Even though it has been just over a year since Adam Lambert serenaded his way into the public's hearts as the wildly popular contestant on American Idol, an episode of E! True Hollywood Story will be dedicated to the openly gay star.
The Indianapolis-born Glambert shocked viewers with his over-the-top performance of "For Your Entertainment" at The American Music Awards. A comeback followed when his next single "Whatdya Want from Me" cracked the top 10, then "If I Had You" topped Logo's Click List.
The episode of E! True Hollywood Story will premiere Sunday, Nov. 21. Lambert has an acoustic album due out shortly.
He has charm, personality and handsome looks to spare. Now Robbie Williams has a double disc retrospective In and out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990-2010. His smug charisma seems to be inherited from Sean Connery's James Bond and Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Holly Johnson. I was living overseas when Williams left the boy band Take That. The outcry was so profound that there were crisis hotlines to console those in despair over his departure. Now, he is reuniting with Take That, who scored a hit stateside with "Back to Good" in 1995.
A 39-track collection might seem a bit much, considering Williams' chart success has eluded America. This set includes his duet with Kylie Minogue ( "Kids" ) , a pairing with Nicole Kidman ( "Somethin' Stupid" ) , the video-bar hit "Rock DJ," his effort with the Pet Shop Boys "She's Madonna" and "Angels," of which Jessica Simpson did an uninspired cover. By remaking George Michael's "Freedom," Williams displays he too needs credibility after being in a sugary pop group. My favorite here is "Millennium," just one of the many moments where Williams shows off his knack at word play. The new single "Shame" is with Take That member Gary Barlow. The accompanying video is hilarious, as the lads sort out their problems in song and end up on a wilderness getaway, not too unlike a scene from Brokeback Mountain.
In 2005, Williams won a libel case over publications which cited that he is a closeted homosexual. The sum was donated to LGBT charities. He has been in public relationships with women, but it seems like he would turn to his gay fan base to blow a kiss to keep them wanting more. Just check out the video "Do What U Like." Now, Williams and his wife want to start having children and the British pop star said on 2Day FM's Kyle and Jackie O Show that he hopes he will have a gay kid. In and out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990-2010 is out now.
On his latest, Olympia, Bryan Ferry remains a cool, suave, seductive man. The martini in his hand is virtually visible as heard on "Alphaville." Flashbacks to Roxy Music's "Avalon" are undeniable when listening to "Me Oh My," "No Face, No Name, No Number" or "BF Bass ( Ode to Olympia ) ." The Groove Armada collaboration "Shameless" is a standout, as it is more upbeat and more experimental in its song structure. Olympia has A-list guests with Dave Stewart, Nile Rogers, Jake Shears and Brian Eno among the many contributors. Even supermodel Kate Moss poses for the album's cover and sleeve.
Roxy Music is reuniting for a European tour. Need "More Than This?" Check out M People's drum n bass take on "Avalon" from the overlooked album Fresco. Also Rollo and Sister Bliss of Faithless remixed "Love Is the Drug" in 1996. Ferry's Olympia is out now.
With the holidays approaching and seasonal parties looming, it is time to spice up those playlists to add a newfound incentive to workouts. The New Dance Mix USA mixed by Louie DeVito offers popular songs by Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Ke$ha and Train remixed to fit in with dance radio staples. This double disc set has plenty off goodies, including Wynter Gordon's "Dirty Talk" and Alexia Jordan's heart-warming anthem "Happiness." Even alternative darlings Yeah Yeah Yeahs show up with the A-Trak Remix of "Heads Will Roll." Dennis Ferrer steals the spotlight with "Hey Hey," which has the catchy, repetitive refrain "I heard you say." But do we really need a 2010 version of "My Humps" by Black Eyed Peas or the overplayed "Whoomp! ( There It Is ) ?" Yet, hearing the new takes on "Lick It" and "Gypsy Woman" brought a smile to my face. The New Dance Mix USA is out now.
On Party Groove: Pride 10, New York's DJ Max Rodriguez mixes together a fantastic collection of favorites modernized with a high energy twist. Debby Holiday joins John Lepage and LHB to remake Sarah Washington's tea-party classic "Heaven." Holiday nails the uplifting chorus flawlessly. Chicago powerhouse vocalist Suzanne Palmer redoes "Fame" with Bill Bennett. Other hits from back in the day that are covered here are Erasure's " ( A Little ) Respect," M People's "Movin' on Up," Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" and Fleetwood Mac's "Gypsy."
Party Groove: Pride 10 is just one of those fun dance compilations where you know most of the material, but it is tailored for today. POPular Volume 6 and Party Groove: Gay Days Volume 7 are other Centaur releases that also would make ideal gym buddies.
