air leading up to this year’s live telecast.Divas.VH1.com has also launched close to 50 past “VH1 Divas” performances, featuring Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and many more. Join Divas.VH1.com on Thursday, September 17 for live blogging coverage before and during the live telecast. Users can also follow all show-related news by following the VH1 Divas twitter account at http://twitter.com/vh1divas.

Premiering on VH1 in 1998, VH1 Divas became synonymous with some of the most memorable live female vocal performances in television history. The show quickly became a highly anticipated annual phenomenon, generating speculation among music fans and industry executives on who would be part of that year’s telecast. Previous featured performers over the years included Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Cher, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Chaka Khan and many more.

VH1 Divas is executive produced by Lee Rolontz, Rick Krim and Patrizia DiMaria.

As in previous years, this VH1 Divas special will raise funds for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. Since VH1 Save The Music was created in 1997, more than $43 million worth of musical instruments have been donated to 1,600 public schools in 100 cities, improving the lives of more than 1.2 million children.

Exclusive VH1 Save The Music VIP tickets and Gold Circle ticket packages will offer premium seating to the live VH1 Divas concert plus pre and post party access and an exclusive gift bag. Event sponsorship opportunities are also available to the two distinctively different VH1 Divas Parties on the same night. For more information on tickets or to sponsor an event, please contact:Nia.Mack@vh1savethemusic.com or at 212-846-7324.

VH1 Divas is sponsored by Garnier® Fructis® and CoverGirl®.

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VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

Use Somebody…

In two days, my odometer does its annual rollover. I’ll be 44. I like the symmetry.

Of late I’ve been ruminating on men and relationships, life and love. I suppose it’s natural that birthdays always seem to trigger some nostalgia wrapped in the sheer organza of regret. My last relationship made two things very clear to me: One, I really needed some “alone” time; and, two, I was craving independence and solitude.

The interesting thing about the solitude of freedom is that there is a very fine line between its ecstasy and the thoroughfare of loneliness. A fortress of solitude, of your own making, can at times be a cage that is bulletproof. I think I’ve overstayed my welcome in solitude.

For the first time (in quite some time), I really yearn to be two. I think this is both a sign of growth and weariness. At 44, I feel like I’m at a literal and figurative half-way point. Call it what you will–a fork in the road, a choice of closed doors, a jump into the exhilirating terror of the unknown. I’m ready.

Of course, saying it…and doing it are separated by seconds and days. That’s the scary part. I’m not afraid of exposing myself any longer. In fact, it almost feels like a perverse thrill. To get to that one thing…that one place…that one man is a journey and exploration I find myself craving.

While I’ve said numerous times that I don’t think I’ll ever fully “grow-up”, I think for the first time in my life I feel like an adult male. (Yeah, like it only took 44 years…I know…) I’m a man who could use somebody. I’m a somebody who wants love and the forever after that always seemed so elusive.

It’s my birthday. It’s my love. And for the first time in a very long time, I want it all.

Sneak Peak: Love Is The Answer

Here’s a sneak peak at the artwork for Barbra Streisand’s upcoming album, “Love Is The Answer”. The album streets on September 29, 2009. It is an intimate collection of jazz standards.

Mr. Robbie Williams: ‘Reality Killed The Video Star’

(August 5th, 2009 – New York, NY) – The multi-talented Mr. Robbie Williams, who has sold a staggering 55 million albums worldwide has announced that he will release his brand new album, ‘Reality Killed The Video Star,’ globally on November 9th followed by a digital release in the U.S. on November 10th on EMI’s Virgin Records. Robbie teamed up with producer Trevor Horn (Paul McCartney, Seal, Pet Shop Boys, Cher) for ‘Reality Killed The Video Star’ which was recorded and mixed London.

Robbie Williams has consistently set new records for album and ticket sales, not least when he entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2006 having sold 1.6 million tickets on one day for his 2006 tour. That tour played to 3.7 million people in total. Three years previously he played the biggest live music event in UK history when his 3 nights at Knebworth saw him play to over 365,000 people.

Robbie has also won more Brit Awards than any other artist to date, has won 3 Ivor Novello awards for songwriting and holds the UK record for the fastest selling Greatest Hits album ever – that same album reaching number 1 in 18 countries.

It’s My Love…

Anyone who follows this weblog already knows that I adore Ms. Melinda Doolittle. If you haven’t already checked out her vibrant and varied debut album “Coming Back To You” (HiFi Recordings), you MUST run, not walk to your favorite online retailer or record shop. It’s plain knock-your-socks-off terrific.

But, if your a fan of the Dance genre and big, bawdy Diva vocals, you must seek out the remixes of “It’s Your Love”. You can pick up six remixes and the video clip on iTunes for a mere $3.99. Every single one of them is powerhouse diva in effect. With remixes from Jason Nevins, Rizzo, and Smashmode, I dare you to not shake your toes, tap your fingers and wiggle your ass.

I cannot stop putting this EP on repeat, grabbing my headphones, and cranking my iPod. (And yes, my ass is shaking all over the space).

Cue The Reign…

Remember This Name: Kristina Train

I recently got my hands on a preview copy of Kristina Train’s debut album on Blue Note Records. ‘Spilt Milk’ won’t be released until September 22, 2009, but let me tell you right now it’s one of the strongest debut albums of the year. I’ve been listening to it non-stop for two days now and every single time it moves me, it sends me, it captivates me.

Ms. Train, who was born in New York City and raised in Savannah, Georgia, is a singer/songwriter of the first caliber. Her bluesy vibrato easily transitions from gentle balladeering to hair-raising power belting and the album of eleven perfectly crafted tracks does not let down. It’s rare to find an album, especially from a debut artist, that “works” from beginning to end. ‘Spilt Milk’ pulls the trick off flawlessly. There’s going to be a lot of comparison’s to the British songbird invasion (and not unjustly so) of the likes of Adele, Duffy, and Corrine Bailey Rae. However, Train takes that bluesy, soulful and lush genre one step further evoking the stunning elegance of Dusty Springfield.

The bulk of ‘Spilt Milk’ was recorded in London with Jimmy Hogarth (who’s worked with Duffy, Bailey Rae and James Blunt). Hogarth says of Train, “Kristina possesses a true classic voice–an effortless delivery with complete commitment to the emotion of the song. It was a real pleasure and an honor to have worked on this very special recording.” The songs for ‘Spilt Milk were mainly co-written by Train and Eg White (who was nominated for a Grammy for his work on Adele’s “Chasing Pavements”).

The title track unfolds with an almost cinematic grandeur, its string-laden chorus swelling with widescreen melancholy. Balancing the sultry with the strong, Train excels on bittersweet breakup/makeup numbers like “Don’t Remember” and “It’s Over
Now.” As the aphorism of the album title suggests, Train knows how, over the course of a song, to walk away from a relationship with tremendous style.

“I wanted my album to offer glimpses of my influences, but not sound like them,” Train says. “Jimmy, Eg, and I are of similar background, we appreciate the same music. The arrangements are just what we felt the songs needed. They give the songs flavor, but don’t try to steal anybody else’s style. My hope was for the album to nod to the music I love, while still sounding
modern.”

Raised by a single mother, Train took music and ballet lessons, sang in church and school choirs, and soaked up the southern soul, blues, and gospel music that have had such a profound effect on her work. As a teenager, she unearthed her mom’s tucked-away stash of Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Janis Joplin albums and tried to make her voice sound raspier. “When we had
thunderstorms, I would go up to the roof and scream at the top of my lungs,” she says. “God only knows what that’s done to me!”

At 19, Train was spotted by a local producer who offered to bring her to New York to showcase for Blue Note Records, which immediately offered her a development deal. Train decided to put off signing for a few years to attend college in Athens, GA. It was time well-spent as Train now realizes. ”At 19, I would not have been able to make this kind of album, which, ultimately,
is the album I have always wanted to make. It defines who I am. I always had a feeling that music wouldn’t just be in my life. It would be my life.”

The track-listing for Spilt Milk is as follows:

“Spilt Milk”
“No Man’s Land”
“Don’t Remember”
“Don’t Beg For Love”
“It’s Over Now”
“You’re Still Going to Lose”
“Moon Rivers and Such”
“I Can’t But Help”
“Call In The Maker”
“Half Light”
“Far From The Country”

It’s Taking Over…

Producer, hit maker, and worldwide ambassador of club culture, Mr. David Guetta, has teamed with the internationally revered Pop/R&B goddess and Grammy winner Ms. Kelly Rowland for his new single, “When Love Takes Over,” released digitally as a single track on April 28th, 2009 on Astralwerks.

The song was unveiled late in March at an astounding live première highlighting this year’s Winter Music Conference, in front of a massive outdoor Miami Beach crowd. With its exhilarating pop melody and uplifting, powerful beats supporting a ringing vocal performance of impeccable clarity and rousing emotion by Rowland, “When Love Takes Over” is set to be THE sound of the summer of 2009.

Two digital single bundles released on May 5th, 2009 will offer listeners a choice of electro remixes, including a version by Abel Ramos; and house remixes by Laidback Luke, Norman Doray & Arno Cost, and Albin Myers. “When Love Takes Over” by David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland will be released physically on 29th June 2009.

The single is a prelude to David Guetta’s fourth album, which will be released in America on August 25, 2009. Guetta is currently planning a summer-long world tour, following a hectic 2008 in which he played over 200 DJ dates.

David Guetta is a name synonymous with the world’s greatest house and dance music, and with the DJ sets and parties that bring that music to life. Since releasing his first pioneering house single “Up 1 Way” in his native Paris, France in 1992, David Guetta has sold over 2 million albums worldwide and over 3.2 million singles. He has been France’s No. 1 club DJ for a decade, and was named the world’s No. 1 House DJ in 2008. He is a fixture year after year in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJ’s list, and was also named DJ of the year at London’s House Music Awards.

With three chart-topping albums to date (’Just a Little More Love,’ 2002; ‘Guetta Blaster,’ 2004; ‘Pop Life,’ 2007), EMI Music will release Guetta’s much-awaited 4th album in June 2009 in France and in September 2009 internationally. Guetta and his wife Cathy are also famed for staging the mega-sized dance parties, Fuck Me I’m Famous, for tens of thousands of house, electro, and dance-loving fans from Ibiza to Miami, New York, London, Barcelona and Paris. They have released four club compilation packages with the same name.

World Premiere: Tempe, AZ


Mr. Hugh Jackman, Mr. Ryan Reynolds, Mr. Taylor Kitsch








X-Men Origins: Wolverine World Premiere, Tempe, Arizona, 04/27/09