Lady Gaga = God

[halfliquid]

There has never been, nor will there ever be, a more perfect singer, songwriter, performer, and fluffer than Lady Gaga.

RA RA-AH-AH-AH · ROMA ROMA-MA · GAGA · OH LA-LA

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Surely you jest. Lady Gaga is manufactured terribleness. In fact, I consider the last 10 years with few exceptions to have been the worst decade in the history of rock and roll. Hell, you could make a record. Just use Auto-Tune and you're all set.

Lady Gaga is no less manufactured.

[Little Nemo]

Airman, I sensed some ironic intent in the OP.

[yojimbo]

She seems like a flash in the pan to me. If she's still around in a few years she can then be at least be entered into the debate about who is the best but for now she's just the current flavour of the month.

[MsWhatsit]

The OP appears to be continuing this thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=555654). I'm not sure why he felt the need to start a new thread about it, though.

[Rex Goliath]

In fact, I consider the last 10 years with few exceptions to have been the worst decade in the history of rock and roll.
Lady GaGa doesn't produce rock and roll. What's your point?

[Nzinga, Seated]

The OP appears to be continuing this thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=555654). I'm not sure why he felt the need to start a new thread about it, though.

Also, he randomly brought up GaGa in the "Do you eat your feelings" thread, here. (http://209.104.5.198/sdmb/showpost.php?p=12237784&postcount=81)

I got news for the OP...GaGa is meant to provoke and stimulate, and you are coming off as provoked and stimulated.

[Enderw24]

Surely you jest. Lady Gaga is manufactured terribleness. In fact, I consider the last 10 years with few exceptions to have been the worst decade in the history of rock and roll. Hell, you could make a record. Just use Auto-Tune and you're all set.

Lady Gaga is no less manufactured.

I remember when I used to rock n roll all night and party every day

Then it was every other day

Now I'm lucky if I can find half an hour a week in which to get funky.

[halfliquid]

I got news for the OP...GaGa is meant to provoke and stimulate, and you are coming off as provoked and stimulated.

I know...and I hate it!

[cmyk]

Is this some sort of a sick joke?!

[troub]

I was having a discussion with a Lady Gaga fan last night -- I know she's actually talented (YouTube is full of videos of her pre-"Gaga" performances, and one apparently more recently where some backing track malfunctioned and she a-capella'd the rest of the song). She can sing, write songs, play piano, etc. She's doing this instead. Which is fine since it's working for her at the moment.

What our conversation was about, was that unlike most other purveyors of mindless pop, she will likely have the talent and ability to evolve or re-invent her schtick into something completely different when this one wears out. And she's probably smart enough to start easing into something different before people get tired of the current routine.

So, current flavor of the month - definitely.

But I would not be surprised if she is still around in 10 years. Maybe she'll go from mindless pop to rock, like a more talented (IMO) reverse-Gwen Stefani maneuver.

[Floppy Joe]

I remember when I used to rock n roll all night and party every day

Then it was every other day

Now I'm lucky if I can find half an hour a week in which to get funky.

I used to be with it.

Now what I'm with, isn't it, and what's it seems weird and scary to me.

It'll happen to you, too.

[Gary "Wombat" Robson]

There has never been, nor will there ever be, a more perfect singer, songwriter, performer, and fluffer than Lady Gaga.Fluffer? I don't think that word means what you think it means.

Main Entry: fluffer
Part of Speech: n
Definition: an off-stage person hired to keep a male porn star in a state of erection
Usage: slang
Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
Copyright © 2003-2010 Dictionary.com, LLC

Or does it? ;)

[cmyk]

Fluffer? I don't think that word means what you think it means.

Main Entry: fluffer
Part of Speech: n
Definition: an off-stage person hired to keep a male porn star in a state of erection
Usage: slang
Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
Copyright © 2003-2010 Dictionary.com, LLC

Or does it? ;)

Well, there is that rumor she has a penis...

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Lady GaGa doesn't produce rock and roll. What's your point?

Good point. R&B hasn't been good since the 1960s. That's even worse.

[Alice The Goon]

Good point. R&B hasn't been good since the 1960s. That's even worse.


Grandpa... is that you?

[Czarcasm]

Moving thread from IMHO to Cafe Society.

[MeanOldLady]

Is this some sort of a sick joke?!No, it's real. Lady Gaga created the heavens and the earth.

[Exapno Mapcase]

No, it's real. Lady Gaga created the heavens and the earth.

Yes, my children. That is how God really dresses. You thought that God would walk around in a plain white robe? That's nuts. God has access to the finest clothing designers of all the 40 Billion Worlds and wears a different one each day to create the heavens, the earth, and all the things that crawl upon the ground in that image. Now you know where the Platypus came from.

I love Lady Gaga. I love that she's continuing the outrageousness that's a proper portion - though only portion - of rock 'n' roll in a world of rock groups so drab and impersonal that you can't tell any two of them apart.

Where were you guys when Peter Gabriel and Bootsy Collins and Prince and KISS and Adam Ant and David Bowie and Hammer and Gwar and all the other guys dressing up in costumes and weird clothing were in their heyday? Or is it just, as usual, that when a female does it, she's a no-talent slut, and when a guy does it, he's a groundbreaking genius?

[Biffy the Elephant Shrew]

Where were you guys when Peter Gabriel and Bootsy Collins and Prince and KISS and Adam Ant and David Bowie and Hammer and Gwar and all the other guys dressing up in costumes and weird clothing were in their heyday?

Gwar had a heyday?

[Hal Briston]

Gwar had a heyday?Sure -- they were huge for a couple of minutes when they got a spot on Beavis & Butthead.

[Purd Werfect]

She's not my cup of tea, but she does seem to have the talent necessary to reinvent and stay fresh. I could see here having a similar career to Madonna.

[silenus]

Barf.

[Hal Briston]

I could see here having a similar career to Madonna.That's exactly the comparison I've been making. Bright girl who knows how to make a commercial spectacle of herself.

[GuanoLad]

I am mystified by the current music scene. Everything is unfamiliar and frightening.

[TurboNuke]

Y'all are a bunch of old fogeys. I am too. I'm 42. But...

There's nothing wrong with the rock scene. There's been good rock since the early 90's.

Lady Gaga is pop not rock. And I'm pretty sure Lady Gaga=Madonna.

Madonna was a pop singer who got a lot of recognition from dressing sexy and singing about sex. How is this any different from Lady Gaga? If Gaga has the talent(and she might) to put out another decent album out she's pretty close to Madonna.

[John Mace]

...In fact, I consider the last 10 years with few exceptions to have been the worst decade in the history of rock and roll. ...

I guess we should all get off your lawn, too. :D

What a drag it is getting old

[Palooka]

Every pop singer dresses sexy and sings about sex though.

[halfliquid]

God's been talking to me.

She told me that she wants the diseased, the ugly, the dramatic(ooh, that's me), and the psychotic(me, again).

But most of all, Lady Gaga wants your Love, Love, Love.

RA RA-AH-AH-AH · ROMA ROMA-MA · GAGA · OH LA-LA

[MOIDALIZE]

Where were you guys when Peter Gabriel and Bootsy Collins and Prince and KISS and Adam Ant and David Bowie and Hammer and Gwar and all the other guys dressing up in costumes and weird clothing were in their heyday? Or is it just, as usual, that when a female does it, she's a no-talent slut, and when a guy does it, he's a groundbreaking genius?


GENIUSES (http://songbookofkartika.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/color_me_badd.jpg)

[Crown Prince of Irony]

<snip>Madonna was a pop singer who got a lot of recognition from dressing sexy and singing about sex. How is this any different from Lady Gaga?<snip>

This (http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/100301/lady-gaga_220.jpg) is not sexy. In fact, I'll fly in the face of current political correctness and call it retarded with a capital R. (Also, never have I seen visible boobs and been more turned off)

[Exapno Mapcase]

This (http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/100301/lady-gaga_220.jpg) is not sexy. In fact, I'll fly in the face of current political correctness and call it retarded with a capital R. (Also, never have I seen visible boobs and been more turned off)

It's not sexy, but it got her pictured every place that pictures get pictured. I'd call that a big win.

[Princhester]

Madonna was a pop singer who got a lot of recognition from dressing sexy and singing about sex. How is this any different from Lady Gaga? If Gaga has the talent(and she might) to put out another decent album out she's pretty close to Madonna.

Yup. I have seen little of this Gaga person but from what I have seen she's just someone who has noticed that there is a hole in the market for a shameless selfpublicist of a certain style left vacant by Madonna and she is filling it. Good on her, we all have to do something for a living I guess, but from my point of view it's one big yawn.

[Cisco]

I'm finally convinced that she'll most likely last. She has all the right demographics; gay people, fashion-lovers, pop music lovers. She'll be the next Madonna. I know Madonna is worshipped enough that that sounds like a huge deal, but whoopty shit IMO. I cannot stand Madonna. I actually think Lady Gaga has more talent and thus won't be quite as big for quite as long. I'd trade either one of them for a glass of cool water on a warm day, though.
Gwar had a heyday?
It was some time between raping the dinosaurs into extinction and creating humanity.

[Magiver]

Gaga spelled backwards is "a gag".

[pulykamell]

She's not my cup of tea, but she does seem to have the talent necessary to reinvent and stay fresh. I could see here having a similar career to Madonna.

I'm completely convinced she's the real deal and only on the cusp of exploring her talent potential. I can't remember anyone storming the pop scene with their first two albums like this since Kanye. Comparisons to Madonna are apt, although I think Gaga has more raw talent than Madge. I'd be very surprised if Gaga ends up a short-lived fad.

[devilsknew]

I think GaGa is the milli vanilli front for some talented Producers and Directors and Artists, and Musicians, and the media resources of a big label. Just another average talent puffery and glitz job of media... not music.... MEDIA... backed by Wizards behind platinum screens. Oh, she might have some good ideas... but 70% of what you see and hear is corporate... she's a corporate zombie.

[devilsknew]

If you want some good corporate MUSIC, some real music... well, American Idol finally got it right. Finally a soulful woman of real blues talent and genuine feeling without the prepackaged Idol generic is a contender. I present Crystal Bowersox (http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season_9/crystal_bowersox/)

Homegirl's gonna win...

[nachtmusick]

If you want some good corporate MUSIC, some real music... well, American Idol finally got it right. Finally a soulful woman of real blues talent and genuine feeling without the prepackaged Idol generic is a contender. I present Crystal Bowersox (http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season_9/crystal_bowersox/)

Homegirl's gonna win...

Really?

You write off Gaga as corporate puffery, and then try to pimp some American Idol Contestant as the Real Deal?

There are performers, there are musicians, and there are artists. I can't say I am a big fan of the dance/glam genre that Gaga likes, but I know when I hear irresistable songs. Gaga is a musician and an artist who has dominated the last year of pop music. She wrote it all herself.

She is not a very good performer, but if you like talent, you might be inclined to give her the benefit of the doubt.

[devilsknew]

Really?

You write off Gaga as corporate puffery, and then try to pimp some American Idol Contestant as the Real Deal?

There are performers, there are musicians, and there are artists. I can't say I am a big fan of the dance/glam genre that Gaga likes, but I know when I hear irresistable songs. Gaga is a musician and an artist who has dominated the last year of pop music. She wrote it all herself.

She is not a very good performer, but if you like talent, you might be inclined to give her the benefit of the doubt.

She's a musician to music, as Ronald McDonald is to food. She's a clown.

[Beware of Doug]

She can't be god. God has a peener.

[nachtmusick]

She's a musician to music, as Ronald McDonald is to food. She's a clown.

Well, then, send in the clowns.

[MrDibble]

New York Gay/Art/Fashion Scene, what did I ever do to you? Is it that I only got into the VU after they were gone? Honestly, I couldn't help it (not being born yet). So Why must you torment me so? Because everything you've ever done since then has been shit. It was shit when it was Madonna, it is shit now that it's Gaga. And I say this as someone who like the crazy and the dramatic in their artists, but really!

I don't disagree she's a talented singer/performer, but her taste? It's shit. Taste in clothes, taste in beats, taste in lyrics, taste in video directors. All shit.

[crowmanyclouds]

This (http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/100301/lady-gaga_220.jpg) is not sexy. In fact, I'll fly in the face of current political correctness and call it retarded with a capital R. (Also, never have I seen visible boobs and been more turned off)After looking at that picture, all I can say with any certainty is ..... you shall be eaten last!

:D
CMC fnord!

[nachtmusick]

The first time I saw David Bowie, I thought "what a queer - this guy won't last a minute".

[Rrose Selavy]

Lady Gaga sued by songwriter


A songwriter and music producer who claims he helped launch Lady Gaga's career, co-writing hits and securing a record deal, is suing the US pop star.

Rob Fusari, who is credited on Gaga's album The Fame, alleges the singer denied him his share of song royalties and merchandising revenue.

On Thursday, he launched a $30.5m legal action (£20m) against the Grammy Award-winning performer in New York.

Fusari claims former girlfriend Gaga dropped him as her career took off.



In legal documents, Fusari - whose previous credits include Destiny's Child's Bootylicious - states he first came across Lady Gaga when she was performing under her real name, Stefani Germanotta, in March 2006.

Though he initially dismissed her, he realised her star potential after hearing her play the piano in his studio in Parsippany, New Jersey.

Fusari claims he spent several months "radically reshaping her approach" and transforming her into Lady Gaga - the stage name she adopted at his suggestion, he alleges.


More here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8575909.stm

[BigT]

But I would not be surprised if she is still around in 10 years. Maybe she'll go from mindless pop to rock, like a more talented (IMO) reverse-Gwen Stefani maneuver.

I so, so hope so. I don't mind the clothes. It's actually kinda cool that she's not always trying to be sexy. I just HATE the music style. I started watching that telephone clip, and I was mesmerized until the stupid music started. I had to shut the thing off.

And, yes, I've seen the clips where she really sings. And she definitely can. She was singing some pretty basic crap, and I could actually feel it. None of this stuff that I could make on my computer with my tone-deaf 15-year-old cousin. Once you've seen how easy it is to sound like that, you fail to be impressed.

[halfliquid]

Rob Fusari filed a $30.5 million lawsuit in Manhattan against God on Wednesday. He said his protege and former deity ditched him as her career soared.

[rivulus]

She's a musician to music, as Ronald McDonald is to food.Yeah, but OMG some days, when I'm in the mood, there's just nothing like a Big Mac and fries. Yum!!!

One could argue that I have pretty sophisticated musical tastes (and a Ph.D. in musicology to back it up). But there's something about slumming with Gaga... when I'm in the right mood... that really rocks my world.

Franchises like McDonalds and Lady Gaga are popular for a reason. I wish I could take that to the bank.

RA RA-AH-AH-AH · ROMA ROMA-MA · GAGA · OH LA-LAAs the mother of a toddler, when I try to sing that part in the shower it comes out as MOO BAA LA LA LA. Props to Sandra Boynton.

[garygnu]

...
One could argue that I have pretty sophisticated musical tastes (and a Ph.D. in musicology to back it up). But there's something about slumming with Gaga... when I'm in the right mood... that really rocks my world...
Her stuff is pretty musically sophisticated, actually. Her impeccable sense of rhythm alone would be enough for her to last for years. "Bad Romance" especially has some impressive melodic work hidden underneath all the thumping and showmanship.

Count me as a fan.

[Superfluous Parentheses]

This (http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/100301/lady-gaga_220.jpg) is not sexy. In fact, I'll fly in the face of current political correctness and call it retarded with a capital R. (Also, never have I seen visible boobs and been more turned off)

More Gaga for me then! :)

I'm not impressed with what I've heard of her songs - though I think there's something good in there somewhere - but ever since the Kermit outfit I think she's great.

God has access to the finest clothing designers of all the 40 Billion Worlds and wears a different one each day to create the heavens, the earth, and all the things that crawl upon the ground in that image.

God wears people?!

[BigT]

Her stuff is pretty musically sophisticated, actually. Her impeccable sense of rhythm alone would be enough for her to last for years. "Bad Romance" especially has some impressive melodic work hidden underneath all the thumping and showmanship.

Count me as a fan.

Better than the telephone one, as she actually uses her real voice. But I didn't really hear anything too melodically impressive, though I admit the chorus and Wo-o-o-oh parts that play with the relative major are more interesting than I would expect in this type of music. Still, if I can pick it up on piano in one pass, I don't really consider it complex.

And if she wrote the actual music for the intro, she does show talent. But, then again, her talent isn't in question. It's her choice to sing below it.

[Exapno Mapcase]

God wears people?!

God does a lot worse than that. Just don't tell Curtis LeMay.

[MeanOldLady]

God does a lot worse than that. Just don't tell Curtis LeMay.(Covers ears) Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!

[Biffy the Elephant Shrew]

God wears people?!

Sure. You should see the wear he's put on me.

[Le Ministre de l'au-delà]

Where were you guys when Peter Gabriel and Bootsy Collins and Prince and KISS and Adam Ant and David Bowie and Hammer and Gwar and all the other guys dressing up in costumes and weird clothing were in their heyday?

I listened quite enthusiastically to the music of Peter Gabriel long before I knew anything about costumes, props or stage shows being associated with his music.

I heard that Telephone song once, and that's ten minutes of my life I want back. Not to mention the brain cells, tainted with the memory of that song, which are now begging for death...

Or is it just, as usual, that when a female does it, she's a no-talent slut, and when a guy does it, he's a groundbreaking genius?

Kate Bush is a ground-breaking genius. Lady Gaga is not. Your opinion may well differ from mine, and you are fully entitled to it.

[HoboStew]

Surely you jest. Lady Gaga is manufactured terribleness. In fact, I consider the last 10 years with few exceptions to have been the worst decade in the history of rock and roll. Hell, you could make a record. Just use Auto-Tune and you're all set.Methinks you haven't heard the good stuff. I think the last decade has been phenomenal, musically. Sure the pop stuff has largly sucked, but when you dig a little some astonishingly creative and amazing music is around. Much better than the 80s.

[cactus waltz]

I think Lady Gaga is aiming to become the pop icon of the 2010's and she's definitely laid the groundwork for it:

1. She's already become quite iconic, people are talking about the Lady Gaga style of wardrobe.
2. She has had a couple of huge hits and everything points to her being able to keep them coming.
3. She appears able to reinvent herself. Either she'll just keep up the hip, edgy Lady Gaga side she has now or she'll turn into something different. In ten years from now we might talk about her Rocketman phase, or her gothic phase. I don't know. She will make sure people talk about her, at least.

[Magiver]

To me she looks and sounds like a college art project. It's cute in a kicky kind of way but unless she can sing and write something a little more substantial it will get old before the dust settles. So far she's Madonna with less vocal talent and more performance art.

[DianaG]

You can like her or not, but I simply can't believe that anyone could actually listen to one of her songs and conclude she has less vocal talent than Madonna. It frankly makes me think that any knowledge you have of her comes from "look what that crazy Gaga's wearing now" pictures.

[MsWhatsit]

Well, to be fair, I was only able to fairly judge her vocal talent after listening to a few of her a cappella or live performances. The stuff that gets played on the radio has been so heavily mixed/Autotuned that it's impossible to judge her real talent from it. I mean, there are a lot of artists out there that sound great on the radio, but are completely unable to carry a tune when doing a live show.

[DianaG]

Autotune is not unlimited in it's power. It can clean things up (or, more accurately to my ear, flatten things out), but it can't make Britney Spears sound like Sarah Brightman. Hell, it can't make her sound like Christina Aguilera. It can make you sound competent, not good. Frankly, people throw around uninformed opinions of autotune more than they throw around uninformed opinions of GaGa.

[MsWhatsit]

Well, OK, I'm just saying that there have been artists in the past that I have previously thought were reasonably talented vocalists, and then they appeared on SNL or some such, and couldn't even stay in tune. Taylor Swift, for example. Although that may have a lot to do with SNL's shitty sound, I don't know.

[pulykamell]

You can like her or not, but I simply can't believe that anyone could actually listen to one of her songs and conclude she has less vocal talent than Madonna.

Yeah, that's definitely an odd assessment (that Gaga has less vocal talent than Madonna.)

[DianaG]

Although that may have a lot to do with SNL's shitty sound, I don't know.
I think it does. I know nothing of Taylor Swift except that I am by default NOT Team Kanye, but everyone sounds like crap on SNL. :)

[Gestalt]

I absolutely adore Lady Gaga. I guess I'm a fangirl that's bought into the "hype," but I generally dislike mainstream acts (Not just because they are mainstream, but because they usually don't do it for me). Gaga, though, is very different, in my utter-layperson opinion. Her songs are just so . . . well-produced. They sound so layered and complex to me, compared to say, Britney Spears or even Madonna (although music technology was not as sophisticated then, so maybe it's not a fair comparison).

So, I think her actual music is awesome, and I think her voice has a richness and depth that most pop stars lack. On top of that, I love the persona. I love how over-the-top and atypical she is, and as a poster mentioned above, she's not obsessed with looking generically sexy like every. other. female. artist. She'll make herself look downright goofy if she thinks it will fit into her artistic ideal. Also, interestingly enough, I'm not really sure what her face looks like.

[Magiver]

I love how over-the-top and atypical she is, and as a poster mentioned above, she's not obsessed with looking generically sexy like every. . :dubious: Have you seen "Telephone"? It's nothing but tits, ass and vaginas. It makes Madonna look like a virgin.

[MsWhatsit]

I have seen "Telephone" and there are very, very few scenes in it where you could even reasonably try to say that any female in the shot is trying to look "generically sexy."

[fubbleskag]

The first time I saw David Bowie, I thought "what a queer - this guy won't last a minute".I am not a fan of Lady Gaga's music personally, but less than an hour ago I made the comment that she could potentially be this generation's equivalent of David Bowie during his glamour years. Having now read this thread, I think the comparison to Madonna might be slightly better - or at least more palatable.

[AClockworkMelon]

At first I wanted to hate her.

But then I found myself singing along to Poker Face, completely unintentionally.

[Magiver]

I have seen "Telephone" and there are very, very few scenes in it where you could even reasonably try to say that any female in the shot is trying to look "generically sexy." Not any woman, her. I was responding to the idea that she's not obsessed with looking generically sexy. I think that's exactly what she's going for.

[MsWhatsit]

Yeah, I stand by my prior comment. Any female in the shot, including Gaga.

[zweisamkeit]

Not any woman, her. I was responding to the idea that she's not obsessed with looking generically sexy. I think that's exactly what she's going for.

That's funny, because there are tons of articles talking about how she's not afraid to look ugly, or take skimpyness (like her well known hatred of pants :)), which would usually be sexy, but make it either not sexy, ugly or downright grotesque.


Though yeah, I can see how frogs (http://avantgaudy.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/lady-gaga-kermit.jpg), being covered in blood (http://www.thefashionpolice.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/LFI_VMASHOW60.jpg), smoking after sex ;) (http://justgetthere.us/blog/uploads/Lady-Gaga-metal-bra.jpg), near nakedness (http://domkop.co.za/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/gallery_main-1122_lady_gaga_amas_06.jpg) and some bitchin' (http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/imageBank/cache/l/LADY-GAGA--LP.jpg_e_b531446b815d841fa57ff7ac29559923.jpg) headpieces (http://hollywoodbebo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lady-gaga-ace-award.jpg) are pretty hot. ;)

She likes being weird (duh) and likes showing things that should be sexy (lacy things, wearing fur, visible lingerie, looking naked, skimpy clothing) actually looking anti sexy. She isn't afraid to look hideous, and that's cool.


Plus, with all the whackadoodle outfits and headpieces? She could totally go out in jeans, tshirt and sneakers and virtually no one would recognize her. Pretty slick.

[Magiver]

Yeah, I stand by my prior comment. Any female in the shot, including Gaga. Some guys have been known to like cleavage and naked women. I suspect there are even some porn movies involving prison scenes.

It's not her only schtick but it is certainly a part of it. She definitely goes for the unusual.

[MsWhatsit]

I'll just point to zweisamkeit's post. Yes, there is cleavage/nakedness/etc., but very little of it is being presented in a "generically sexy" way.

[E-Sabbath]

I have seen "Telephone" and there are very, very few scenes in it where you could even reasonably try to say that any female in the shot is trying to look "generically sexy."

Actually, I thought that the bit where the two guards walk her to her prison cell where the women are framed by the cell doors and being sort of predatorial, was generically sexy. As in, they were all stereotyping on purpose. It instantly _became_ a bad women in prison flick at that point.

[mkecane]

Methinks you haven't heard the good stuff. I think the last decade has been phenomenal, musically. Sure the pop stuff has largly sucked, but when you dig a little some astonishingly creative and amazing music is around. Much better than the 80s.

I agree completely. I have no idea what your tastes are, but I think if I were forced to choose between my favorite 100 records from 1960-1999 or favorite from 2000-2009, I'd side with the latter. A lot of that has to do with exposure. If you like music, it's just so easy to find things now that suit your taste, and if you're a bit open about what music can be (more than just drums, guitars, bass, vox), then it's astonishing what's been put out the past few years. And for better or worse, everyone making music now can get exposure to the world. If you're good, you'll probably be found.

[Cisco]

I agree completely. I have no idea what your tastes are, but I think if I were forced to choose between my favorite 100 records from 1960-1999 or favorite from 2000-2009, I'd side with the latter. A lot of that has to do with exposure. If you like music, it's just so easy to find things now that suit your taste, and if you're a bit open about what music can be (more than just drums, guitars, bass, vox), then it's astonishing what's been put out the past few years. And for better or worse, everyone making music now can get exposure to the world. If you're good, you'll probably be found.
Examples? The very small amount of radio music I've been exposed to this decade has been ghastly, and I just don't have the zeal to be hunting down new stuff all the time like I used to. The only great music I can think of that I discovered this decade is Sufjan Stevens, and I waded through a lot of shit to find him.

Errr, I'm still thinking of 2000 - 2009 as "this decade," obviously.

[Rex Goliath]

Examples? The very small amount of radio music I've been exposed to this decade has been ghastly, and I just don't have the zeal to be hunting down new stuff all the time like I used to. The only great music I can think of that I discovered this decade is Sufjan Stevens, and I waded through a lot of shit to find him.

Errr, I'm still thinking of 2000 - 2009 as "this decade," obviously.
A cursory look into my iTunes library reveals The Strokes, The Black Keys, The Avett Brothers, Blackalicious (well, Nia came out in 1999, but it was late in the year), The Flaming Lips' "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots", Girl Talk, Gorillaz, Iron & Wine, Jimmy Eat World's "Bleed American", Metric, Old Crow Medicine Show, Spoon, Tinariwen (look it up. seriously.), and dozens more. I won't put this decade over the previous 40 years combined, but it's certainly been excellent.

[Princhester]

I am not a fan of Lady Gaga's music personally, but less than an hour ago I made the comment that she could potentially be this generation's equivalent of David Bowie during his glamour years. Having now read this thread, I think the comparison to Madonna might be slightly better - or at least more palatable.

Bowie was always musically innovative. Gaga's stuff sounds like a dozen other cookie cutter artists.

[Ellis Dee]

I love how [...] she's not obsessed with looking generically sexy like every. other. female. artist.Of course she isn't, because she can't. Her face is butt ugly. No surprise that she continually covers it up with masks.

I'm trying to think of a pop act as ugly as her (male or female) and I'm drawing a blank. Little help, anyone?

[MsWhatsit]

This is a picture from her before she became famous, without the costumes, headpieces, makeup, etc. (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jr3KGNWtRrc/SZ6FtsHhHwI/AAAAAAAAA7U/ThsaIBI2Qos/s400/lady+gaga.jpg) That is not a butt-ugly face.

[halfliquid]

Boy George got an interesting autograph request from God.
"She was very sweet," Boy George said. "She asked me to sign her vagina." He opted to sign her hat instead.
To be that close to God's vagina and not touch it!

[DianaG]

Of course she isn't, because she can't. Her face is butt ugly. No surprise that she continually covers it up with masks.
Aside from a not-button nose, which can photograph awkwardly at some angles, I think she's sort of generically, any-girl-at-the-mall pretty, when she's not Gaga'd out.

But I can totally see why her obstinate refusal to submit to your standards of "pretty enough for pop" would hurt your feelings so.

[BigT]

At first I wanted to hate her.

But then I found myself singing along to Poker Face, completely unintentionally.

You see, that's the type of thing that makes me hate an artist. The last thing I want is to have a song in my head involuntarily.

I mean, I can hear "It's a small world" and it'll be stuck in my head for days. I may even sing it. Do you think that means I like it?!

[Cisco]

i mean, i can hear "it's a small world" . . .
You EVIL. . . $%^&

[Tanaqui]

A cursory look into my iTunes library reveals The Strokes, The Black Keys, The Avett Brothers, Blackalicious (well, Nia came out in 1999, but it was late in the year), The Flaming Lips' "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots", Girl Talk, Gorillaz, Iron & Wine, Jimmy Eat World's "Bleed American", Metric, Old Crow Medicine Show, Spoon, Tinariwen (look it up. seriously.), and dozens more. I won't put this decade over the previous 40 years combined, but it's certainly been excellent.

I've stated this over and over again on this board, but the 2000s were the decade that indie music really came to life. Critically successful bands like Death Cab for Cutie or Modest Mouse pretty much labored in obscurity until the internet made people pay attention to them. The White Stripes and the Strokes made rock and roll cool again. And the internet means that you can live literally anywhere in the world and listen to any kind of music that you want.

The White Stripes, the Arcade Fire, the Antlers, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Animal Collective, Band of Horses, Battles, Bloc Party, Calexico, the Decemberists, Death Cab for Cutie, DJ Shadow, The Knife, the Gossip, Grizzly Bear, the Hold Steady, Ratatat, Land of Talk, MGMT, Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, Neko Case, Wilco, Nick Cave, Okkervil River, Passion Pit, the Scissor Sisters, Sleator-Kinney, TV On the Radio, Vampire Weekend, Wolf Parade, Xiu Xiu, the XX, Phoenix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Yeasayer !!!

I doubt you'll like all of it (unless you are actually me) but if you don't like at least some of it, something's probably wrong with you. :p

Note: Not all of these bands started in the 2000s, of course, but all of them released at least one decent album this decade (in my opinion. Probably).

PS:
I know that's a lot, so if there's just one thing you listen to from my list, based on the little I know about your tastes, listen to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxFwAmYuYds)song. Okay, this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0hyxNHxGYU)one too. Or this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31DOyWR-K3M&feature=related). Turns out indie music experienced a huge folk lo-fi revival recently. Seriously, everyone starting growing beards.

Or for something completely different, try this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMPF6lpM0XM). Because it's awesome.

PPS: Sorry for the hi-jack, but this music is the music of my generation and damn it, I like it.

[Cisco]

The White Stripes, the Arcade Fire, the Antlers, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Animal Collective, Band of Horses, Battles, Bloc Party, Calexico, the Decemberists, Death Cab for Cutie, DJ Shadow, The Knife, the Gossip, Grizzly Bear, the Hold Steady, Ratatat, Land of Talk, MGMT, Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, Neko Case, Wilco, Nick Cave, Okkervil River, Passion Pit, the Scissor Sisters, Sleator-Kinney, TV On the Radio, Vampire Weekend, Wolf Parade, Xiu Xiu, the XX, Phoenix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Yeasayer !!!

I've heard almost all of that. I go looking for new music a lot; I just rarely find anything that I stick with. Vampire Weekend has a couple good songs, and Wilco has done an interesting thing or two, but nothing there has really caught me at all. I remember particularly hating MGMT and Animal Collective.

I think age does have a lot to do with it in a lot of ways. It's not everything, but like you said, this is your generation's music. And that's fine. A whole hell of a lot of "my generation's" music objectively sucks, but I still like it. My favorite band is 311, but I never recommend them to anyone, because I don't really think they make great music. I love them because of an esoteric feeling I get when I listen to them and go to their concerts.

[DiosaBellissima]

This is a picture from her before she became famous, without the costumes, headpieces, makeup, etc. (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jr3KGNWtRrc/SZ6FtsHhHwI/AAAAAAAAA7U/ThsaIBI2Qos/s400/lady+gaga.jpg) That is not a butt-ugly face.

Agreed. She looks like a normal, pretty Italian girl. Which I also think goes to show that she intentionally 'uglies" herself up sometimes, so as to play to that idea about what it means to be sexy. Her body is great, she's half naked, but she intentionally makes herself look less than sexy.

I mean, I don't see any pop stars intentionally releasing things that are 'Shopped to actually make them look worse, like this. (http://joeljamescomedy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/what-lady-gaga-really-looks-like-20206-1232337767-4.jpg)

[Rex Goliath]

The White Stripes, the Arcade Fire, the Antlers, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Animal Collective, Band of Horses, Battles, Bloc Party, Calexico, the Decemberists, Death Cab for Cutie, DJ Shadow, The Knife, the Gossip, Grizzly Bear, the Hold Steady, Ratatat, Land of Talk, MGMT, Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, Neko Case, Wilco, Nick Cave, Okkervil River, Passion Pit, the Scissor Sisters, Sleator-Kinney, TV On the Radio, Vampire Weekend, Wolf Parade, Xiu Xiu, the XX, Phoenix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Yeasayer !!!
That Okkervil River song sounded a lot like Beirut, which is a good thing, but all I can hear is what is missing. The problem with a lot of this music, IMO, is that it lacks any real pop accessibility. You can't just put it on in the background and jam. It's sitting at your computer with the headphones on, maybe good for a long drive at night. I'm a fan of maybe 1/3 of the artists you listed (particularly Arcade Fire, Wilco, and The Decemberists), but I see a lot of it as not particularly great in its own right, but paving the way experimentally for better music down the line.

[Tanaqui]

I think age does have a lot to do with it in a lot of ways. It's not everything, but like you said, this is your generation's music. And that's fine. A whole hell of a lot of "my generation's" music objectively sucks, but I still like it. My favorite band is 311, but I never recommend them to anyone, because I don't really think they make great music. I love them because of an esoteric feeling I get when I listen to them and go to their concerts.Well, jeez, dude, if you had just said that you're an old fuddy-duddy who doesn't like any music made after you graduated high school, I wouldn't have bothered in the first place. If you have the self-awareness to realize that music probably didn't actually make a sudden down curve that miraculously coincided with your first real job, why whine about modern day music's quality at all? (Especially in favor of the music of the 1990s... shudder!) :D

I hope that doesn't happen to me, but I acknowledge that I may fossilize with time. Until then, I'll keep fighting the good fight. I'd rather be the weird old chick at the show than give up on this whole change thing . Good luck with your 311. :p

[Tanaqui]

That Okkervil River song sounded a lot like Beirut, which is a good thing, but all I can hear is what is missing. The problem with a lot of this music, IMO, is that it lacks any real pop accessibility. You can't just put it on in the background and jam. It's sitting at your computer with the headphones on, maybe good for a long drive at night. I'm a fan of maybe 1/3 of the artists you listed (particularly Arcade Fire, Wilco, and The Decemberists), but I see a lot of it as not particularly great in its own right, but paving the way experimentally for better music down the line.What is missing? Your youth? Well, yes, undeniably. You're not going to get it back, no matter how good the band is. Sorry. :(

I listen to these bands while falling to sleeps, walking down the street, riding on the train, talking to friends, studying, drinking coffee, whatever. If you can't do that, it might be your problem, not the music's. Honestly, I find the idea that Modest Mouse or Death Cab for Cutie lacks "pop accessibility" so bizarre that I'm not even sure what to say. It's not like I'm a music major. I can't even play an instrument. But I know what I like. Indie music nowadays encircles both Death Cab and Xiu Xiu and I can only think that's a good thing.

[Ellis Dee]

This is a picture from her before she became famous, without the costumes, headpieces, makeup, etc. (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jr3KGNWtRrc/SZ6FtsHhHwI/AAAAAAAAA7U/ThsaIBI2Qos/s400/lady+gaga.jpg) That is not a butt-ugly face.Agreed. It's amazing how good she is at making herself butt ugly.

Oops, hope I didn't inadvertantly hurt DianaG's feelings again...

[Cisco]

Well, jeez, dude, if you had just said that you're an old fuddy-duddy who doesn't like any music made after you graduated high school, I wouldn't have bothered in the first place. If you have the self-awareness to realize that music probably didn't actually make a sudden down curve that miraculously coincided with your first real job, why whine about modern day music's quality at all? (Especially in favor of the music of the 1990s... shudder!) :D

I hope that doesn't happen to me, but I acknowledge that I may fossilize with time. Until then, I'll keep fighting the good fight. I'd rather be the weird old chick at the show than give up on this whole change thing . Good luck with your 311. :p
Whoa whoa, let's not get out of control now :p. First of all, I'm not that old; I'm 28. I have discovered new music this decade-- and I think my tastes are quite a bit broader than yours; it just doesn't compare to the whirlwind of new music I discovered up until about age 20. That was everything evAR until the present. Now I mostly know what I like between the time of Pachelbel and Sublime, so the newer stuff is much more limited.

After thinking a bit more, in addition to Sufjan Stevens, I discovered this decade:

Amon Amarth
Regina Spektor
Dragonforce
Fiona Apple (she was on my radar in the '90s but I didn't like her until 2005's Extraordinary Machine)
Coheed and Cambria
Carolina Chocolate Drops
The Flowers of Hell

[Yookeroo]

Methinks you haven't heard the good stuff. I think the last decade has been phenomenal, musically. Sure the pop stuff has largly sucked, but when you dig a little some astonishingly creative and amazing music is around. Much better than the 80s.

I agree completely. I have no idea what your tastes are, but I think if I were forced to choose between my favorite 100 records from 1960-1999 or favorite from 2000-2009, I'd side with the latter. A lot of that has to do with exposure. If you like music, it's just so easy to find things now that suit your taste, and if you're a bit open about what music can be (more than just drums, guitars, bass, vox), then it's astonishing what's been put out the past few years. And for better or worse, everyone making music now can get exposure to the world. If you're good, you'll probably be found.

Yeah. I always find it strange when people complain about today's crappy music. If anything, there's too much good music.

In addition to the already mentioned, I'll add (or 2nd, I didn't read the lists all that closely):
Air
Gotan Project
Banco de Gaia
Shpongle
Zero 7
Kaya Project
Rilo Kiley
Jenny Lewis
The Bird and the Bee
Midival Punditz
The Pretty Lights
Jose Gonzalez
Anoushka Shankar
Niyaz
Ferry Corsten
Sia
Imogen Heap
Bliss
The Ting Tings
Lily Allen
Supreme Beings of Leisure
BT
Polyphonic Spree
Swell Season
Four Tet

[jackdavinci]

Let's se...it's catchy pop music and my drunk gay friend asked me to put her playlist on repeat... it must be evil!

OTOH her videos are cool, she wears outfits made out of Kermit corpses, and she sings about paparazzi so it must be irony...

I like her despite her popularity...

[Tabby_Cat]

I think the catchy pop music/crazy persona is completely intentional. As she says on her website,

“I almost want to trick people into hanging with something that is really cool with a pop song. It’s almost like the spoonful of sugar and I’m the medicine.”

http://www.ladygaga.com/default.aspx

[GreatStuffMan]

Grandpa... is that you?
Like that isn't true. :confused:

[DianaG]

Oops, hope I didn't inadvertantly hurt DianaG's feelings again...
Only by misspelling 'inadvertently'. But then, I don't expect genius from anyone who's judgment of any artist's worth is "I don't like her, she's ugly."