Valentine 2015 • Will Young • Love

In my continuation of the Valentine's lovefest, I offer you a love song from the UK's Will Young. Will was, of course, the first winner of the UK's 'Pop Idol', the brand from which so many artists sprang from, like 'American Idol''s stars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, and others. I was a fan early on, and continued to follow his music. In 2008, Will released 'Let It Go', which included the hits "Changes" and "Grace". And while it wasn't released as a single, I really liked the song "Love". It was the eighth track on the album. This is "Love".

In 2011, Will released the album 'Echos', which is really a great album. Unfortunately, it is not available to his fans in the United States, unless they follow my example, and order it as an export. One of my favorite songs off the album is "I Just Want A Lover", written by Will, Mima Stilwell, and Jim Eliot. And the music video is very cool.

To date, Will has released five studio albums, and every one has been certified at least Platinum in sales. His second, 'Friday's Child', was certified 5 X Platinum! "Love" can be found on Will's fourth album, and you can purchase 'Let It Go' from iTunes and Amazon. And while you cannot buy 'Echoes', you can purchase the music video in iTunes. To learn more about Will Young, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

World Cup Fever • Soccer Practice

As we are in the full throws of World Cup fever, I wanted to revisit another soccer-themed music video with a very gay twist. It seems like anything involving Jonny McGovern, the gifted entertainer, will have a bawdy gay angle to it. I first became acquainted with McGovern when he was part of the cast of 'The Big Gay Sketch Show', back when LOGO was still doing gay programming, and not stripped down my MTV. He was so funny, I checked him out further, and discovered he recorded Rap and Hip-Hop under his character name, The Gay Pimp. I had read the character came to him after reading an interview featuring Eminem. The Gay Pimp is similar in his outrageous behavior, with no need to put down minorities. In 2003, he released 'Dirty Gay Hits', a spicy and delicious treat I still enjoy. It included songs like "The Wrong Fag to F*ck With", "Dirty Gay Stuff", and "KoKo Would Like A Bump". But the real star of the collection was "Soccer Practice", a delectable song about dirty muscular boys working out and taking showers. To help celebrate the ongoing competition of the World Cup, this is the music video for The Gay Pimp's "Soccer Practice".

Every time this song begins to play, I cannot help but smile. And if I am watching the video, my grin becomes even bigger. "Soccer Practice" can be found on Jonny McGovern's album, 'Dirty Gay Hits'. The album is available on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Johnny McGovern, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Jace Everett • Bad Things

The start of the final season of 'True Blood' snuck up on me, and I am not sure how. After all, I had been watching some of the earlier season marathons this week. After all, how can I miss a chance to see Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgård, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, and Joe Manganiello in various states of undress? But with the start of every episode, I am reminded what a good song it has for a theme song. "Bad Things", as performed by Country singer Jace Everett, is a perfect match for the show, with a sexy and Southern edge.

"Bad Things" was written and first recorded by the band The Radiacs, a group that blends Psychedelia with Rockabilly for a unique sound. But the show picked up a cover by Jace Everett, whose rich tone gives an added weight to the song, especially the bad things in the title. And his southern twang helps to relate the recording to the Louisiana base of the show. This is the music video for Jace Everett's "Bad Things".

For more about Jace Everett, you can visit his official website. You can purchase Jace Everett's recording of "Bad Things" from iTunes and Amazon.

Out To Kill • Poster & Trailer

The credits for the film 'Out To Kill' will feature several names I not only know, but also have been featured in this blog before. The movie stars Scott Sell as a private detective investigating the death of egotistical music maker Justin Jaymes. I was not familiar with Sell before this trailer, but hope to learn more now! 'Out To Kill' was written and directed by the talented Rob Williams, who also is listed among the producers of this Guest House Films venture. I love Williams' work, and 'The Men Next Door', 'Role/Play', 'Make the Yuletide Gay', '3-Day Weekend', 'Back Soon', and 'Long-Term Relationship' are all films he has made, and all of them have made it into my DVD collection. Justin Jaymes is played by Tom Goss, a musician who has been featured many times on this blog. Tom is also a personal favorite of mine, both for his great music, and his great personality. I can't wait to check out the movie, if this movie trailer is any indication. Check it out.

Before he was murdered, Justin Jaymes made a great music video that was already featured on this blog. "You Didn't Know How Hard" is a fantastic Hip-Hop song, giving us all a glimpse into the world of handsome gay rapper Jaymes. The video is almost as intoxicating as the song itself! This is the official music video for "You Didn't Know How Hard".

You can purchase his final single on iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon. The film is now hitting the festival circuit, so you might be able to catch it soon. The DVD is also scheduled for release in the Fall. To learn more about 'Out To Kill', visit the official Facebook page. You can also check out Guest House Films on their official website. You can also find them on Twitter and Facebook. You can learn all about the films I listed about, as well as a couple of collection of film shorts.Get to know them, for I am sure you will love them. To learn more about Tom, visit his official website. You can also follow him on Twitter, or like him on Facebook. Check out his touring schedule, for you won't want to miss him if he is playing in your area. Tom is currently on tour in Europe, but will be back in the States very soon!

Johnny Dangerous • More Dirty Stuff

A couple of months ago, I had a post featuring the music of Hip-Hop artist Johnny Dangerous. Well, five months ago, and it is long past time I kicked off another weekend with more of his music. So this Friday morning is a great time to start your weekend with a little attitude, a lotta energy, and a sexy good time. And when it comes to Johnny and his music, that is what you are going to get. Before we get started, I will say both his music and videos are not safe for work, nor child-friendly. But they are meant for consenting adults, like some of the best things in life. I will begin with the music video that first introduced me to the handsome man, if my memory serves me right. A while ago, when Logo was still pretending to be a network supporting the LGBT community, they would play music videos, and it was there I say "Dirty Is The New Black", a single off the 2008 album, 'White Hot'. In the music video, Johnny takes it underground - literally - as it starts with him taking a stroll through an underground structure, shedding a little light on the dirty secrets some might hold about their sex lives. It certainly doesn't stay there, heading out to the stores, and to the clubs. The video was produced by Tori Fixx, and directed by Brian Lange. It also features the talents of God-des & She. Johnny Dangerous wants you to release your inner freak in "Dirty Is The New Black".

In our next clip, Johnny continues with that raunchy edge on "(Wan Dat) Azz Iz". The music video was directed by Jaybones of the Butterhouse, and was shot in the best clubs Chicago had to offer. When speaking about the song, Johnny definitely had a point of view he wanted to share. "I wanted to make a fun, party club record" he explained, "one that makes you want to get up and shake your ass, regardless of where you are!" And that he does, with a great song and music video for "(Wan Dat) Azz Iz".

With the next song, we once again see Johnny doesn't mind sharing some screen time with other talented artists. The music video for "Hotline" was shot on location in Chicago, and feature's UK's QBoy and New York City's Soce, the Elemental Wizard. Once again, it was directed by Jaybones for Butterhouse Studios. Johnny gives new meaning to hot phone conversations, as he lays out for us all just what he enjoys with a partner. QBoy isn't shy either, and you can see with the music video for "Hotline", featuring QBoy and Soce, the Elemental Wizard.

Finally, this is not a song off 'White Hot', but a single from 2011. "Work" is one again sexy with some raunchy special sauce, but I wouldn't expect anything different. I mean, when Johnny explains he likes him men "you, dumb, and thick", you know he means business. The song is a collaboration between Dangerous and Tori Fixx, with a stronger electronic, industrial feel than the others.

The first three songs can be found on the album 'White Hot', which can be purchased on iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. To purchase the single "Work", you can find it on iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. For more about Johnny Dangerous, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Matthew Perryman Jones • Stones From The Riverbed

At the end of May of 2012, Matthew Perryman Jones released a new album, 'Land of the Living'. But it wasn't until this year that he released a music video for one of the songs off the album, "Stones From The Riverbed". There is a wonderful lush quality to his music, one that feels natural and organic. I love the way he takes me on a journey, charting it over this amazing aural landscape. See for yourself with the official music video for "Stones From The Riverbed".

I have the album, and really enjoy it very much. You can purchase 'Land of the Living' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Matthew Perryman Jones, you can visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. I will leave you with a fan-made video using the title cut from the album. They also use such beautiful imagery, it is wonderful to watch. And I find a wonderfully affirming flavor in all his music. Please enjoy!

Derek Bishop • PreOder For New Album

I was first introduced to the music of Derek Bishop by another musician I respect greatly, Brett Gleason. When I get a recommendation like that, I certainly make sure I give it a good listen. I am glad to say that I wasn't disappointed, for Derek's "Resistance Is Beautiful' was a charming listen, one I fully enjoyed. And when he recently put out word that he was back working on a new album, and you could make a pre-order now, no one had to tell me twice. You see, I still had such great feelings about his first album, I was eager for more. In case you didn't get the chance to listen, here is a great music video for the wonderful song "Why Hold On" from his debut album.

The album is filled with songs that have strength not only in the influences, but in the strong essence behind them. Bishop writes his songs, and they are obviously all close to his heart. The album appealed to me right away, and has held me since. That would include a track I was particularly fond of, and the music video only made me love it more. "Take Him Away" featured a guest starring role for Brett Gleason, a piano man who plays through some high party drama, while Derek takes things into his own hands...

Now that I have had that walk down memory lane, you can see why I was so excited about hearing new music from Derek Bishop. In case you might be interested as well, I guess I should let Derek tell you more about it himself. Give a listen, and just be careful the handsome devil doesn't steal your heart.

To place your pre-order, or to learn more about the new music, visit Derek on his Kickstarter page. You can also read my review of 'Resistance Is Beautiful' here.

Matt Alber • 'With Strings Attached' Pre-Order

Matt Alber is in the final stages of putting together an exciting new DVD, with Matt giving a live performance with The Cello Street Quartet, an amazingly talented group of cellists. Matt will be performing with them, giving a new sound to his great music. Rather than have me tell you about it, why not let Matt explain it to you? And you can also sample some great music.

STRINGS ATTACHED TRAILER from Greg Sirota on Vimeo.

Sounds great doesn't it? Sound like something you'd enjoy watching? To place your order for 'With Stringss Attached', visit Matt here. For more about Matt Alber, visit his official website. While you are there, you can join his mailing list, to be kept up to date on the latest from Alber, including live shows. You can also "like" him on Facebook. You can purchase Matt latest album, Constant Crows, on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. To learn more about the Cello Street Quartet, visit their official website. Click on the 'Videos' tab and check out some of their music.

Supermodel (You Better Work) • RuPaul

Well, if it is Labor Day Weekend, then, girls, "You Betta Werq!" At least that is what RuPaul tells us in her brilliant song, "Supermodel (You Better Work)"



"Supermodel (You Better Work)" can be found on the Supermodel of the World album. You can purchase it on iTunes and Amazon. And have a great weekend. It's a long one, and don't we all love long ones?

Eli Lieb • Adele & Others

It is fun to take a look at the rise of Eli Lieb, the handsome singer/songwriter from Fairfield, Iowa. Music has been an important part of his life growing up, and Lieb pursued his dreams, and moved to New York City, looking to hone his skills and get a break. He played some of the top clubs and stages, gaining precious experience and a following. After ten years in the city, the young man returned home to Iowa, but had not given up his dreams. Among the things he learned, music production came in handy as he started to produce his own material. He also began working on some videos to post to Youtube, to get his name out there, as well as to keep a finger on the pulse of Pop music. It didn't take long before people took notice of the guy from Iowa. In fact, people began wanting produced recordings, and soon Lieb made them available online. Some of those songs included "Someone Like You", the brilliant song written by Adele and Dan Wilson, and performed to perfection of the British chanteuse. But the one I really love is his cover of "Turning Tables", off the first Adele album. Check out Eli's version of the song.



I should also mention Eli is an out and proud gay man, just another reason to support his efforts. Among the many covers you can find online, he also gave a shot at Britney Spears' "Inside Out" and gave added depth to Katy Perry's "Fireworks", while keeping a lid on the amount of pyrotechnics. Give a listen to another of his YouTube videos, shot in Iowa, for the Perry song.



Of course, is there anyone who has recorded cover songs in the last few years that have not rearranged and massaged the music of Lady Gaga? Well, count Lieb among those who have, with his stripped down version of "The Edge of Glory" actually gives the song sturdier legs to stand on.



I have to say, Lieb has a beautiful combination of tone and grit in his voice. And he really knows how to use both. And he is a smart man, offering those covers as a FREE DOWNLOAD on his official website, just by joining his email list. Just visit the official website, and click on the headline "FREE ELI LIEB YOUBE COVERS EP". Recently, Lieb released a sweet version of the Maroon 5 song, "Payphone", which also features Wiz Khalifa. Give a listen to this, I think it is kinda wonderful.



You can find much of Eli's music on iTunes, including the covers of "Payphone" and "Someone Like You". Lieb also has an album of original material that is quite nice. I hope to being you more on that soon. But for now, to learn more about Eli Lieb, visit his official website. You can also follow him on Twitter or "like" him on Facebook.

Gregory Douglass • I Wanted To Run

As the 2012 London Olympic Games continue, so does my series of tributes, music that would fit on the soundtrack. Today, in a tribute to the track and field athletes who work and strive to be as fast as they can be, I offer a song from the gifted singer/songwriter from the fine state of Vermont, Gregory Douglass. Not only is Gregory good looking and out and proud, he also has boatloads of talent. "I Wanted To Run" is off the fine album Pseudo-Rotary. While I love everything about Douglass, and have all his music, I think this pretty much fits the Olympic bill, with strong melodies and a driving beat, and scoring a perfect "10"! Enjoy "I Wanted To Run".



You can purchase Pseudo-Rotary or the single off iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. For more about Gregory Douglass, visit his official website. Or just buy his music, you'll love it!

Jody Watley • #1 On The Floor

It is almost hard for me to believe, but it was about 25 years ago that the beautiful and talented Jody Watley ruled the dance floors with her solo debut. Born in Chicago, the young Watley was inspired by Diana Ross and many others making great music. She made her first stage appearance alongside her godfather, Jackie Wilson, at a very young age. By the time she was a teen, Watley was becoming a regular on Soul Train, a standout with her beauty, style, and slick dance moves. Along with fellow Soul Train dancer Jeffrey Daniel, Watley was selected to join Gary Mumford and become original members of the R&B group Shalamar, put together by the late, great Don Cornelius. Before long, Mumford was replaced, and soon Howard Hewett was on lead vocals. Watley was a part of the group from 1977 to 1984, taking part in hits like "The Second Time Around". Once she left the group, it was time to get to work on some solo music.



In February of 1987, Watley released her solo debut, the eponymous Jody Watley. The music audience seemed to like what they heard, for the album was soon certified Platinum in sales in the US, and Gold in Canada. Part of what drove the sales was the amazing first single, "Looking For A New Love". Written by Watley and André Cymone, the song was one of the biggest selling R&B singles of the year, making it to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #1 on the R&B and Dance Club Play charts.



The third single off the album made it to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #3 on the R&B chart, and #1 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. "Don't You Want Me" was written by Watley, Franne Golde, and D.P. Bryant. The studios loved her crossover appeal, and her ability to score on the R&B, Dance, and Pop charts with the same song. And it was certainly popular in the gay clubs in New York when I was out and about!



#10 on the Pop Chart, and #3 on the R&B chart. Once again, however, Watley reigned supreme on the Dance chart, hitting #1. Written by Watley with former Prince bassist André Cymone, "Some Kind of Lover" was the third song off Jody's debut to make it to the Billboard Pop Top 10, something not many artists can have on their resumé.



For more about Jody Watley, you can visit her official website. You can find her debut album on iTunes and Amazon. You can find the remix album, You Wanna Dance With Me?, in my CD collection, as well as on iTunes and Amazon. You can also follow her on Twitter.

Patrick Wolf • The Bachelor

I haven't run this video before, so I thought now might be a good time. Now, I am a big fan of Patrick Wolf, and I think his music is just so yummy! Here is Patrick Wolf with his video for Hard Times, off the 2009 album The Bachelor. The album was his fourth, and in some ways the most experimental of them all, although Patrick's music is never really run-of-the-mill nor boring. It certainly has the epic feeling like the others, only with a deeper undercurrent of hurt. This first video seems quite relevant to today, speaking to the hard times people endure.



Although it was the first single off the album, I decided to go with Vulture second in this post. This song grabs me because of the interesting sound, combining and electronic, industrial core, paired with Patrick's high fidelity voice. The visuals on this video are just an added level of assault on the senses, pushing it all to another level.



The third and final single off the album was fraught with Celtic overtones, and bombastic echoes. Damaris has a melancholy that is palpable, practically grabbing the listener by the scruff of the neck, demanding they partake in the feeling.



You can learn more about Patrick on his official website here. You can also find him on Twitter here. To purchse The Bachelor, you can download it from iTunes and Amazon. For more about his latest album, Lupercalia, check out my thoughts here.

Duncan Sheik • On A High

I am a huge fan of Duncan Sheik's music, and listen to him often. As I was trying to think of what to post, I thought that Sheik would be perfect for this Saturday morning, singing a favorite of mine, On A High, off his album Daylight. Enjoy this great song and wonderful video.



For more information about Duncan Sheik, check out his official website here. If you'd like to purchase the song or the album, you can find Daylight on iTunes and Amazon.

Flo Anito • Uh Oh

I met Flo Anito when I was taking part of the music video by Tom Goss for It's All Over. The shoot was taking place in Washington, DC, in a park. Flo played the part of the jogger in the park, and later a guest at the backyard party. I can't be sure, but I swear she is checking out Tom's butt in that video...



During the shoot, I enjoyed talking to her, and shared some laughs. She was quite nice, smart, and quite funny. At some point, there was a CD playing in the garage of the party shoot, and I thought it had an interesting sound. It turns out, it was Flo's CD, No Dustbunnies. Honestly, I had forgotten about it, until I recently saw a new video was posted, for the song Uh Oh!



Flo's vocals are a combination of styles and sounds, like Kate Bush with a total American spin. There is an exuberance in her music, a real joy. On first listen to her album, I had an immediate infatuation with Change My Life, Uh Oh!, Mean, and the title track. I managed to find No Dustbunnies, and will be happy to share it with you.



Flo Anito's album, No Dustbunnies, is available on iTunes and on Amazon. You can find her on the web at her official website here.

Mikey Wax • Counting On You Video

Long Island born and raised Mikey Wax has released the first video featuring the music of his latest release, Constant Motion. The first single, Counting On You, is a delicious Pop treat. And the video is a wonderful foray into a phantasmagorical world of superheroes and villains, where a boy with a guitar can wear a gladiator's armor and make all his dreams come true. Yes, he even gets the girl, the one wearing the cape!



Counting On You is the first single off a wonderful album released in September. You can find the album, Constant Motion, on iTunes and Amazon. You can find out more about Mikey on his official website by clicking here.

Garrin Benfield • Walkin' Time Blues

Garrin Benfield has a new video out, and I am really loving it! The video was directed, edited by Leo Herrera, who also handled the Special Effects. To start wit, I must admit I am totally enamored with Garrin's music. I think the man is brilliant. I have The Wave Organ Song in my collection, and can't hear it enough. I find it intoxicating. It just pulls me out of myself, and cradles me is this amazing melodic world. That world includes Walkin' Time Blues, written by Garrin and partner Jason Durant.



You can find out more about Garrin Benfield at his official website here. You can also find him on Facebook here. You can find his album on iTunes here, or on Amazon here. You can also order it from CD Baby here.

More Videos From B.Slade™

With the brilliance of his Diesel album still ringing in my soul, there are two new videos I am happy to post here. First up is a clip from The Daily Buzz, as B.Slade rocks out on Papi Figure.



Then there is also an intriguing video for the beautiful song, Start. The R&B ballad is a wonderfully textured track, and the richness of color on the video and the imagery suits it all very well.



You can find Diesel on iTunes here, and on BandCamp here. You can also find it on Amazon.com here. You can find out more about B.Slade at this official website here. He also has an active Twitter page here, and on Tumblr here.

Right Out TV Music Video Awards

RightOut TV features the music of LGBTI and a wonderful resource for the community. You can check them out here, and discover some great new music, and LGBTI acts that could really use your support. No matter the genre or the budget, RightOut TV is there to showcase the artists. RightOut TV was launched by Tully Callender and Marlee Walchuk of the lesbian dance/pop singing duo Sugarbeach. Well, you can also add another component on to the service offered - producing awards for excellent work. They have announced the 2011 RightOut TV Music Video Awards. I'll let Tully & Marlee tell you about it.



They have a great panel of judges slated for the awards, always a great sign. They are looking for people to submit their videos, which you can do online here. Entries are due in by September 30st, 2011. There is a minimal fee for entering. Nominees will be announced on October 30th, while there will be a month of public voting starting October 7th for a fan favorite. I will try to keep everyone apprised things progress, but hope to see some of the videos featured on the blog in the list of nominees.

Tom Goss • It's All Over Video Shoot

Clockwise: Tom gets his groove on with Sophia & others; Tom & Mandy practice the steps; and Eboné & Angel between takes.

Last weekend, I ventured to Washington, DC, with my sister Kathy and my niece Mandy to be a part of the making of the next music video from one of our very favorite people, Tom Goss. Of course, I had to take pictures and take videos, for it is a compulsion for me at this point. After having been at the CD Release Party, it was great to be a part of the first video as well.



Who knew 'Spaz, spaz, spaz' would become an endearing phrase? We got in early, which was fine. Despite a break for rain, the shoot finished early! There was great planning from Production team of Director Michael Patrick Key, Director of Photography Dylan Comstock and Editor Aram Vartian, and the day ran so smoothly. I had a delightful time at the table with Flo and Sophia. Really, it was a fantastic group of people, and a diverse one as well. I met some amazing people, had far too many laughs to even remember, and a day I will never forget.




Clockwise: Tom chatting with the police; Wrap party fun with Flo Anito; Aram, Michael & Dylan celebrate the end of a well-planned shoot; Joey getting his lip on; cast and crew keeping dry; Michael, Ann and Jim get their Vanna on!