Markus Feehily • Love Is a Drug

I must admit I've been a fan of Markus Feehily since I first heard his gorgeous voice raised as a part of the Irish boy band, Westlife. I became a fan when, back in 1999, I first heard their single "Swear It Again". I loved them all, but soon came to really admire the voice of the dark haired Irishman. He seemed to grow and bloom as part of the band. I was buying the Westlife albums, and the DVDs, enjoying his vocals. Then, in 2005, Markus announced he was a gay man in a relationship. I was proud of him, even if that feeling was being transmitted across the Atlantic.

Fast forward a few years, and Westlife called it a day, the four remaining members going their separate ways. Soon Shane released his solo album, and then Kian had his turn in the spotlight. Now, finally, we have the first single from Markus, "Love Is A Drug", hitting the airwaves. I just love the song, and can't stop listening to it. The song starts out with a startling growl, and soon builds to an emotionally charged crescendo. The official music video showcases the sentiment behind the song, showing how without the proper care, love can become an addiction that can bring us down to our knees. This is the official music video for "Love Is A Drug" from Markus Feehily.

"Love Is A Drug" will be available in the US on April 21st, and in the UK on April 19th. You can pre-order "Love Is A Drug" from iTunes and Amazon. I know I couldn't wait, and I placed my pre-order now! To learn more about Markus Feehily, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Dark Monday • Stephen Sondheim Wins

I must admit, the first time I saw composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim across an empty theater in Saratoga Springs, New York, several decades ago, I instantly had a crush. He was so damn handsome, and I was already in awe of his work. I was still in my early twenties, and in a relationship, but I never admitted my thoughts to Bill. It was my own secret to carry with me for the next thirty-some years. And now I have unburdened myself of this, and shared it with you all.

I first became familiar with the work of Stephen Sondheim when still very young, when I first saw the film 'West Side Story'. It took a while before I realized he was the lyricist, for that show, as well as for 'Gypsy'. In college, I worked on a production of 'A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum', and soon I was listening to the cast recordings of other shows, like 'Company','Follies' and 'A Little Night Music'. Quickly, I became addicted to his work. In college, we also took yearly 'theater weekend' trips to NYC, and I managed to see my first Sondheim Broadway production when I saw Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou in 'Sweeney Todd'! I was enthralled, transported, and amazed.

Once I moved to NYC to work in the theater, I was able to see a new production, 'Sunday in the Park with George', and being mesmerized by the performances of Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin, and by the outrageous score. I was a Sondheim fanatic, and quickly discovered that in the 1980s, you were either a fan of Sondheim, or of Andrew Lloyd Webber, but never both. And that worked well for me. I must admit, whenever I have seen a picture of ALW, I never had any inappropriate thoughts. To celebrate my love for Mr. Sondheim, I thought I would share with you a clip I found on YouTube showing his Tony wins.

As a young theater geek working off-Broadway, I would go to Tony parties every year. When 'Sunday in the Park with George' lost out to 'La Cage', an apartment filled with theater queens gasped. I am not sure some of us recovered for the rest of the year. However, since I did manage to miss his birthday, which he celebrated just over a week ago, I thought I would share another video of which I am very fond. As part of the PBS show 'Great Performances' in 2010, Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin sang a stunning version of "Move On" from 'Sunday in the Park with George', and reminded me all over again why I loved the show, and both of these luminous stars.

I still have a crush on Stephen Sondheim, and also find it impossible to resist his music. I still remember that seeing him and seeing his shows in a theater both made me catch my breath. For that, I have nothing but thanks to the talented composer. And suggest you all go to wherever you purchase your music these days, and add some of his shows to your collection. Really, it doesn't matter which one, or ones, you can't really go wrong.

Sarah Jane Morris • Cry

I have been a fan of Sarah Jane Morris since she sang with Jimmy Somerville as part of one of my favorite bands, the Communards. The deep richness of her voice was a perfect blend with the bold strength of Jimmy, I loss track of her after Communards dissolved, but once I found her again, I was hooked all over again. Her voice is so distinctive, and her style so smooth, it is no wonder she went on to record a variety of musical genres. I think my favorite might be her Jazz recordings, of which there are many. I love to listen to her feel the song, and share it with us all. This is Sarah Jane Morris with a favorite of mine, "Cry".

"Cry" is from Sarah's album 'Heaven', which is unfortunately not available in the United States, unless you get it as an import. To learn more about Sarah Jane Morris, visit her official website. You can also 'follow' her on Twitter, and 'like' her on Facebook. Soon, Morris will have new music coming out, and I can't wait to get it! In fact, I have already pre-ordered it. You can order the 'Men Just Wanna Have Fun EP' for yourself on iTunes and Amazon.

Temporary Hero feat Jason Walker • Wildjoy

Well it seems Jason Walker is once again working his way up the Billboard Dance Charts with a new song featuring his distinctive vocals. "WildJoy" is a new song from Temporary Hero, featuring Walker. Try as I might to find out who is behind Temporary Hero, I could only discover is is a one-man-band making delicious electronic sounds. The song is a bold and joyous offering, celebrating life, love, and all that is good. The music video, directed by George Lyter, features the sexy face of Walker, with make-up by Michael Lopez. Start your weekend with the celebration that is "WildJoy", featuring the Seamus Haji Radio Mix.

I can tell you this song went right into my iTunes, ready to play as the mood hits me - which is often! "Wildjoy" remixes are available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon. For more about Jason Walker, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. To learn more about Temporary Hero, visit their official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter.

Holopaw • Dirty Boots (NSFW)

Holopaw: (l to r) Ryan Quinney, John Orth, Jeff McMullen, Patrick Quinney. Missing: Matt Radick.

With the amount of music out there in this digital age, I find myself being able to keep up with some, but feeling tragically behind the times with others. Such is the case with today's featured artists, Holopaw. The Florida-based band is made up with John Orth on vocals, Patick Quinney on guitar, Matt Radick on keyboards, Jeff McMullen on bass, and Ryan Quinney on drums. Orth is at the creative core of Holopaw, and is an out and proud gay man. The band makes music that seems to combine an ethereal moodiness with the raw-edge of a garage band.

About a year ago, Holopaw released the music video for their song "Dirty Boots (He Said)", which follows a sexually-charged day in the life of a gay biker gang in Brooklyn. The song has a somewhat hallucinogenic quality, while maintaining a light, dreamy feel. I sometimes listen to Holopaw and find myself intoxicated by the music. The video was directed by Adam Baran, and features a narration by legendary porn star Peter Berlin. The video pays tribute to queer film pioneers Kenneth Anger and Wakefield Poole, this is the official music video for Holopaw's "Dirty Boots (He Said)".

"Dirty Boots (He Said)" can be found on the album 'Academy Songs, Volume 1'. I must admit, this was a delightful discovery for me, and I am thrilled it is now on my iPod. The 2013 release can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon. To learn more about Holopaw, visit their official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook.

Ricky Martin • Disparo al Corazón

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.

Tom Goss • Wait Music Video

It is no secret that not only do I love Tom Goss and the music he makes, so does my family. A song of his was played at my niece's wedding ceremony, and my sister can't wait for his next show. But as that won't be happening too soon, it is great to get a new music video from the talented singer/songwriter. 'Wait' is the title cut from Tom's latest album. I am crazy about the album, perhaps Goss' strongest to date. While the new music video features the song, with also and a subtitle that is just too fun. The YouTube post carries the phrase 'Music Business, Hollywood & Sleazy Manager Hijinks', and you know we are in for some fun! It seems our fictional Tom has a new manager wanting to make him a star, which sounds great. Until Tom learns of the few minor tweaks the man would like to make to the man. This is Tom Goss with the music video for "Wait".

This music video just warms my heart. The video was directed by Michael Key, and Aram Vartian served as Director of Photography. These two have done such great work with Tom, and "Wait" continues that trend. Executive Producer Christopher Patrino does a nice cameo as the cameraman. John C. Bailey does a great job as the manager, while Jim Donohue, Kate Saylor, Taisha Cameron, Felecia David, Circon Kay, and Joey Salinas add great life to the video.

'Wait' is wonderfully balanced album, so very strong and polished. You can purchase 'Wait' from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. You can also buy the physical CD from Tom's online store. To learn more about Tom, visit his official website. While there, be sure to check out his touring schedule, and attend a show in your area. You will not regret it! You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, or 'like' him on Facebook.

Dark Monday • John & Bonnie Raitt Sing They Say It's Wonderful

I was so fascinated when I discovered this video for "They Say It's Wonderful" from 'Annie Get Your Gun'. The show premiered on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on May 16, 1946 and ran for 1,147 performances. The highly successful show had music and lyrics by the great Irving Berlin, and a book by the brother/sister team of Herbert and Dorothy Fields. It was directed by Joshua Logan, and starred Ethel Merman as Annie and Ray Middleton as Frank Butler. In 1957, NBC broadcast a production starring Mary Martin and John Raitt, who had the leads in the 1947 national touring company. But he recorded the song for his 1995 release, 'Broadway Legend' album, singing it with daughter Bonnie Raitt. I wasn't aware of the recording, one of three duets the father/daughter team recorded for his album. Luckily for us all, they made a music video of the duet. This is Bonnie Raitt and John Raitt singing "They Say It's Wonderful".

John Raitt passed away 10 years later, in 2005. He was 85 years old. Thankfully, he lived more than long enough to see his daughter become a superstar, with hit songs and albums.While I couldn't find the album on iTunes or Amazon Downloads, I read they also sang together on "Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)", also from 'Annie Get Your Gun', and "Hey There" from 'The Pajama Game'.

Kenyth Mogan • Unlock Your Heart Music Video

About a month ago, I wrote about the latest single from the adorable and talented Kenyth Mogan. "Unlock Your Heart" is a wonderful song, perfectly suited for the singer. I just love it, and it instantly went into rotation on my iPod. In my review of the single, I mentioned there was a video coming out soon, but shortly thereafter, life caught up and left me in the dust. It left me with little getting posted to the blog. Well, I am trying to get back to the business of celebrating wonderful music, so I proudly bring you the music video for "Unlock Your Heart". It stars Kenyth, and features a strong acting performance by model/actor/activist Ronnie Kroell. Not only is Kroell excellent in in the homage to 'Wizard of Oz', he deftly manages to be charming both in and out of silver makeup in the role made famous by Jack Haley in the 1937 film starring Judy Garland. I love this modern retelling of the tale of this friend of Dorothy and the Tin Man, no matter what thoughts the pigtailed Dorothy has in mind. And Kenyth was smart enough to get a kiss from this sexy tin woodsman, after sharing a chain saw with him. I hope you enjoy "Unlock Your Heart" by Kenyth Mogan.

You can read my interview with Kenyth here. To learn more about Kenyth Mogan, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook. "Unlock Your Heart" can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. Ronnie Kroell's The Friend Movement celebrates friendships, tries to help build confidence, and make bullying a thing of the past. For more about The Friend Movement, visit the official website. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Derek Bishop • Baggage

Singer/songwriter Derek Bishop has released a music video for his first single off his upcoming release, and it is well-worth watching. "Baggage" was written by Bishop, who co-produced it with Jay Braun. The song is bright and stirring, Pop at a bracing up-tempo speed. It takes an accelerated look at the baggage we all bring from one relationship to another, and what we leave behind as little land minds in others. The music video was directed by William Murray, and features the handsome Bishop in a psychedelic trip with saturated colors and stylized lighting that allows the song to soar, Derek's spinning performance on camera giving the beneath it's wings. This is the music video for "Baggage" by Derek Bishop.

"Baggage" is the first single off Derek's upcoming release, 'Bicycling in Quicksand'. The album will hit the stores on April 7th, but you can pre-order it on iTunes, and get "Baggage" now! The same can be done on Amazon. You can also order a physical CD (delightfully autographed), from his website. To learn more about Derek Bishop, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.