Valentine 2015 • Sir Ari Gold • Love Will Take Over

As part of my Valentine's Day celebration, I am offering up love songs from some of my favorite artists. I have been a fan of Sir Ari Gold since the moment I saw the music video for "Wave of You" on LOGO, and he continues to keep me enthralled with fantastic albums and great music videos. Whether he is making energetic dance, sexy Pop, or touching ballads, Ari never fails to engage me. To help with the Valentine's celebration, I offer you his sexy song, "Love Will Take Over (JKriv Radio Mix)". Ari deftly combines Pop and Dance to keep me moving in my chair, wanting to dance with the sexy singer. This is the music video for "Love Will Take Over".

You can find "Love Will Take Over" on Ari's 2003 release, 'Space Under Sun'. You can purchase 'Space Under Sun' from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. To learn more about Sir Ari Gold, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

4 Hot Guys • 4 Hot Songs

Clockwise: Angelo, Guy B, Sir Ari Gold, and SIRPAUL.

I thought about it, and couldn't figure out a better way to kick off the weekend than to feature four very hot men with some great songs. They are all handsome enough to get me to post pictures even if they weren't making music, but all four have music I love, and remains in my music collection. I will kick it off with a great music video from Angelo, the first of three artists based in New York City. I couldn't wait to see this video, the first from his full-length CD debut. I love the sexy 2012 release, and still play it. This is Angelo with "Narcissus Drowned", the title track from the 2012 CD.

For more about Angelo, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and become a fan on ReverbNation. You can purchase "Narcissus Drowned" from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. for the second video, I offer you the amazing Guy B singing the title cut from his 2007 album. When I first heard the song, I immediately went out and purchased the album, and have been a big fan ever since. Guy is the lone non-New Yorker here, being based in Los Angeles. I recently heard he was heading back to the studio, and I was practically giddy. This is Guy B with music video for "Within Me".

For more about Guy B, visit his official ReverbNation page. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase "Within Me" from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. SIRPAUL is another of my New York artists I simply cannot resist. From the first time I heard his music, I've been a slave to SIRPAUL, and I still gladly serve at his feet. I love all his music, but today call up a song from his 2009 album, 'Objectified'. That album was all kinds of sexy, as you can hear in this track. This is SIRPAUL with the official music video for "Do U".

For more about SIRPAUL, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase "Do U" from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. I close out this post with another yummy New Yorker, the delectable Sir Ari Gold. I've been a fan since his first album, and have eagerly purchased every one since. His music makes me a happier man, and I couldn't recommend it any higher. While there is plenty of excellent music to choose from, I reached back to one of my favorite tracks from the 2007 release, 'Transport Systems'. This is Sir Ari Gold with the official music video for "Where The Music Takes Me".

For more about Sir Ari Gold, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase 'Transport Systems' on iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. I hope this helped start your weekend with energy and fun!

Happy Halloween! Boo!

Clockwise: Mike Furey, Casey Stratton, Sir Ari Gold, and Kendall Kelly.

Today is October 31, 2014. That makes it officially Halloween, a day that was first celebrated in the mid-1700s. It was also known as All Hallow's Eve and All Saint's Eve, marking the evening before All Saint's Day.It is thought to have Celtic roots, and is based on some forms of Christianity. Today, it is mostly known as a chance to dress up in costumes of every variety, no matter your age. Whether you are trying to scare people, or making them laugh, it is a day celebrated by many. To get us in the mood a bit, I thought I would post some Halloween-themed music, or at least some that could be. The first song is a remake of a 1984 single from Ministry, an American Industrial Metal band. It was covered in 2006 by the Electronic Rock project based in New York City. Vocalist Mike Furey is the man behind the artistic direction of the band. This is Dangerous Muse with "Everyday Is Halloween".

You can find "Everyday Is Halloween" on iTunes and Amazon. My next song isn't really a Halloween song, but it works, at least for me. There is something hot, and sexy about "Blood" a great song off Casey's first album, 'Standing on the Edge'. It was the first song by Casey I really fell for, and I have been hooked ever since. This is Casey Stratton performing "Blood" on morning television, and managing to look and sound pretty damn great!

You can find "Blood" on 'Blood EP (Junior Vasquez Mix)', available on iTunes and Amazon. The gloriously bearish Kendall Kelly has been making music for a while now, and garnering quite the fanbase. It seems many respond well to his mixture of humorous songs with romantic ballads. The driving Electro-Dance beat keeps me moving, while the sexy images of Kendall keeps the attention of anyone who hits play. And before I delay you too much longer, perhaps you should be hitting the play button for Kendall Kelly's "Don't Even Know You're A Vampire".

You can find "Don't Know You're A Vampire" off the album 'Manifest Destiny', available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon. And speaking of vampires, I don't know if there is anyone I'd rather have nibbling my neck, and wherever else they'd like, than the gorgeous and talented Sir Ari Gold. That was certainly much on my mind in October of 2010, when he released the music video for "Make My Body Rock", on of the several great songs off his album 'Between the Spirit & the Flesh'. OF course, I must admit I have been a fan of Gold's music since I first heard "Wave of You" several years ago, and that was even before I'd see how sexy he is! Fast forward several years, and Ari is still looking as good, if not better than ever. Check out the music video for Sir Ari Gold's "Make My Body Rock".

You can find "Make My Body Rock" on Gold's 2012 album, 'Between the Spirit & the Flesh', available on iTunes and Amazon. And have a wonderful and scary Halloween!

David Raleigh • The Videos

Later on tonight, I will be in New York City to attend the launch of the latest from David Raleigh, the wonderful singer, songwriter, and pianist. I first discovered Raleigh about four years ago, when he worked on a project with some very talented men, but I will get to that shortly. Once I heard him, I needed to hear more, so I soon found his solo stuff. Man, am I glad I did. His music is just as special ass the man is, and I can't get enough. You want to know much I love David? I will be traveling to see him, and will be missing one of my favorite guilty pleasures, 'Sleepy Hollow'.

As I said before, I first found David by way of a project he worked on with some very talented men. David collaborated with Tony Award winner Billy Porter, the gifted Sir Ari Gold, and intriguing Alan Cumming on "That's What Friends Are For", a new look at the classic best remembered for the 1985 version by Dione Warwick and Friends, with Gladys Knight, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder joining Dione to raise money for AmFar. The song was written by Carole Bayer Sager and Burt Bacharach. Raleigh, Porter, Cumming and Gold revived it to also raise money, for the Ali Fortney Center, a New York City shelter for homeless GLBT youth. The song was produced by Nathan Leigh Jones. This is David, Billy, Alan and Ari with "That's What Friends Are For".

You can purchase the single from iTunes. I think the money will still go to the great cause. Watching this video, and purchasing the song, lead me to find other music by Raleigh, and I was able to do that fairly quickly. Not long on YouTube, and I had a great new music video I kept watching, time and time again. There is such joy and love emanating from the core of "I Do!", and I knew once again, I was addicted. This is David Raleigh with the great song, "I Do!".

I quickly found out that "I Do!" was just the first single off his recently released album, 'Beginning Again'. Once I found it, I purchased the album, and found a wealth of great music that warmed my heart, and inspired my soul. I was very excite when it was time for a second video to be released, and was thrilled it was the beautiful "One Together". The song is a stunning song that goes directly to the heart of love, and I just adore it. This is the official music video for "One Together".

I must admit, I was near giddy with excitement when I heard David would release "Do It To Me", the first single/video from the new album, 'The Equation of Love'. And once I heard it, I was understood why. The song once again as the joy and love I have come to expect from Raleigh's music, and more. It made me so eager to hear the rest of the album, and I am so glad that time is almost hear. This is the official music video for "Do It To Me".

This evening, I will be hearing many of the songs from 'The Equation of Love' played live, and be leaving with my own copy. For that, my friends, you can be jealous. Or you can join us! To learn more about David Raleigh, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can find his music at your favorite online music stores. You can purchase 'Beginning Again' from iTunes and Amazon. Today is the official release date for 'The Equation of Love', and you can find it on iTunes and Amazon.

House Blend • A Musical Collection

When I heard JD Doyle was working on a musical collection, I couldn't wait to check it out. After all, JD has long been the curator at Queer Music History, documenting and celebrating the music and artists of the LGBT community. Long before I became friends with JD, I was checking out the site, and listening to his radio shows and podcasts, discovering new and remarkable talents for my own collection. Now that I have gotten to know JD, it is no different, for I still not only enjoy his work, I also learn from it, and continue to expand my music library. So hearing he was producing an e-album, I was excited to learn more about it. I was also thrilled when JD agreed to answer a few of my questions about 'House Blend', a benefit CD for the New Building Fund of the Houston Transgender Center & Archives that features Transgender artists and songs.

As I mentioned, I was excited to get the opportunity to ask JD a few questions about the project. I will also play a few of the songs, just to give you a taste of the great music offered by the collection. Right off the bat, I wanted to know what inspired JD to take on the project for the Transgender Foundation of America?

JD: In Houston the Trans community is well-organized and consists of several groups, and each Spring a Unity Banquet is held. I attended that in April and heard them announce the new Building Fund. While I love their current facility, it is obvious it is too small and they need more space for meeting areas and their wonderful Trans archives. That night after the banquet I got the idea for this project to help them. I love playing the music of Trans artists on my shows and giving them the exposure they just do not get. So in my show's history I've done 14 editions devoted especially to these artists, totaling about 30 hours...if anyone knows what music is out there, well, I do. The CD name of course comes from it being a fundraiser for a house and it's a blend of music genres. They gave away the coffee cups shown on the cover at the banquet.

Did you approach the artists, or did they find you?

JD: This was a dream project, and I got to pick the cream of the cream of the music I have loved over the years. And I pretty much got every song I requested, so, I contacted them...no one would have known of the project unless I reached out to them. The intent originally was about 15 tracks, but I've little discipline when picking good music, so the final count is 21 tracks. The only, and very minor, limitation I faced is that with a project like this, and copyright laws, you cannot include cover versions of songs. It would take too long to get the rights from whoever owns them. So these are all originals, and that better reflects their creativity.

That was The Shondes singing "The Garden", the title cut off the album released just last month. I love the song. But now back to the topic at hand, JD and 'Houseblend'. What did you want to accomplish with the music?

JD: I had kind of a musical vision that is hard to describe, as far as the "sound" is considered, and I like lots of genres. But I've always been biased to music where the lyrics deal with our community, and in this case talk about Trans and gender issues. In hindsight the overall sound rocks a bit more than I thought it would, which is a good thing.

Are all the artists transgender?

JD: Most of the artists are transgender, although that was not a ruling criteria, but they are all LGBT. There are several lesbian and gay acts whose songs about Trans issues I found delightful or of educational importance, such as the tracks by Kate Reid, Jeff Heiskell, Tim'm T West, and the Kinsey Sicks. New York City pop/dance star Ari Gold, who I've known many years, was very pleased to contribute a track, and I asked for the one with guest vocals by drag performer Peppermint, and Trans singer Mila Jam. Of course I hope this CD's audience is more than just those loving transgender artists; this is good music for anyone.

That, of course, was Sir Ari Gold singing "If I Steal Your Boyfriend" featuring Peppermint and Mila Jam. The song was featured on Gold's amazing 2011 album, 'Between The Spirit & the Flesh'. But back to JD and the collection. Is this the first transgender artist compilation?

JD: Actually, no, it is the fourth. Between 2005 and 2010 there were three others, now very much out of print, with small distribution, and nearly impossible to find. They had different visions and naturally I think this one is the best yet. Many of the artists were delighted to be included and told me they were honored to be a part of it. Most of the tracks are recent, but for several I reached back a ways, as I wanted the best past and present. I was honored to be able to start off the CD with trailblazer Jayne County. For several of the older tracks I think the artists were surprised I wanted the songs, but I was able to persuade them their song needed be part of this history.

How much of the money will be going the TFA?

JD: All money will go to TFA. I want nothing for doing the producing work and had some incidental costs I will consider my own gift to them. Despite doing radio for 14 years I had never produced a CD, so this was a fun and learning experience. The learning part was one reason we are keeping the project to digital only, at least for the near future.

That was Tim'm T. West with "Male" featuring Sun Rae. The song is available on Tim'm latest album, 'Snapshots: The He​-​Art and Experience of Tim'm T. West'. To purchase 'House Blend', visit the BandCamp page. For more about JD Doyle and the Queer Music Heritage, you can visit the official website. You can also find them on Facebook.

Dance, Dance Evolution

Clockwise: Village People, RuPaul, Sir Ari Gold, and Brian Kent.

For my inspiration today, I decided to take a look at the last four decades, and pick a song I really loved to show an evolution of dance through the years. I have chosen songs that are in my iTunes collection. The artists are also very talented members of the LGBT community. There was a wealth of music from which to choose, so it wasn't the easiest post to put together, but it was very fun. I got to listen to many songs not posted here, which made me very happy. I will start with the 1980s, the first decade I took on. There was a wealth of great music, with the great Sylvester, Bronski Beat, Culture Club, and many others I remember calling me to the dance floor. But I finally settled on a song that was released in 1980, from a group that bridged the 1970s and the 1980s. That group was the Village People, icons of the disco era. When Victor Willis, Felipe Rose, Alex Briley, Glenn Hughes, David Hodo, and Randy Jones got together to sing, little could hold them back. As the cop, the Indian, the soldier, the leatherman, the construction worker, and the cowboy thrilled audiences with classic hits like "Y.M.C.A.", "Macho Man" "In The Navy" and others. In 198O, they released the title cut from a new album, as well as a movie by the same name. "Can't Stop the Music" was written by Jacques Morali, the mastermind behind the group. But once the boys got hold of it, it was totally theirs! And, before I forget, happy birthday, Randy 'Cowboy' Jones! You can see when you watch the music video for the Village People singing "Can't Stop the Music".

Now I will move on to the next decade, the 1990s. This was another decade with a ton of music I got to listen to, before I made a the tough decision. But I finally decided to go with song from 1992 by the drag queen who continues to set the standard for all, RuPaul. "Supermodel (You Better Work)" was written by RuPaul, Jimmy Harry, and Larry Tee. The song went to #45 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #! on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. The music video also took MTV (when it used to play music) by storm, going into regular play on the rotation. While Nirvana and Pearl Jam were ruling the airwaves, one very special drag queen stepped up to be heard. Please enjoy RuPaul singing "Supermodel (You Better Work)".

The next decade once again plunged me into a deep pool of wonderful music, including some of my favorite artists. What tipped the scales for me was the absolute positive message of this song. So I pikced the 2007 release by the handsome Brian Kent, "Breathe Life". It is the title cut off a wonderful album, and a glorious music video, too. The driving beat disguises the love and good offered by the song for only a few seconds. I swear, just playing this song makes my day a little brighter. I hope you feel the same way when you watch the music video for "Breathe Life".

And while my final pick has only a pool of songs that is far short of a decade, I still had more than enough songs to listen to. I had several favorites, but decided to go with Sir Ari Golds latest single and video, featuring "Play My F**kn' Record". The song was first heard off his wonderful album, 'Between the Spirit & the Flesh', Gold worked with filmmaker Francis Legge, and the result was both 2D and 3D version, with include cameo appearances by Michael Musto, Michael Lucas, Peppermint, Meital as Gaga, Jamie Drake, Manilla Luzon, Dwayne Milan, Lovari, Eddy Barrena, MEG, Antonio Minopoli, Sherry Vine & Ari's Mom! Enjoy watching "Play My F**kn' Record"!

Have a great weekend!

Pride Celebration • Five Decades of Great Dance Music

Clockwise: Sylvester, Musical notes, Jimmy Somerville, Jason Walker, Sir Ari Gold, and Soft Cell.

As we are coming into the final weekend of Gay Pride Month, I thought I would go out with a mini-celebration or retrospective, how ever you'd like to look at it. I am looking to a few out and proud gay artists who managed to make music that was amazing and exhilarating. These are artists that were an inspiration then, and still inspire me whenever I hear their music. I will start with the brilliant and amazing Sylvester. At a time when America was not as accepting of gays and lesbians, this wonderful black man with a big voice started performing, often taking on an androgynous appearance, and using his strong falsetto to deliver songs like "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)", and make them a hit. That particular song made it to the Top 40 in 1978, and became Sylvester's second #1 Dance Hit. Celebrate the season with the great Sylvester singing "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)".

Now Sylvester might have owned the 1970s, but the 1980s were really the property of several acts from the UK, many part of the New Wave invasion that brought together parts of Punk, Rock, and Pop, and a great freedom to carve out your own style. Bands like Bronski Beat, Erasure and Culture Club never shied away from standing out, not willing to fall into the preconceived sexual roles. Another of those bands was Soft Cell. The duo were David Ball and Marc Almond, who rich voice gave such depth to every song he sang. They are perhaps best known for their 1981 hit, "Tainted Love". The song was written by Ed Cobb and first recorded by American singer Gloria Jones in 1965. The record didn't chart, but became popular a decade later in British clubs. Soft Cell eventually decided to record it themselves, only to put a new spin on the production. Well, they certainly did, and it became a world-wide hit for them. Check out the music video for Soft Cell's cover of "Tainted Love".

In the early 1980s, he was with the Bronski Beat. Later, he became a part of The Communards, another band who never shied away from their sexuality, and at times poked fun of the conventional thoughts of it. By the time the 1990s rolled around, Jimmy Somerville had launched a solo career, using his distinctive voice and style to make music I found irresistible. I still listen to whatever he puts out, and love it. But in 1995, he released the beautiful album 'Dare To Love', the second in his solo career. It included the song "Heartbeat", co-written by the Glaswegian himself. I loved it then, and still love it today. Enjoy "Heartbeat".

The new millennium saw even more LGBT artists making music that was perfect for the clubs. There was a new movement with Dance/Pop artists tarting to release their own music, allowing the different cities to have their own wonderful sound. New York had several really talented artists in the forefront, with SIRPAUL making some great music, as well as Jason Walker, who was working with renown DJ Junior Vasquez. The time also saw the rise of a talented New Yorker by the name of Ari Gold, writing and producing his own brand of ElectroPop that often seemed ready to the clubs. In 2004, he released his second album, the wonderful 'Space Under Sun'. It wasn't long before "Love Will Take Over" was playing everywhere, from radio to the clubs. The music proved a great follow-up to his self-titled debut, and the great song "Wave of You", the song that first stole my heart. And I continue to love his music, proving some artists remain relevant, and can, in fact, get better with age. Check out the music video for "Love Will Take Over".

And, finally, I want to pick something very current, showing that LGBT artists are still going strong. Of course, I have to admit that other than the late Sylvester, all these artists are still making music. SIRPAUL is making great music, and I featured two singles just this morning. But I decided to feature C-Rod featuring Jason Walker and the single "Beat Don't Stop", a song that continues to be near the top of the Dance charts, months after it was released. The song is infectious, and after listening, stays in my head and keeps me smiling. So have fun watching the music video for "Beat Don't Stop", the song by C-Rod and featuring Jason Walker.

All this music is available where ever music is sold, including iTunes and Amazon. The songs are great reminders of the time, but they are also just fantastic performances that I still like listening to now. So over the last few days of Gay Pride Month, enjoy these gay artists, and think about supporting them and others, to ensure their music continues to be made.

'Play My F**kn Remix' Sexy Cover From Sir Ari Gold

The sexy and shiny new cover art for Sir Ari Gold's soon-to-be-released 'Play My F**kn Remix' was shared with S2MD, and I couldn't be more excited. The project is the latest of ground-breaking artist Sir Ari Gold, who plans to integrate his latest remix album with a 3D music video directed by legendary Francis Legge. There is also a documentary in the works taking a look at Gold's life in music, where Sir Ari has been and out and proud singer from the beginning. The Remix album features several remixes from the top DJs of "Play My F**ck Record" off Gold's latest album, 'Between The Spirit & the Flesh'. Check out this live perofrmance of the song at XL Nightclub.

To see the full-sized cover, click here. For more about Sir Ari Gold, visit his official website. You can also like him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter. Sir Ari will be more than happy to say "hello" on any of the social media. 'Between the Spirit & the Flesh' also features the hit singles "Make My Body Rock", Sparkle", and "My Favorite Religion". You can purchase the album on iTunes and Amazon.

Sir Ari Gold • Livin', Rockin' and Forgivin'

Just thought I would take a moment to remind everyone there is still time to be a part of the latest from Sir Ari Gold. Don't let the picture fool you. No, Sir Ari Gold is not shifting gears and recording a Country album, but that won't stop him from putting on a stetson and a smile for the camera. The gorgeous singer/songwriter has been playing on my iTunes since I first discovered his music. He has continually made great music, combining Pop, R&B, Soul, and Dance to make four wonderful full-length albums, and countless singles since 2001. In my last post, I offered up the song that was the point of discovery for me, "Waves of You" off the 2001 album, 'Ari Gold'. I saw the music video, and was intrigued, and purchased the album, and loved it. He was a strong gay man, writing songs relating to the life of urban gay men. I am sure many doors were closed to him because of his choice to be out, but damn, I am glad he did.

Ari's second album, 2004s 'Space Under Sun', was quite the interesting collection. It had the gorgeous "Bashert (Meant To Be)" and the bass-driven "He's On My Team", a delightful duet with Kendra Ross. One of the real standout tracks was "Love Will Take Over", a song I still love. Bold and sexy, this is a great song to get your weekend started.

In 2007 Ari release the album 'Transport Systems', a collection just jam-packed with great music. There was great duet with Sasha Allen on "Where The Music Takes You", the sassy "Mr. Mistress", and the lush cover of "Human" featuring Mr. Mann. And there was also an undeniable strength of "I Can Forgive You", a soulful ballad that delivers. The song also had the benefit of a great video directed by Christopher Ciccone.

Ari's latest album, 'Between the Spirit & the Flesh', was released in 2011. It featured great songs like "Sparkle", a glorious duet with Sarah Dash, and "My Favorite Religion", which takes a look at faith and love. But the first single and video off the album was for the sexy and eerie "Make My Body Rock". I have to say Ari makes a tempting vampire, although that didn't surprise me in the slightest.

See, it is always great to jump-start your weekend with the music of Sir Ari Gold, isn't it? I suspect the next video will be "Play My F**Kin' Record", which is in the process of being worked on now. It is going to be a 3D Multi-Media experience, and he has a page on Indie-Go-Go, and there is just over a week for you to join in and support Sir Ari Gold and the music he makes. Check out the page and see if you'd like to make sure indie LGBT artists continue to make music that represents us, and speaks to our journey. Buy one of his albums, old or new, or support his Indie-Go-Go Project. Give voice to your support, so the world will continue to hear the music of our lives being made.

Sunday Morning with Billy Porter

Earlier this week, I was listening 'At the Corner of Broadway & Soul' and loving it, as I do whenever I hit play. Porter is an amazingly gifted vocalist, and I am constantly blown away by him. Whether he is singing music from Broadway musicals, or some great R&B, he always delivers. The first time I remember hearing his voice was when I heard "Love Is On The Way", best known as a theme song from 'The First Wives Club'. I also loved that he was part of the recording of "That's What Friends Are For" for The Friend's Project, along side David Raleigh, Sir Ari Gold, and Alan Cumming. The single raised money for the Ali Forney Center, whose mission is to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) youth from the harm of homelessness, and to support them in becoming safe and independent as they move from adolescence to adulthood. But when "Feel It To Heal It" started playing, I knew it had to be played on Sunday morning! It was written by Billy with Gary Haase, and is certainly uplifting.

There was another song on that album that is just perfect for this post, and I am happy to let you hear it. Porter sang the song written by Gospel maestro Kirk Franklin, "Why We Sing". It is beautiful and joyous, just what one wants from music on a Sunday morning.

Both songs can be found on the album 'At The Corner of Broadway & Soul', available on iTunes and Amazon. But I would like to add one more video for this morning. In 2010, Billy, Ari, David and Alan recorded the song written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, amazingly talented songwriters. While it was originally sung by Rod Stewart for the soundtrack to the movie 'Night Shift', it was best known when sung by Dionne Warwick and Friends, featuring Gladys Knight, Elton John and Stevie Wonder. The song raised fund and awareness for AMFAR, American Foundation for AIDS Research. That cover was released in 1985. Twenty-five years later, it was recorded by the new group of friends, to raise money for the worthy cause. And as the Ali Forney Center suffered greatly during Hurricane Sandy, I thought now would be a great time to hear it once again. Here is "That's What Friends Are For", the 2010 version.

You can purchase the single on iTunes or Amazon. You can also donate directly to the Ali Forney Center at their official website.

Sir Ari Gold • Pledge His F**Kn Record

Sir Ari Gold is ready to take on his next project, and is asking if you would like to take this journey with him. He has a couple of things in mind, and one of those is a music video for his next single, "Play My F**Kn Record". Of course, Sir Ari is not one to play 'small', so he is looking to make a 3D video! He is also looking to produce a Remix album, with remixes from 'Between the Spirit & the Flesh' as well as some new tracks written by Ari and collaborator Brandon "Apollo" Pope. And that is not all! He is also working on a documentary, looking back on the first decade of his life as a gay superstar, allowing us all to see what went on both in front of and behind to scenes of Sir Ari's wild ride. When I think of Sir Ari's career, I remember the first time I heard/saw him, with the video for "Wave Of You", off his self-titled 2001 debut.

Yes, I saw that video, and have been a loyal fan since. Gold has continued to make music that has maintained my interest, as well as a bit of my lust. He has managed to combine a personal to his music with a raw energy that is so very sexy. That could truly be seen in the latest video, for the song "My Favorite Religion".

You see, those are just two of the many highlights of the last 10 years in the career of Sir Ari Gold, and I bet, like me, you are left wanting more. If that is the case, you can be a part of it all by joining in with his Indie-Go-Go project. Need a little more temptation? Check out the teaser to the project, with Sir Ari baring his all for you.

Sir Ari Gold • My Favorite Religion

I thought the perfect way to kick off this Easter weekend would be with the latest video from Sir Ari Gold, My Favorite Religion. That is the latest track off the amazing album, Between the Spirit & the Flesh. As always, Ari gives good video. Watch as he debates the relative merits of faith and love, which could very well be the great debate of all times, between the spirit and the flesh. With Sir Ari i the equation, it would be surprising if the spirit ever wins... Enjoy My Favorite Religion.



For more about Sir Ari Gold, visit his official website. You can purchase Between the Spirit & the Flesh on iTunes and Amazon. In truth, you could buy any of Sir Ari's albums; Ari Gold on iTunes or Amazon, Transport Systems on iTunes, or Space Under Sun on iTunes or Amazon; no matter which, listen and they'd all make you happy.

Last Friday Night of 2011

Clockwise: Elephant, Jimmy Somerville, The Young Professionals, and Sir Ari Gold.

As it is the last Friday night of 2011, I thought I would end it with a review of some great party/dance music from the year to date. And some very hot gay men, too. Well, that is just a very nice bonus point, at least for me. And, as you will be able to hear for yourself, some of my favorite dance music comes in all kinds, from Punky Hip-Hop to Neo-Disco to Euro-beats.

I will start off with one of my favorite tracks from the homo-twins, Coleman and Jackson Vrana, with their biting social commentary set to their own brand of Hop-Hop that sounds more Punk than Pop. Using the group name Elephant, the twins assault the listeners with strong language, hard beats, and bold ideas on the four songs off their debut. Take, for example, their video for the song Notorious H.I.V. off the Queer Nation EP. Being a Friday night post, I just think I will mention this is not safe for work, but great for everywhere else.



You can purchase the Queer Nation EP on iTunes and Amazon.

I have made no attempt to hide my complete infatuation with Ivri Lider and his music. I tell you, if I were to ever meet him, I fear I would embarrass myself, and ask him to marry me or something along those lines. Well, that aside, I was eagerly awaiting his first English-language album, which still has yet to hit the stores. However, we were treated to a release by The Young Professionals, an electronic duo featuring Ivri and Yonathan Goldshtein. Their first album, 9:00 to 17:00, 17:00 to Whenever, is a pure electronic pleasure, one irresistible song after another. Check out their video for the single D.I.S.C.O., and just try to not dance while you listen.



You can purchase 9:00 to 17:00, 17:00 to Whenever on iTunes and Amazon.

Not only is Sir Ari Gold unmistakably hot, he is also incredibly talented. And if you pair him with a legendary voice like Miss Sarah Dash, and you have a single that is impossible to resist. And that would give you the song Sparkle, the second single off Between The Spirit & The Flesh. That is a great album, starting with the sexy first single, Make My Body Rock. But here is the video for Sparkle.



You can purchase Between The Spirit & The Flesh on iTunes and Amazon.

And finally, a night of dancing isn't complete without a some Jimmy Somerville to shake my groove-thang to. And this year, Jimmy released the Bright Things EP, and I just had to buy it. I mean, I've been buying Jimmy's music since he was with the Bronski Beat 27 years ago, and I've been addicted to that voice since. Jimmy might have turned 50 this year, but he hasn't lost a step with that voice, and just makes me hungry for more from him. Check out Overload, off Bright Things.



You can purchase Bright Things on iTunes and Amazon.

Cover Boy • Sir Ari Gold

While Sir Ari Gold might be known more for his amazing original songs, his lush and sweet cover of Human by The Human League is certainly worth checking out. He captures the mood of the original, but spreads a little something special, a little bit of Sir Ari on it, to lay claim to it.



For more on Ari, check out his official website here. You can also find his latest album, Between The Spirit and The Flesh, on iTunes here, on Amazon here, and on CD Baby here.