I have never been shy in professing my love for Ricky Martin. I've been enamored for over a decade (God, I'm old), and I swear he keeps getting better looking, and even sexier. I could easily convince myself he secrets from drug, for he has me addicted. I need to watch his videos, and listen to his songs. Even the non-English language stuff, despite the fact I don't speak Spanish. Hey, I took French in high school and college! But rest assured, if Ricky wanted me to, I'd learn Spanish so fast, he'd be impressed and want to marry me...
A few weeks ago, I featured the music video for Ricky's "Disparo al Corazon", and it was then I realized I had not posted about the first single and music video released from the latest album, 'A Quién Quiera Escuchar'. "Adios" is the aforementioned video, and I kinda love it. It is uptempo, melodic, and a little bit quirky, so what is not to love? I love the sexy playfulness, and the way Martin just owns the screen whenever he is on it. I can't listen to it enough, and the same is true for the whole album. This is Ricky Martin with the music video for "Adios".
"Adios" can be found on Ricky's latest album. To purchase 'A Quien Quiera Escuchar', you can find it on iTunes and Amazon. For more about Ricky Martin, check out his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.
I've long had a spot in my heart for the yumminess that is Ricky Martin. I first fell in love when I saw him on the 1999 Grammy Awards, singing "La Copa DeLa Vida", mesmerized by the production, and the man at the center of the sexy storm. I continued to follow him, and fell in love all over again in 2005, with the release of his album 'Life'. As a fan, I continued to follow his career, including when he came out, and made me cry with Oprah. His most recent release is a Spanish language offering, and while I don't understand but a word or two, I must say, he has me once again. The single "Disparo al Corazón", off the album 'A Quien Quiera Escuchar', is sexy and enchanting. This is the official music video for "Disparo al Corazón".
Ricky Martin is sexy, beautiful, talented, and so damned smart, I really much convince him to marry me. Until that happens, I will be listening to his music, and loving from afar. For more about Ricky Martin, check out his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. To purchase 'A Quien Quiera Escuchar', you can find it on iTunes and Amazon.
Clockwise: FIFA World Cup 2014 logo; We Are One 2014 cover; Waka Waka 2010 cover; La Copa de la Vida 1998 cover; Boom 2002 cover; and The Time of Our Lives 2006 cover.
As part of my celebration of FIFA World Cup, the international soccer tournament being held in Brazil, I thought it might be nice to visit the official songs from the last few World Cups. I must admit from the top that, in reality, I was only aware of two of the last five songs prior to doing the research for this post. To start with, I will mention that World Cup is an international football competition, the kind known as soccer in the United States. For much of the world, it is a huge thing, and it seems as though the US is starting to catch up with that thought. This year, the games are being held in Brazil, the first time in South America since 1978. The official World Cup Song is "We Are One", performed by Pitbull, featuring Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte. I must admit, even thought I have watched several of the games, I have yet to really register hearing this song. So, for what it is worth, this is Pitbull featuring Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte with "We Are One", the 2014 World Cup Song.
Now if we go back four years to the previous World Cup, held in South Africa, I think of two things. The first is the horrible drone of the Vuvuzela, that noisemaker I wish to never hear again. The second is Shakira's very catchy tune, "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)". I do remember this song, and hearing it during the competition. I must admit, I think Shakira is a charismatic performer, and to pair her up with the South Africa band Freshlyground was a clever move. This is Shakira and Freshlyground with "Waka Waka", the 2010 World Cup Song.
The 2006 competition was held in Germany, and I must admit, I didn't watch very much of it. Not because it was in Germany, but because I didn't really know much about soccer. The "official song" was "Zeit dass sich was dreht (Celebrate The Day)" performed by Herbert Grönemeyer featuring Amadou & Mariam, and I had never heard of the song, nor the performers. However, there was also an official anthem, and while I had never heard of that either, I was at least familiar with the performers. The song was "The Time of Our Lives", sung by classical singers Il Divo and R&B diva Toni Braxton. The song was written by Swedish songwriter Jörgen Elofsson and produced by British guru Steve Mac. This is the official music video for "The Time of Our Lives", sung by Il Divo and featuring Toni Braxton, the 2006 World Cup anthem.
In 2002, the FIFA World Cup was help in South Korea and Japan, giving it a distinctive Pacifica feel. Interestingly enough, the official song was "Boom", performed by American singer/songwriter Anastacia. She co-wrote the song with muscial powerhouse Glen Ballard, best known for his work with Alanis Morissette and Michael Jackson. This is another song that falls in the category of songs I don't recall at all, so I can't tell you I even heard it. This is the official music video for Anastacia's "Boom", the official song of the 2002 World Cup.
In 1998, the FIFA World Cup was held in France. While I am sure there were plenty of French artists dying to represent, that was not to be. It seems they chose a handsome young Puerto Rican man to do the honors, and he handled it quite well. They picked Ricky Martin, who sang a little ditty written by Luis Gómez Escolar, Desmond Child, and Draco Rosa. Now this one, I distinctly remember. I thought it was joyous and fun, and reintroduced me to Ricky Martin, my future husband. I saw him singing it on television, and he took my breath away, and left me intrigued. The next year, he would be releasing huge hits like "Livin' la Vida Loca" and "Shake Your Bon-Bon". His rousing performance at the the 41st Annual Grammy Awards made everyone sit up and take notice of the talented Latino. This is the official music video for Ricky Martin's "La Copa de la Vide (Cup of Life)", the 1998 world Cup Song.
Of these five songs, this is truly my favorite. It is also the only one that can be found in my iTunes. But I also enjoyed Shakira's song, too. All the songs are available on iTunes and Amazon. The FIFA World Cup competition is set to conclude on July 13th, when the final is scheduled to be played. At this point, the US team is still in contention to compete for the title, with a win and a tie in their first two impressive performances.
Clockwise: Elvis Presley; Madonna; LMFAO; Gloria Estefan; Gipsy Kings; and Enrique Iglesias.
Mr. Schue, the Spanish teacher at McKinkley High is taking a night class, to improve his Spanish. It seems Mr. Martinez, played by Ricky Martin, is teaching the class. The former top tooth-model wanted something more in life, and it involves teaching kids with the use of music. He wants to start with the the Continuing Education Glee Club. This gives Mr. Schue the idea that if he can teach kids the Spanish in a week, he will be a shoe-in for teacher of the year... When Will gets to school in the morning, he finds Sue talking the kids into becoming sperm donors at the local sperm bank, which she plans to use. Mr. schue tries to stop her, only to be distracted when Sue mentions there is a tenured slot opening at the school, and she wants it. So does Mr. Schue. Sue is called away, and meets Roz, the synchronized swim coach, who will be helping her with the Cheerios. She is not happy. Then Mr. Schue makes it to the chorus room, and talks to the kids about this weeks assignment, Latin music. He introduces Mr. Martinez, and all the students are giggling fools for him, blinded by his smile. He explains to them Duende, which, when talking about music or the arts, is that magical something that makes people feel something, to communicate it to the listeners. To show them, he sings Sexy and I Know It, LMFO's hit in 2011.
Sam and Mercedes go to talk to Ms. Pillsbury about the confusion their renewed relationship has cause. Mercedes wants to know how to resolve her relationships, for she is confused. Ms. Pillsbury advises the kids to not speak for a week, to regain their thoughts on the subject. Sue walks into the gym to see Roz doing all kinds of dance moves with the Cheerios, and Sue isn't impressed. They argue, and rox points out Sue is too old to have a child, more like a grandchild. Flash to the slumber party with Mercedes, Kurt and Rachel, and they discover she is engaged to Finn. They discuss their future, nor can they really choose who to love. Love, it seems, finds them. And cut to Mercedes singing Don't Wanna Lose You, written & performed by Gloria Estefan in 1989, part in English, and part in Spanish.
She ends up singing it to Sam, and having a moment with him. After a commercial break, we are back in the chorus room, and Sam takes his turn to sing a very sexy version of Bamboleo, made famous by the Gipsy Kings in 1988.
While he had the attention of the crowd, he added in an uptempo cover of Enrique Iglesias in 2001, Hero.
The kids are excited, having learned some cool facts, and Santana announces that Mr. Martinez is the coolest Spanish teacher ever. Mr. Schue is hurt, and then she asks when he will be performing his Latin number. We then cut to Finn working out, and Kurt walks in, and soon they are arguing about his proposal to Rachel. Kurt is angry, and feels it is Finn's way of giving up on himself. He wants Finn to know he is special too, in his own way, just like Rachel, and just like Kurt. Finn didn't think so, but he has an odd look on his face. I believe he is thinking, which just doesn't look natural on him. Kurt just might have helped Finn out... Sue catches up with Santana in the hallway, thinking it was Santana who complained about her teaching methods. Santana says it wasn't her, and somehow gets caught up in an argument with Sue and Mr. Schue, when Sue tells him she has found another donor. Mr. Schue is oddly affected, and takes it out on Ms. Pillsbury. The next day, we are in the auditorium and have Mr. Martinez and Santana singing La Isla Bonita, Madonna's big hit from 1987.
Wow, that was fantastic! The kids all applaud, and I am doing the same at home. Mr. Schue, sitting there in a rented matador outfit, is quite intimidated by Mr. Martinez, show excuses himself to go grade exams for the night students. After a break, it will be time for Mr. Schue to perform. He sings Elvis Presley in 1968 from the movie Love A Little, Live A Little, A Little Less Conversation.
He has done his own translation, and Mike and Brittany dance as he sings. Santana is hurt by stereotypical performance she just witnessed. She asks why he is the Spanish teacher, and he admits it was because it was the only job open. She tells him he taught her that you need passion to do a good job, and he has it, teaching Glee. Not Spanish. It gives him pause. He walks into the teacher's lounge, and Coach Beiste is talking to Miss Pillsbury, and she tells Mr. Schue what a great thing Pillsbury was doing with her pamphlets, and how much they are helping everyone. The same pamphlets Mr. Schue was mocking the night before. He sees Pillsbury's passion, and again he is given a moment to think. At the night school, Mr. Martinez is giving away awards for the end of the year, and Mr. Schue was most improved. After class, Mr. Schue tells Martinez he has has a new job, teaching Spanish during the day. Mr Schue will move to the history department. Martinez is so moved, for he talks about how his parents where illegal immigrants, and had to lie to get an education. Now, he is teaching high school. And as a staff member, will be able to join in whenever the producers feel like in the future. Cut to Sue talking to Becky, telling her she knows she made the official complaint about her teaching. Sue is touched, and tells Becky she will get better. Finally, with the week over, we see Sam walking toward Mercedes, and as they made it to one another, her boyfriend, Shane, touch her arm and talk about going to lunch together. Mercedes turns and walks away with him as Sam stands hurt and dejected. Heavy sigh...
Just thought I should offer up a reminder that Ricky Martin will be a guest star on GLEE tonight. He will play the title character in the episode called The Spanish Teacher, and seems to be competition for Mr. Schue on just so many levels. The kids certainly seem to enjoy having him around, at least if the candid shots above are any indication. I know I will be tuned in. And just in case you need a reminder why it is so exciting to see Ricky performing. In 1999, Ricky won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album for his 1998 release, Vuelve. Here is a video for the title single off the album.
In 2000, Ricky released the album Sound Loaded. The album sales went well, and was soon a double-Platinum seller, on the strength of the singles She Bangs and Nobody Wants To Be Lonely. The following year, he released the single Loaded.
In 2005, he released my favorite Ricky album, Life. It has a great Pop/Hip-Hop sound, and you can hear the great single, I Don't Care.
You can check out GLEE tonight at 8PM/7PM Central on Fox. You can find out more about Ricky on his official website here. You can find him on Twitter here.
Clockwise: Nhojj, Gavin Creel, Gareth Asher, and Ricky Martin.
There were many singles released this year that were of special interest to this blog, and four of them are appearing here on this post. In fact, all four are of similar theme, of people coming together, finding acceptance for the common good. Take, for instance, when the gifted Nhojj released a video for his version of the classic song, Amazing Grace, in support of marriage equality.
Broadway star Gavin Creel has proven to be a talented and masterful voice on the New York stage, garnering Tony Award nominations for Best Actor in 2002 and 2009. He proved to have talents as a songwriter as well, working on a couple of non-Broadway releases. Recently, he wrote and recorded the song Noise, a song supporting equality nationwide. The proceeds from the sale of the single will go to Broadway Impact, which Creel co-founded with Rory O'Malley and Jenny Kanelos. Here he is, to make some Noise.
This single will be included on an album due out in the Spring. You can purchase Noise on iTunes, Amazon or visit Gavin's official website. You can also check out the official website for Broadway Impact.
After coming out as a happy gay man, Ricky Martin released his first single and video for The Best Thing About Me Is You. The video was a call for inclusivity, for the people of the world to fight against discrimination of any kind. And he looked damn good doing it.
In early November, Atlanta-based singer/songwriter Gareth Asher released a new version of his song Get It Right. The new recroding was a collaboration with Nappy Roots, and was a call for the world community to strive to live together, to move past our differences and just Get It Right.
The song was originally found on Gareth's beautiful album, Between The Smiles And Tears. You can purchase Get It Right on iTunes, Amazon or visit Gareth's official website.
As I was checking twitter last night, I couldn't help but wonder if I was dreaming about reading my Twitter feed. I mean, did I really see a tweet from my dream-husband about an appearance on GLEE?
Apparently, I did. Book my seat now! I have never been more happy at the thought of wrapping my tongue around a little Spanish...
As a reminder to watch the latest episode of The Voice tonight, I thought I would post when Coach Christina Aquilera sang a really beautiful duet with Ricky Martin in 2001, just ten years ago.
So much has changed since then. Today, Ricky is practically the poster-boy for gay men, while Christina is now a working single mother, putting in her time in the swivel-chair on NBC's The Voice. Don't forget to tune into the show tonight at the new time, 10PM/9PM Central on your NBC station. This evening, one of the Battle Round 'fights' features a favorite of mine, Nakia, up against the adorable Tje Austin, so be sure to get ready to cheer them on their best!
The new video from Ricky Martin's album Musica + Alma + Sexo, Mas. And a chance to run these great shots of him taken on his latest tour. The tour is in support of the new album, which you can find on iTune here, and on Amazon.com here.
For more about Ricky Martin, check out his official website here.
I have Jason from The Seafront Diaries, to thank for this Stylish Blogger award, which was pleasantly surprising. But I kinda think I might like thinking of it as the Spatula Award every bit as much, but perhaps that is just me. If you haven't already, you should stop by and give Jason a read sometime. I think you will enjoy it as much as I do. And he was kind enough to bestow this honor on me. The rules for this are quite simple:
1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this blog! 2. Share 7 things about yourself 3. Award 15 other bloggers 4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!
Easy huh, so here we go, 7 random, but true, things about me. 1. I am not a fan of chocolate.
2. I haven't eaten red meat in over 20 years.
3. I am an introvert at heart.
4. Sometimes, I am quite intimidated by the talented people I go see performing live until I get to know them.
5. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
6. I still enjoy listening to Megadeth from time to time.
7. I am constantly surprised, and a little embarrassed, by how easily good music can make me cry.
Now, picking the blogs, that's the difficult thing. Like Jason, I'm only doing 5, which I trust will not cause an international incident.
5. Behr Blather - Dear, sweet Behr has some sweet stories, and hot pictures...
Obviously, there are many more I could add, but I fear being beaten about the head and face, even if it were an iBeating... Now, I am not mentioning anyone like David Dust by name or anything. And, I think the award winners should feel every bit as special as I did when Jason nominated me!
To further the excitement, the band for this ceremony is one I greatly admire. It is comprised of [my husband-to-be] Ricky Martin, Jose Feliciano, and Carlos Santana. Enjoy as they sing Light My Fair in honor of all who write or read blogs, no matter the topic.
I gotta give Ricky Martin a whole lot of credit, he has come outta the gates kicking. He could have taken the safe route, but thus far, I've been impressed, and not just by his stunning good looks. He came out of the closet, did tons of interviews, and in the first video release for his new album, steps up with a project that screams out 'He's here, he's queer, and wants some equality, bitch.'
The song, The Best Thing About Me Is You is a pleasant Pop song, but Ricky is not about to let that keep him from showing nuzzling representatives of the LGBT community, and float words like equality, love, justice, oppression, freedom and malice on the screen, or wearing an 'equal' sign on his chest. In case you missed it, he makes sure your sight lines are unimpeded.
Now I like the song, but I LOVE this video. It could have ben easy enough to make a pleasant video with Joss Stone, ignoring what he has gone through the past year. He sure doesn't do that. Take a peak for yourself.
I like the way that Ricky opens the video with gag over his mouth, and breaks free himself. Sure, it might have been put in place himself in real life, but don't we all know how that goes? But once he is free, we see a smiling gay man, happy as can be, ready to stand tall and do his thing.
Keep going strong, Ricky, I love what you are doing so far. Your new-found freedom and honesty becomes you. To check out more about Ricky, you can find his official website here. By the way, Ricky, if you are reading this, I love kids.Just sayin'...
