To get back to my "Date Night" series, I have decided on a double-feature of romantic comedies. Because I think we can all use a bit of laughter and more love in all our lives. The first up tonight is 'Sombrero', the 2008 release from writer/director Nathaniel Atcheson. The short tells a story of what happens when James attempts to meet his long-lost brother at a Mexican restaurant the same night Terry will meet up with a date he met online. It stars Michael Osborne as James, Jeff Lorch as Raymond, Anthony Sherritt as Robert, and Christian Zuber as Terry, and all four performances made me laugh. This is 'Sombrero'.
The first thing I say about 'Bling', a 2013 release from Varun MacHhar, is how gorgeously shot the short is. It was filmed on location in Pune, Maharashtra, India, which is a beautiful place, at least if the pictures are true. The story is about best friends Rohan and Tiara, and the only thing that can come between a young closeted gay and his straight bestie. Of course, that would be stunning guy. Who will snag him first? The short stars Satyajeet Dubey as Rohan, Shabnam Pandey as Tiara, and Aakash Jaiswal as Sam. This is 'Bling'.
I am a fan of the music of Cazwell, the rapper with blond hair, blue eyes, and a hot body who has released a new music video. I can't remember when I first discovered his music, whether it was when I sw the video for "Ice Cream Truck", or some other gem I still play on my iPod. His new single, "Downtown", follows in the style of his videos, meaning it is sexy, irreverent, and filled with hot men wearing as little as possible. So when I point out this music video is NSFW, I mean it. So if you are at work, do yourself a favor, and either favorite the video you you can come back too it - often - or put on the headphone and take you chance on being caught. Who knows, your boss might want to watch with you.
"Downtown" is a single off the album 'Hard 2 B Fresh', and once again, Cazwell has me from the start. The song is an homage, of sorts, to life lived in the city, if you discount life on the Upper East and Upper West Sides of Manhattan. These are not boys going to the piano bar in the West Village, either. They used to hang out in midtown, before Mayor Giuliani banished the clubs and the porn theaters. So they go to the Lower East Side to see the boys strip, but drink it up at their apartment before they go out, to save some money. This is Cazwell with "Downtown".
"Downtown" can be found on Cazwell's latest album. You can purchase 'Hard 2 B Fresh' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Cazwell, visit his official website. You can also find him on social media, where you can 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.
Not only am I a fan of Tom Goss, but my sister and a couple of my nieces are as well. It is easy to understand, with his easy charm, striking good looks, and an inherent sweetness make him easy to love. And his talent, both as a performer and a songwriter make him someone I recommend heartily to others, with confidence they will see and hear what I do. I look forward to whatever music he is making, be it his amazing original songs or his creative treatment of cover songs.
The latest product from Tom is a cover song, working with model/blogger/actor/director/chipmunk enthusiast Max Emerson, who brings a strong helping of good looks and humor. Together they take on "I Don't Mind", a recent release from Usher, featuring rapper Juicy J. The original is a misogynistic ode to a stripper girlfriend that is, at times, rather cringe worthy. Tom and Max give it a bit of a makeover, offering an acapella version, laced with humor and self-awareness, making me smile and laugh as opposed to flinching and wincing. This is Tom Goss & Max Emerson with their take on "I Don't Mind" (Cover of the Usher feat Juicy J song).
Unfortunately, "I Don't Mind" is only available on YouTube, but if you enjoy Tom Goss, you might like his his latest album. You can purchase 'Wait' from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. You can also buy the physical CD from Tom's online store. For more about Tom Goss, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. To learn more about Max Emerson, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.
I first discovered the music of Irishman Gavin James on YouTube, with his sweet cover of Etta James' "At Last". As his music wasn't yet available in America, I went on a quest of sorts, finding music I could listen to. Once I did, I found myself being enchanted by the ginger boy from Dublin, Ireland. I was waiting for something I could purchase, so I could show my support for this artist. When 'Live at Whelans' showed up on my iTunes, I eagerly bought it, and it was instantly a part of my playlist. The live setting showcased some of the aspects I love about Gavin, allowing his voice to soar at times, while being subtle and controlled at others. Once I heard he was heading to the studio, I became very excited!
Fast forward to now, and the first studio recording is not only available, but also in my collection. "The Book of Love" was included in the live album, and I loved it. It was the lone cover included, as it was written by American indie musician Stephin Merritt and recorded by his band, The Magnetic Fields. There is an inherent romance to the song, almost intoxicating in it's honesty. While the original is fantastic, James has his own take on the song, offering a lighter, sweeter version that is hard to resist. This is the music video for Gavin James singing "The Book of Love".
Of course, having a gay Irishman singing about wedding rings (written by a gay American artist) as his homeland is getting ready to hold a vote on marriage equality is a pretty cool thing. Yes, I do hate that breeders around the world seem to feel the rights of minorities should be up for public votes, while they would be horrified if their own rights were put on the table. But enough about politics, back to the music. "The Book of Love" will be included in the upcoming studio release 'For You', with three other songs also on 'Live at Whelans'. If this is any indication of what is to come, I can't wait to have 'For You' on my iPod. Until then, I will be giddy playing "The Book of Love" time and time again. You can find the single on iTunes and Amazon. I must admit To learn more about Gavin James, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.
I first discovered the music of Romani Beau, the British singer/songwriter who combines Country and Folk to make his own style, inspired by his childhood in pastoral Kent, England. Maybe it was the gardens and countryside of his youth that gave him such a romantic view of the world, or perhaps he was born with a bigger heart than most. There are time I swear that poet John Keats leaped through two centuries in search of love, and found Emmylou Harris. Together, a child was born, and they named him Romani. He maintained the ethereal wonder of his 'father', while singing with the crisp and clear tone of his 'mother'. The music transports me much like the poetry of Keats, and the music of Harris. Like Emmylou, his music has a rootsy feel, at the intersection of Folk and Country.
Earlier this year, Romani Beau released 'Molly and the Boys', a five song EP that I find every bit as charming as his last efforts, and maybe even more so. The collection kicks off with the title cut, an uptempo number that dances on the line between Pop and Country, and does so with a sweetness that is just yummy. Romani slows down things a bit with the second cut, "Joanne". There is a melancholy feel to the song, and yet there is still the inherent beauty to this love song. The third cut is "Gypsy", another uptempo song that leaps into my heart right away. I hope you agree. This is the official music video for "Gypsy".
Once again, Beau slows thing down a bit with "Old Man's Lament". This has the feel of a traditional Folk song, combining a modern tale with a sprinkling of historic seasoning. The layered vocals allow Romani's voice to shine, singing harmonies with himself making for a perfect blend. This all helps him to bring the story to life. There is a timeless quality to "In the Lap of the Mountain", drawing me in to the heartfelt tale with breath and a sigh. The emotions run both deep and clear, washing over as I listen again. Just in case you need more than my words, here is a video prepared by Romani Beau giving you a taste of 'Molly and the Boys'.
I've enjoyed this EP since the moment I downloaded it, and recommend it very highly. Like life itself, you can find so much joy, a bit of sorrow, and a great deal of love in this release. You can purchase 'Molly and the Boys' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Romani Beau, you can visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.
Okay, I'll say it. I am not only a fan of Jeb Havens' music, I also have a crush on him. I just can't help it - he's kinda gorgeous, and so damned talented. I follow him on all the social media (yes, I expect the court papers to arrive soon), and listen to his music often. Recently, Havens teamed up with Michael Powers, an American Idol Season 11 contestant, to make some cool music. I have opted to showcase their duet on "Enough", the song originally featuring a duet with Reba McEntire and Jennifer Nettles, two incredible singers in their own right. But I must say, the two out and proud singers certainly claim ownership of the song, and make it something I wanted to listen again and again. This is Jeb Havens and Michael Powers with "Enough".
While this song is not available for purchase, there is plenty of music that is. You can purchase Jeb's fantastic solo album, the eponymous 2010 release from iTunes and Amazon. You can also find his sexy collaboration with Rowsy Bosch on iTunes and Amazon. Michael has a great single available from iTunes and CD Baby. For more about Jeb Havens, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. To learn about Michael Powers and his music, visit his official Youtube channel. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.
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...
"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.
