policy with pop

Fight for This Love Today

Why does love always feel like a battlefield?

As you may recall, my love for British pop star Cheryl Cole was on the rocks after she axed X-Factor contestant Ethan Boroian from the competition. However, through her endearing mentorship of eventual winner Joe McElderry, Cheryl has won me over once more.

 
It is fitting that I promote Cheryl Cole’s solo debut single “Fight for This Love” on Valentine’s Day.

This catchy lil ditty is appropriate for all on this day. Whether you’re in a relationship or searching for one, it’s just a feel good song that encourages you to “keep going.” And, the video is not bad to look at either.

But today is not only the holiday of Hallmark. Today also happens to be the Lunar New Year. Many Asian cultures celebrate the New Year based on the lunar calendar. Many believe that what happens on the Lunar New Year reflects on the rest of the year (at least that’s what my mom tells me). So here’s hoping you have an awesome day and year!

In honor of this most auspicious day as well as the Olympics, I’d also like to highlight Asian American figure skater Mirai Nagasu. With an endearing spirit, she has the artistic and athletic potential to be America’s next figure skating star. She’ll be representing the United States at the Olympics. Here’s hoping she medals!

With so much going on, I wish you and your loved ones good health, prosperity and happiness!

It’s Called Clapping, Ryan Kwanten. You Should Try It.

I clap loud. I clad hard. I clap often. (And, no, that is not a euphemism.)

But, do you know who doesn’t clap? That guy from Summerland. Okay, most people know Ryan Kwanten from True Blood, but I don’t have HBO and I’ve never seen the show.

Anyway, I’m sick and watching VH1’s Divas. Ryan Kwanten is in the front row and the man does not clap. Now I understand that host Paula Abdul’s skits and monologues are not funny and do not in and of themselves merit clapping. But, you should clap out of respect for the event and maybe pity for Paula. Everyone in the audience got the memo, except for front-row Kwanten.

VH1 Divas | Divas Video

Every time the camera pans to Kwanten, he is the lone audience member with his hands either to his sides or on the armrests. It is an awkward pattern. But, it becomes down-right wrong when he is non-responsive when Paula introduces Liza Minnelli, who is sitting in the second row behind him. (Why on God’s green earth did VH1 seat Liza Minnelli behind Ryan Kwanten at a Divas show!?!). I start screaming at the TV and the True Blood star – It’s called clapping! CLAP!

Now I recognize my outburst may be an overreaction – hey, I’m sick and a wee bit cranky – but it’s freaking Liza Minnelli, a living legend. Alright I’ll be honest… I vaguely know why she’s a legend. She’s a famous Broadway actress or something, right? Maybe my ignorance is a pop sin… But, at least I would clap for her.

Clapping is a good thing that should be given generously. Am I right? Or am I right? Or perhaps you prefer Ryan Kwanten’s style – less is more?

Independent Pop Day!

It’s time for the annual PolicyWithPop.com song of the summer speculation and declaration! This time honored event occurs around the fourth of July and is celebrating its 2nd year in action… As you recall, I went with the Jason Mraz tune of “I’m Yours” last year.

This year is a bit more difficult for me to choose my personal favorite. I’ve been busy in DC and hardly have time to listen to new music. I do have a radio alarm clock but I only have it on one station (94.7 Fresh fm). It plays 1990’s and early 2000’s classics. Listening to old songs like Oasis’ “Wonderwall” or DHT’s “Listen to Your Heart” is actually comforting after a long day. However, it makes it hard to keep track of current popular music. But I will try.

I’m actually digging Jordin Sparks’ “Battlefield.” Not sure if it is a huge radio or iTunes hit but it’s stuck in my head (Why does love have to feel like a battlefield?). Watch her video:

Jordin Sparks - New Music - More Music Videos

Beyonce’s “Ego” is pretty sweet too.

Beyoncé - New Music - More Music Videos

Which song is dominating your head this summer? Sound off.

Happy Fourth of July!

Remember the Time with Michael Jackson

As you’ve probably heard from friends’ Facebook statuses and the constant media coverage, Michael Jackson has passed away. His death nearly killed the internet too.

Michael’s impact is undeniable. His musical career is one that is unparalleled - thirteen #1 US hits as a solo artist, the biggest sell album in the world with Thriller, and selling a total of 750 million albums worldwide (and counting). With the moonwalk, the white glove and unforgettable videos, Michael has created iconic dance moves and set the standard for all music video. Musicians have sung their praise for Michael’s brilliance and credit his groundbreaking music career as inspiring theirs.

That said, Michael’s private life was controversial. There were questions about alterations to his image - from plastic surgeries to his change skin color. He was accused of child molestation in 1993 and then again in 2005, in which Michael was tried and acquitted.  There was also the baby dangling incident. And, since the late-1990’s, Michael was reportedly broke and living off the charity of his rich friends. Now as questions arise about how he died, there are claims that he was addicted to drugs.

While no one can deny Michael’s legacy in the music world is unparalleled, his life seemed complicated.

When we remember those that pass away, how should we remember them? Only the good? Or do certain bad actions discount the positive aspect of one’s life?

How will you remember Michael Jackson?

Open Letter to David Archuleta

I need to get something off my chest… and PolicyWithPop is the only venue I have to express it. So here goes.

I hate it when my favorite celebrities make bad career choices. And, David Archuleta might be making one by flubbing a golden opportunity this upcoming Wednesday. Someone has to warn him. So here’s my first open letter to a celebrity...

Dear David Archuleta,

You can sing the phone book and make it sound good. No doubt. But, I implore you: Don’t sing “A Little Too Not Over You” on American Idol’s Wednesday result show as planned. That performance will hurt your career more than help it.

Here’s why: It’s not a good song. It doesn’t highlight your voice. The song is not catchy. Quite frankly, it is bland. And, I’m speaking as a loyal fan (who apparently likes to give constructive feedback).

Just look at its chart performance. “A Little Too Not Over You” has been released for a few months now and hasn’t picked up much traction on radio or in sales. The pop song may satisfy some of your tween fans – an important group for sure – but it also turns away older crowds.

Don’t be a Kidz Bop singer. You are more than that. And your management and label should recognize this.

America fell in love with your tender-but-powerful voice and aw-shucks personality. Use your Idol performance to reintroduce America to that David Archuleta. Sing a touching ballad. Remind people of your amazing voice and the emotion you can convey while singing.

Sing “You Can” on American Idol. You’ll be more true to yourself and sell more records.

Best wishes,
Rich of PolicyWithPop.com

PS. If your management and label were smart, “You Can” would be your 3rd single release and marketed as a wedding/love song – just in time for spring and summer weddings and prom. But that’s just my opinion…

Valentine's Song You Love

Oh Valentine’s Day… it can be an oh-so joyous occasion filled with romance and the works. Or it can be a sad, sad day…

Given that love claims the day, policy will take a break. It’s a Saturday after all.

So let me ask: What song best fits this Valentine’s Day?

I pick American Idol runner-up David Archuleta’s unreleased “You Can.” It is the perfect love song. Watch Archuleta perform the song live:

Whether you’re celebrating, loathing or ignoring Valentine’s, I wish you a good day.

NTV's The District Episode 2: "Barack's Friends Let Him Down..."

Newsweek is at it again. Episode 2 of The District follows the tax problems plaguing some of President Obama’s cabinet nominees.

What do you think of Obama taking responsibility of his nominees’ mistakes?

And, what’s up with adding clips of The City and The Hills After Show? I know The District is spoofing them but I personally think the inclusion of those clips detracts from The District. What do you think?

Workin' It at the Inauguration

In case you missed it, Barack Obama was sworn in President of the United States this past Tuesday (or maybe Wednesday).

Now plenty of celebrities participated in the historic and prestigious event. Some of them performed in honor of President Obama. But, let’s also be real. They were also there to promote their current projects.

Take Beyonce. She sang Etta James’ “At Last” for the Obamas’ first dance together as President and First Lady.

While the song title is symbolically appropriate for the inauguration of our first black President, it also serves to highlight the fact that Beyonce portrays Etta James in the biopic “Cadillac Records” in theatres now.

Mariah Carey performed her classic hit “Hero” and dedicated it to Obama.

Now Mariah has sung this song at different events which invoked hope or the need for it – Live 8 and America: A Tribute to Heroes (the 9/11 telethon). Thus, it makes sense that she would sing “Hero” in honor of Mr. Hope himself. She has no reason to promote an old song... Yes and no. “Hero” is a fine selection from the Mariah catalog to sing for Obama. But “Hero” is featured on her new greatest hits album “The Ballads,” which coincidentally was released on inauguration day.

Now I’m not dissin’ these divas and other performers. You can honor, promote and work it! Do you disagree? Is it kinda tacky? Let me now.

And who else do you think slyly promoted his/her work while honoring the President? Who did it the best?

My vote goes to the J. Crew. When you become the pseudo-official clothing of the First Family, you know you done good.

And which entertainer do you think hurt more than helped his/her career at the inauguration?

Unfortunately, I think that goes to poet Elizabeth Alexander. I’m not sophisticated in poetry (far from it) but I didn’t connect to her poem, “Praise Song for the Day.” I was hoping to. Maybe you can explain it to me.

Oh by the way, you can buy a copy of Alexander’s “Praise Song for the Day” too.

Opportunities

“I say my power should be our power.” If you have an idea for a post or want to submit a post for PolicyWithPop.com, send it to rich[at]policywithpop.com. By emailing me a submission, you agree that it is your own original work and give me permission to edit and post it on PolicyWithPop.com. Sorry to get all legal-like on y’all.

 

On a different note: If you want to go to Obama’s inauguration but can’t make it, don’t fret. One of my former schoolmates (Zot! Zot! Zot!) told me about a new project she is working on - LinkLive.org. The site will provide you with inauguration coverage via video, blogging, pictures, etc. Plus, LinkLive.org has a networking component. Check it out.

 

TRIVIA: Be the first one to name me the character that said the first quote in bold and identify the school I went to based on the next bold text, and I’ll send you a prize. Post your answer in the comments section and make sure to fill out the email address slot (so I can contact you). Good luck.

Jack & Bobby Go To School

As many are entering or returning to school, here is the best speech I have ever seen on TV about college and life, courtesy of Jack and Bobby:

Are there any fictional speeches that have moved you?