People Magazine and Jennifer Lopez

First, Congrats to Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony on their two new additions. Okay, now that I have got the formalities off my chest, on to the critique. On the cover of the latest issue of People magazine, Jennifer Lopez in all of her post pregnancy glory gives the magazine first access to pictures of her beautiful twins. So, we are given a very picturesque image of Lopez and her babies. A People magazine exclusive,how did they get so lucky? Well, the picture is warm, fuzzy, cozy, and serene. Lopez looks the part of the happy new mom. But, we'd expect nothing less from such a top notch actress.
Well, the magazine cover is where the warm fuzzy feelings end. People has devoted a ten page spread to showcase JLO and Anthony's beautiful babies, right? Wrong, all the pictures seem to be more about showing Jennifer in very contrived and self-indulgent poses with her babies. It's almost as if she said, "This photo shoot is about me. I carried these babies for nine months and my ass got fatter. I want to feel pretty again, dammit!" No, I exaggerate. But, if you look at these photos you get a sort of icky feeling. Her intentions feel really disingenious. If you are going to invite People magazine into your home and show your new born babies to the world, shouldn't it be a real organic experience? There was no spontaneity to the pictures; they seem more like JLO playing mommy for the camera versus just being mommy. One of the pictures features JLO in a gorgeous gown standing next to the babies carriage and of course, Anthony is right by her side. What makes the picture so appalling is the look on JLO's face. She's holding one of her twins as if it is an accessory to ascent her gown and hair. And, the look on her face suggest she can't wait for the nanny to get this funny smelling baby out of her arms.
I am taken back to the mid 90s when Madonna offered the world a first look at pictures of she and Lordress ( God I hope I spelled that right), but not to digress too much, the pictures were intimate and vulnerable. The public really saw Madonna in a new light, a new role, and I believe that is what truly resonates with your public, when they see you as Christina Aguilera might say, "Just me, Stripped." Maybe I'm being to harsh, but nothing about People's EXCLUSIVE inside look at JLO's twins seems to be about the babies, but more about her ego. Shame on you JLO.

New Spring 2008 Music: Hits and Misses

Spring is upon us and that means new music.
Full Disc
Danity Kane- Welcome to the Doll House**

Five Hot Girls, what more do I need to say? Well, apparently Diddy is relying on that same sentiment inherent in most pop music fans shallow dispositions to sell Danity Kane's second sophomore disc. I am not necessarily saying this album will be a flop, but it's too generic and bland. These girls all have yet to define who they are in pop/r&b music. Their sound is so heavily manufactured and overproduced that even now, unlike their first disc, vocally each girl is really indistinguishable from the next. Part of the appeal of girl groups is that their is always at least one or two lead singers that pretty much sell the group. Think about groups such as, the Supremes, Destiny's Child, En Vogue, Expose, and the Pussycat Dolls, one person's vocals really defined these groups. Yes, it is great when you hear each member sing, and more importantly that the public knows they can all sing; it just makes the group seem more legitimate as artists. Unfortunately, Danity Kane lacks any vocal identity or maturity. There is nothing really characteristic about the group's sound that will take them to the next level. However, the album does have some luminous parts,as a result of stellar production, similar to Miss Brittany's latest album 'The Blackout.' Overall it's just okay; I don't see this record being successful outside of the first single. Download these: "Damaged," "Pretty Boy,"Sucka for your Love," and "Bad Girl."




Singles,
Madonna- 4 Minutes to Save the World****
With such and awkward title, one might expect Madge's first single to be a real bore, but it is quite the opposite. In fact, this single could be well on it's way to the umber one spot atop of Billboard's Hot 100 singles list,for the Queen herself. Madonna's last number one hit was 2000's "Music." However, I predict "4 Minutes" will be her next chart topper. The single is infectious and bold. With the pulsating marching band style beat and of course, the irresistible Timberlake and Timbaland connection, Madonna's new producutin crew might just be the catalyst she needs to send this record straight to numero uno!


Mariah Carey- Touch My Body***
If it ain't broke, don't fix it, the old adge proves true on Mimi's latest effort. In 2005, Mariah reached music prominence again with her vindication disc, "The Emancipation of Mimi," although I question her usage of the word 'Emancipation' girl were you really in bondage? I think not. This time around, in 2008, Mariah has opted to continue to reiterate her sexy sexy. Nothing about "Touch my Body" is really new or innovative, but Mariah is consistent, which deserves some credit. She knows what her audience expects; and she delivers. Mariah has not been one to digress from the formula, and when you know what works; you have to go with it. But, I think this single lacks a little substance; vocally, it is pretty sub-par. But the it is somewhat melodic and I can see people cruising down the road to Miss E=MC2.