In the beginning, there was this super blonde, shoulder pads-and-bangs person that invaded my So You Think You Can Dance program. Was she foreign? Who did she think she was coming out like a star? Then she blew up, and gained immense popularity in the gay scene. I thought the songs were catchy and dancey enough, but I lumped her in with all the other pop/R&B fluff that (at the time) I despised. I think I resented her even more because she did have such a…fierce gay following, and I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about. Did we really need another dance diva?
Then came the VMA performance with the blood. For the first time, I saw performance art that appealed to me. I like weird and certainly don’t mind a bit of shock value, plus she was singing live which I appreciated. Maybe there was something to her after all. Research time! Several acoustic piano performances on YouTube later, I realized that she has some real musical talent, both in voice and piano. What was happening to me?
Then the Bad Romance song and video appeared, and I immediately crossed over. Either my sensibilities changed, or the songs got better, who knows, but I was sold. More weirdness and extravagance followed, and I was happy now that she was moving away from her former incarnation (although I now like all her previous songs). Telephone, meat dress, etc. I’ve been along for the ride. But I’ve never known what side of the is-she-for-real-or-is-she-a-packaged-product debate I stood on, until recently.
Let’s get one thing straight. Yes, she’s famous. She’s now admitted to studying the sociology of fame and planning her every move. Of course there are things that are said and done for dramatic effect, but one thing I don’t doubt is that she loves her music and fans. There’s such a backlash about Born This Way sounding like Madonna. Everyone is influenced by other artists, and she’s 23 or 24…is it surprising that early 90s Madonna would have influenced the kid? Aside from two lines, I don’t hear the Madonna reference. To me it’s just reminiscent of late 80s/early 90s optimistic, anthemic pop that (in my world) is sorely lacking, and is exactly why I LOVE the song. And the video creates a character, concept and mythology, which I love. Bottom line, I am happy someone is sending out this message of acceptance in a time when I’m still told I don’t deserve the right to marry. You go, girl. Express yourself.
You people get ready for a euphoric, exuberant, badass spring, cuz it’s comin’ straiiiiight atchya.
Petropolis
I love it! See I was the opposite but after that 60 minutes interview you couldnt help but realize that she is one smart cookie. Hell even my aim is named after her lol.
ReplyDeleteYeah Pauly! I remember watching you as you fell in love with Gaga.....and I totally agree about the Madonna thing. I vaguely hear something somewhat similar in a very small way but it's obviously not a copy. Madonna is one of her idols, so what if she's influenced by her? It doesn't mean she's copying. You go boy! Miss ya!
ReplyDeletethanks for getting me into Gaga. She is beautiful just like you! you're on the right track baby cuz you were born this way:)
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