Music Review: Madonna ‘Celebration’

Madonna’s recent release of “Celebration,” the Queen of Pop’s compilation of her greatest hits, may have its cons but overall is worthy of purchase by any mild to semi-spicy Madonna fan. The 36 tracks that made the cut for the 2 disc album were chosen by both the legendary singer and her fans, which in itself makes “Celebration” all the more likeable. My first reaction with “Celebration” was a yay! for the choice of both her opening and ending tracks. The first disc begins with a bang with “Hung Up,” a personal favorite of Madonna’s in her recent years which succeeds as an excellent party dance track. I also love her choice of her recent single “Celebration” to close the album, which compliments “Hung Up” and helps shape the album’s journey in a lovely arc. Although the song is simple and repetitive, “Celebration” is a showcase of Madonna’s talent and understanding for the dance genre.

For the mild to medium Madonna fan, this album will be a perfect fit, as it includes her most played hits, like “Material Girl,” “Like a Virgin,” “Holiday,” and “Ray of Light.” All songs on the 2 discs have been remastered and edited, perhaps not to everyone’s liking. “4 Minutes” has been edited down to just over 3 minutes, with the dramatic opening cut completely. However, the songs do sound of prime quality and will please the casual Madonna listener’s ears.

Although I see one of the strongest features of “Celebration” to be the order of the selected songs, as they really give a story to the journey of Madonna’s career and changing sound, I realize that the album has a few downsides for the spiciest of Madonna’s fans. For those who have followed her music with a passionate devotion, there is sure to be disappointment at the absence of some of her more obscure yet beloved songs, such as “True Blue” and “Human Nature.” Also, as all tracks have been remastered and edited, some of the classic tunes may have lost a quality that the originals held.

While “Celebration” may be more of an unenthusiastic woohoo for the spicy Madonna fan, I feel it’s a great choice for your car ride or a night with friends, and is most definitely a great selection for those casual fans or those who’ve been harboring a longtime secret love for the Queen of Pop.

Flavor of fans to buy: Mild to moderately spicy

What do you think of Madonna’s new album ‘Celebration’? Vote HERE!

Artist To Watch – Emily Wells

Emily Wells is a 26 year old LA based musician who creates a sound as difficult to describe as it is unique. She infuses hip-hop with classical music and indie experimental rock, and grabs you with her haunting singing style. Emily puts on a truly mesmerizing live show, building each song live on stage by looping her different sounds. She’ll use a violin, a child’s xylophone, a keyboard, and that’s just getting started. Emily is known for her “symphonies,” and she will knock you down with her smooth and evocatively sensual rendition of the Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy.” Listen to both her and Biggie’s version below and be sure to check out her myspace page at www.myspace.com/emilywells.

Check out Emily Wells ‘Juicy’ -

And here’s Biggie’s ‘Juicy’ –

Rising YouTube Star – Kat Badar

Have you heard of Kat Badar??

I’m concerned that I hadn’t before yesterday…listen to this voice!

Kat has over 20,000 subscribers on youtube and her cover of “Run this Town” with Traphik (timothydelaghetto2) was given notice thanks to a tweet from Ashton Kutcher. This girl, although obviously young and amateur, has a natural talent with a lot of power. Watching her sing, its easy to see (and hear) she has true passion and soul behind that incredible potential.

Check out her soulful cover of Musiq Soulchild’s “Don’t Change” with Jeff Bernat below and catch “Run this Town” (below) and subscribe to her youtube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/katbadar.

Band To Watch Out For – Repeater

These guys have some real talent!

Repeater is a group with a unique sound that is somewhat gothic yet searing. I had the pleasure of catching one of their shows a while back and was blown away! The lyrics are poetic and full of fervor, the melodies are dark yet hopeful and drive into you, and when they perform they play with true rock and roll passion. Their polished sound is laced with influences from The Cure, a contribution by their world-class producer, Ross Robinson, who has worked with The Cure and bands such as Korn and Limp Bizkit.

Check out their song “The Gifted and the Damned” below, and if you’re in the Los Angeles area you can catch them at Boardner’s on October 9th in Hollywood. Get more show info and hear more of their tunes at www.myspace.com/repeaterband.

The Gifted and the Damned –

Download Repeater’s album Iron Flowers here

Band To Watch Out For – Links

Links is a band native to the Los Angeles area, and the buzz about them is quickly getting loud around town! They recently filmed an episode for the MTV show “The Hills” which will be airing in October. This week they opened for Cursive at the Beauty Bar in Las Vegas – pictures and video soon to come! Currently they are in the process of recording with reputable producers, and as I’ve already had the privilege of hearing some of the rough cuts, I can tell you it’s an EP you won’t want to miss! You can check out their music and upcoming shows at www.myspace.com/linksband – get a taste of their soulful side with “Doubt” and “Coldwater.” If you’re in the LA area, you can check out a free show at Spaceland in Silverlake on Monday the 28th at 9pm.

Catch “Doubt” below –

Thoughts?