Looking back, my childhood record collection should have set off gaydars everywhere. Little did I know that my favorites were icons of the LGBT community, much less that they would have long-lasting careers. My musical tastes were not always popular ones; this was evidenced by having to peel a Culture Club record off a dartboard and having a George Michael 45 used as a discus.
My notebooks were decorated with drawings of Cyndi Lauper, Boy George and Madonna. Lauper's successful debut, She's So Unusual, earned her a Grammy for Best New Artist. Her vocal approach on her cover of Prince's 'When U Were Mine' blurs the lyrics about her ex-boyfriend ( 'I know you're goin' with another guy' ) and the catchy chorus of 'She Bop' kept me from uncovering its true meaning. Her tic-tac-toe-etched hairdo may be gone, but Lauper returns with Bring Ya to the Brink, which is her first album of newly penned material since 1997's Sisters of Avalon. This Epic release is highlighted by house-flavored pop ( 'Into the Nightlife,' 'Same Ol' Story' ) , electronic delights ( 'Lay Me Down,' 'Grab a Hold' ) and disco-inspired anthems ( 'Set Your Heart' ) . This is her best work since her breakthrough solo debut. The 'Shine' singer will be at The Chicago Theatre as part of the True Colors Tour Tues., June 10.
I fondly remember going to library to check out Blondie's Parallel Lines repeatedly. This 1978 classic features the mega-hit 'Heart of Glass,' the often-licensed 'One Way or Another' and the underappreciated rocking love song 'Picture This.' Deborah Harry and the guys will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of Parallel Lines with a concert at The Lincoln Park Zoo, Fri., June 27. To commemorate this, a special deluxe edition of this timeless album will be released June 24 that includes videos, live tracks, remixes and rarities.
Martha Wash's love affair with club goers began in the '70s as she sang back-up for Sylvester in Two Tons O' Fun. Then with the Weather Girls, she hit the big time with the camp classic 'It's Raining Men,' which was co-written by David Letterman's musical sidekick, Paul Schaffer. Freestyle and house outfits Seduction, Black Box and C&C Music Factory used the vocal powerhouse's singing without giving Wash the proper credit or featuring her in the accompanying videos. The soprano has since landed own hits. Whether it is dance ( 'Give It To You,' 'Listen to the People' ) , R&B ( 'I Who Have Nothing' with Luther Vandross ) , gospel ( 'Hold On, Part 2' ) or jazz ( 'Taking Away Your Space' ) , this songstress possesses one of the finest voices in the industry. Wash will be at Chicago's PrideFest Sat., June 28.
How did the public miss the obvious concerning George Michael's sexuality? In retrospect, the fluorescent attire in the 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' video, the Top Gu- inspired bad boy look from the Faith era and his flawless facial hair should have been telltale signs. Michael's double-disc set, 25, contains his guilty pleasures from Wham!, his pin-up pop hits from Faith and duets with divas like Elton John and Mary J. Blige. The out star makes an overdue return with a concert at the United Center Wed., July 9.
When I first heard Upstairs at Eric's by Yaz, I thought the music was transported from the future. It is otherworldly, thanks to Alison Moyet's androgynous vocal delivery, Vince Clarke's synthesizers and that giggle sampled on 'Situation.' Although Yaz only had two proper albums, the pioneering duo is releasing a box set, In Your Room, that is loaded with remixes and outtakes as well as remastered versions of the duo's original outings. Yaz is embarking on a reunion tour with a stop at The Chicago Theatre Mon., July 14.
In grade school, I called the radio station with hopes of scoring Culture Club tickets. It was my only shot, since my paper-route money was already spent on vinyls or watever Culture Club books had pictures of back-up singer Helen Terry. It didn't work. To this day, the quartet's song 'That's the Way' remains my all time favorite. While the Culture Club reformation with Sam Butcher as the new vocalist never took off, Boy George has carried on, albeit mostly by making headlines instead of hits. His overlooked recent collaborations with French chanteuse Regine, Antony and The Johnsons, Amanda Ghost, Sash! and Loverush UK have his signature tragically soulful vocals. The Boy will take to the stage at the House of Blues Thurs., Aug. 7, where he will belt out both Culture Club and solo material.
Duran Duran may have been the darlings of MTV's heyday, but it is Madonna whose ongoing affair with music videos has lasted. Her first captivating clips, 'Burning Up' and 'Borderline,' introduced the world to a pop phenomenon, leading to legions aping Madonna's lacy tramp look—I will be the first to admit to owning rubber washer bracelets. It has not always been an 'easy ride' for her—just recall the forgettable videos for 'Who's That Girl,' 'Love Profusion' and 'Jump,' or the backlash surrounding 'Erotica' and 'American Life.' Madonna will be promoting her hip-hop-hued hit album Hard Candy at the United Center on Sun., Oct. 26 and Mon., Oct. 27.
On an episode of The Golden Girls, Rose is called out for not being a natural blonde, like Tina Turner. Wigs aside, Turner's opus Private Dancer marks one of the greatest comebacks in pop music. Her sold-out stadium tours are legendary, as she is the ultimate showperson. Turner remains one of the few artists about whom few speak unfavorably—with reason, too. The 'Proud Mary' singer has been persuaded to tour again—by Sophia Loren, no less. The leggy rocker is due to be at The United Center Oct. 3-4 and at The Allstate Arena Mon., Oct. 6. Now don't even get me started on how that 'raggedy man' Mel Gibson should have retired after appearing in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome alongside Turner.
