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Tactician's Redemption

Though the 54th annual Grammy awards did indeed have a somber undertone with the tragic death of magnificent songstress Whitney Houston: life as we all know it does in fact go on.  And so it did for rising British pop star Adele, who took home six trophies including the prestigious trifecta of record, song and album of the year.  The young British recording artist also gave a triumphant performance of her hit single “Rolling in the Deep” after having had recent vocal cord surgery.  Other notable Grammy events include Katy Perry’s fiery post-breakup performance done of course with blue hair, and Nicki Minaj’s extremely bizarre and god awful ‘exorcism’ themed performance that was subsequently deemed blasphemous by the Catholic Church.  Luckily Paul Mccartney closed the night off with some dignity performing some of Abbey Road with Bruce Springsteen and some others.  Adele’s acceptance speech was brief, commenting that the album was inspired by something that we have all experienced: a ‘rubbish relationship’.  And let’s be honest, nothing cures heartbreak like searing hot success.  I don’t know who her ex is but let’s assume he’s having second thoughts about his decision right about now.  Indeed Adele’s album sounds pretty good if you’ve ever experienced heartbreak, and we all have, so let’s take a look at this talented singer and songwriter from Tottenham.

Continue reading Tactician's Redemption

Celestial Tactics

Music’s biggest night had a solemn undertone as the 54th Annual Grammy Awards was overshadowed by the tragic death of beloved music icon Whitney Houston.  The singer’s death happened in Los Angeles about 24 hours prior to the awards show, and gave the Grammy’s their best ratings since 1984 as people tuned in to see tributes to the former singer/songwriter.  Host of the show LL Cool J kicked off the night with a touching prayer in honor of Whitney, while fellow singer Jennifer Hudson gave a vocal tribute to the late songstress by singing her classic I Will Always Love You.  The night was otherwise rather straight forward except for British newcomer Adele claiming a record six Grammys including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Album of the Year.  Let’s however go ahead and take a look at the woman who is often heralded as one of the best female vocalists of all time, the legendary Whitney Houston.

Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey the daughter of a gospel singer and an entertainment executive.  Houston’s extraordinary vocal talent shined early as she sang in her local choir, and often sang along with her mothers vocal performances.  Indeed Whitney’s talents were exceptional, cited as the most-awarded female act of all time with over 415 total awards in her lifetime including six Grammys.  Sociable, outspoken, emotionally expressive, with her heart on her sleeve Whitney Houston was a Performer Artisan.  Unfortunately Performers are perhaps the most susceptible temperament to temptation, as evidenced by her run-ins with drug addiction.  Let’s however focus on the positive: and instead of mourning her death, let’s celebrate the life of this magnificent and vibrant singer Whitney Houston.

Quote1.png From the beginning, the camera and I were great friends. It loves me, and I love it. Quote2.png

  Whitney Houston

Romantic Diplomacy

The nominees for the 54th annual Grammy awards were announced Wednesday night and Kanye West (middle) leads the pack with 7 nods.  Adele (left), the Foo Fighters, and Bruno Mars followed close behind with 6 nominations each, while Lil’ Wayne and Skrillex both earned 5.  Full list of nominations here.  Squaring off for the award shows top honor of album of the year will be Adele (21), Foo Fighters (Wasting Light)Lady Gaga (Born This Way), Bruno Mars (Doo-Wops & Hooligans) and Rihanna (Loud).  Notable snubs include Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now for Album of the Year, Beyonce in general, and Lady Gaga‘s Born This Way for Song of the Year.  Looking on the bright side however for the Album of the Year award we will definitely be spared one of Taylor Swift‘s infamous over-the-top “oh my god I can’t believe it” speeches that she keeps pulling out of her ass.  Idiocy aside let’s take a look at rising star and hopeless romantic Bruno Mars.

Peter Gene Hernandez a.k.a Bruno Mars is a Filipino-American singer and songwriter who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii into a family of musicians.  Mars began making music at a young age, and after graduating high-school moved to LA to pursue a career in music.  A talented producer with a great voice and a charming smile, Mars drew from a wide variety of styles and influences, and quickly found his place in the music industry.  Using his childhood nickname Bruno, Hernandez added Mars because “a lot of girls say that I’m out of this world, so I was like I guess I’m from Mars.”  Mars’ debut album Doo Wops and Hooligans was released this October and gave him 6 grammy nominations.  The album is riddled with altruism, romance, and intense emotional experiences.   A hopeless romantic, highly in-touch with his feelings, extremely expressive, and fiercely independent Bruno Mars is undoubtedly a Champion Idealist.  Indeed Bruno exudes a kind of “spontaneous personal authenticity”, and communicates such through his unique musical style.  Bruno is characteristically positive in his outlook, and is surprised when people or events do not turn out as anticipated, as evidenced by his somewhat somber ‘trophy song’ Grenade.  Despite seemingly having his heart broken something tells me Bruno is gonna be ok:

Often their [Champions’] confidence in the innate goodness of life and human nature is a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Please Understand Me II, p. 156

The 54th annual Grammy awards airs February 12th on CBS.

Quote1.png We just hope that it touched people.  And we can’t wait to work on album two!Quote2.png

Bruno Mars