MY TAKE ON THE M.I.A. THING

I like M.I.A. a lot - her Maya LP was one of my favorites of 2010. And I don't hold up the Super Bowl as an event that should set any kind of moral standards, even if it *is* the most watched TV show of the year. But I do think that if the NFL is going to get Madonna to perform, and if she's going to have M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj with her, they should be ready for something that isn't rated G.  Straight up.

That said, if M.I.A. wanted to make some sort of statement, she should have done it.  The middle finger didn't really have much of a point, as far as I could tell.  If she had a statement to make, I wouldn't have had a problem with that, even if it was "off-message" as far as the NFL was concerned.

Madonna's new song, "Give Me All Your Lovin'" isn't that great (I wanted to like it, the idea of Madonna, Minaj and M.I.A. on one track is a cool one), and this brought a lot of attention to it that it wouldn't otherwise have gotten (and maybe that was the point).

All that said, Madonna looked great, and I like M.I.A.'s new song, "Bad Girls." I look forward to her next record, which is coming out later this year.

SO... THIS LADY GAGA GAL

A confession: before preparing for VH1's Top 40 Videos of 2009, I had never seen a Lady Gaga video.  I had seen some clips, but that was it. I'm not being a contrarian,  I really hadn't.  Of course I'd seen pictures, and I read her Rolling Stone cover story, which kind of impressed me. I say that with a bit of a caveat: I'm not quite as impressed with her as lots of othre people are. Yes, she plays piano and writes songs, but those songs, to me, are not much differnet than what I imagine the denizens of the "Jersey Shore" listen to. (And no, I haven't seen that show either. I live in New Jersey and went to college in Long Island, I think I've seen the story before.) Most of those artists have no persona nor any media savviness, and so they are forgotten about the moment they fall off of the charts. Gaga brings some of that Madonna and even Marilyn Manson self-marketing to the game. She's grabbed hold of our attention and she won't let go.  I actually watched an inteview with her, when I filmed her appearance on SIRIUS XM Hits 1 a few weeks ago. I thought it was interesting that she carries herself as both a pop superstar and at the same time, more "artsy" than you. But doens't come off as a bitch or a diva. She's actually very smart and very canny.

She also talks about "redefining the idea of what is beautiful." I don't think she really does that. If she plays down her Warholian wardrobe and dresses like a Jersey Shore girl, I bet all the guys down there would have no problem with her. Beth Ditto on the other hand, could maybe redefine the idea of what is beautiful. But I don't think the general public would buy into that.

Back in the '80s when Madonna released her first album, I remember her being really polarizing, and I didn't have a strong opinion of her either way, but I didn't think she would be around for long. That was based on the music, which was nice pop, but I didn't know much about her personality. By the time she released Like A Prayer, I realized she was kind of the real deal and would be around for just as long as she wants to be. Now she is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and I think she deserves that, she's more rock and roll than Leonard Cohen or The Eagles. I wonder if Gaga has a Like A Prayer in her though.

TOMORROW ON OUTQ: MADONNA, MIRANDA, NOISETTES

Last week on OutQ, I mentioned we'd be giving it
up to the ladies this week, and I'll come through on that promise. We'll be talking about Madonna's new song from her greatest hits album Celebration (Larry Flick actually wrote the liner notes to this collection). Also, Miranda Lambert's new album Revolution. Miranda is probably my favorite mainstream country artist in recent years. And, Noisettes, a British soul group, who get played on both SIRIUSXM's adult contemporary channel The Pulse and also The Underground Garage. They have the old Spector-esque girl group vibe going. I dig them. Here, check out their recent performance of "Never Forget You" from the SIRIUSXM studios.

TOMORROW ON OUTQ: DIVAS!

Tomorrow on OutQ, I'll be talking about divas.

Not my usual turf, but it is relevant to the community, and there's a number of diva records out now.

When Whitney Houston first hit the scene when I was a kid, I didn't like her. She just seemed so mainstream, and that wasn't where my head was at. Even now, I don't love her early stuff. But today, I can totally appreciate her excellent cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You." But my favorite Whitney song is "My Love Is Your Love," written and produced by Wyclef Jean. When you hear the song, and especially when you watch the video, you can see that 'Clef had Lauryn Hill in mind for that one. A lesser singer would get lost in the song, it is so Fugee-ish. It's not Whitney's usual fare - a bit too reggae - but she owns it. That kind of won me over. Tomorrow we may play that. I also have a Whitney rarity: a song called "Memories" from an album by a group called Material. She sang this before she released her debut album.

I don't have as much to say about Reba McEntire. She comes from the Nashville mainstream which I used to more or less ignore, but which I've gotten a lot of respect for. I recently spent a few days working in Nashville - I should have written about it, and I probably will soon. Reba, I think, came up at around the same time as George Strait and some of the so-called "new traditionalist" country artists. It was country aimed at the country charts, not the pop charts. It's very far from the Outlaw Country that I prefer, but still, I am starting to warm to it. Most of these mainstream country acts don't have that edge, but they don't have to. The people who they are singing to are working class people trying to get through the day, they don't necessarily need the kind of rebellion that the more rock and roll influenced country has. I hope that doesn't sound condescending. Anyway, Reba recently performed at the SIRIUS|XM studios, and I thought she was pretty great. Her new album debuted at #1 on Billboard, which was a first for her.

We also may talk about Madonna's new song, "Celebration," the title track of her upcoming best-of, which will be her final album for Warner Brothers, the label where she has spent her entire career. When I was younger, I didn't like Madonna much either, but I warmed up to her around the time of Like A Prayer. There is a great non-single on that album called "'Til Death Do Us Part" (probably about her ex-husband Sean Penn) which is very powerful, that's my favorite song by her, but she has lots of good ones of course.

Next week, we'll get back to my usual territory, when we'll be talking about The Beatles.

BOND... JAMES BOND

People always make a big deal about the theme songs to films in the James Bond franchise. I have the new compilation The Best Of Bond... James Bond, and I gotta say, there's a lot of pretty bad songs on it. But since I don't dwell on the negative, let me list my favorite few.

1. Paul McCartney & Wings - "Live and Let Die" from 1973's Live and Let Die. This is one of the few Bond songs that transcended the movie: I think that people don't even think of this as a Bond theme. It's one of Paul's greatest post-Beatles songs, and it even holds up to a lot of Fab Four stuff.

2. John Barry & Orchestra - "James Bond Theme" from 1962's Dr. No. The first, and one of the most distinct movie themes ever.

3. Duran Duran - "A View To A Kill" from 1985's A View To A Kill. In 1985, you couldn't pick a more appropriate band for a Bond theme than double D, and the band rose to the occasion with one of their greatest songs ever, and a great video to boot. "Bon... Simon LeBon."

4. Garbage - "The World Is Not Enough" from 1999's The World Is Not Enough. In the late '90s, Garbage was one of the few bands that made sense for a Bond theme. This featured an even better video than "A View To A Kill." Shirley Manson was perfect for this.

5. Jack White & Alicia Keys - "Another Way To Die" from 2008's Quantum Of Solace. I've written about this one already, you know I love it. I hope Jack and Alicia work together again .

6. Madonna - "Die Another Day" from 2002's Die Another Day. Supposedly Elton said this was the worst Bond theme ever, but I really like it. I guess Madge was inspired by spies: her Austin Powers theme "Beautiful Stranger" is one of my favorites by her, and I like this very electro songs as well. Also a great video.

7. Sheryl Crow - "Tomorrow Never Dies" from 1997's Tomorrow Never Dies. Bond's evening gown vibe is outside of Sheryl's denim comfort zone, but she did a great job on this song.

8. Shirley Bassey - "Diamonds Are Forever" from 1971's Diamonds Are Forever. I'm not really into the old school schmaltzy thing, but this was a good song, sampled to great effect by Kanye West in "Diamonds From Sierra Leone."

JACK WHITE AND ALICIA KEYS TO RECORD NEXT "BOND" THEME

The theme song for the
upcoming James Bond flick, Quantum Of Solace will be a duet between Jack White and Alicia Keys. This is first time that a Bond theme will feature a duet. I have high hopes for this one. Who knows, maybe it will pave

the way for more collabs between Jack and Alicia, two of my favorite contemporary musicians.

There are a bunch of great bond themes. My favorites are Paul McCartney & Wings' "Live And Let Die," Sheryl Crow's "Tomorrow Never Dies," Garbage's "The World Is Not Enough," Madonna 's "Die Another Day," Chris Cornell's "You Know My Name" and anything by Shirley Bassey.

THIS YEAR'S ROCK HALL INDUCTION CEREMONY

I've already written about being a bit mystified about the significance of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Dave Clark 5. Although Steven Van Zandt makes a good case for them, I daresay that Tom Hanks really brought the point home at tonight's induction ceremony. The country was in a dark place in the early '60s, and The Dave Clark 5 (among other great British bands) helped to bring a smile to peoples faces. That might be a simpistic way to look at it, but Mr. Hanks seemed to feel passionately about it. Sometimes non-musicians show up at these events because they have a movie to promote, or just because it makes them look cool. But you get the impression that Tom actually took the time to write his own speech and that the DC5 really meant a lot to him. It's just so sad that singer Mike Smith died just a few days ago. And I didn't realize, until tonight, that sax player Denis Payton died earlier this year. It's too bad that people can't really hear their music anymore: it's out of print, and you can't even download it (legally). Mr. Van Zandt and Wicked Cool Records, I'm looking at you!

Billy Joel made a great speech about John Mellencamp: he didn't tip-toe around John's reputation as being difficult, but also pointed out that, more importantly, John is a voice of discontent that just won't be shut up. Mellencamp is often compared to Bruce Springsteen. I found it interesting that, a few years ago, Bruce stood on that same stage, pointing out that there have been so many horror stories in the music industry, many told in prior years on that same stage. He was grateful that he hadn't experienced too much of that kind of thing. Mellencamp, on the other hand, has had a much more difficult ride. I'm glad to see that he's still on it, and as he pointed out, he still has work to do. And his performance was (as usual) great.

It was cute that they got Justin Timberlake to make the speech for Madonna, but let's face it, the minute she got on stage, you forgot all about it. It was really interesting to hear her speak. Without saying so much, it was sort of her "goodbye" to Warner Brothers, the label where she has spent her entire career. But her next album will be her last for them, after that she's signed to Live Nation, which isn't a record label (at least not in the way that we think of them). The Stooges' performance of "Burning Up" was brilliant, "Ray Of Light" less so. But come on Hall of Fame, these guys deserve their due!

Lou Reed's speech about Leonard Cohen was cranky and rambling, but Mr. Cohen was classy and elegant. I loved his line, "Jon Landau said, 'I've seen the future of rock and roll and it isn't Leonard Cohen!'" He recited the lyrics to "Tower Of Song" after that.

John Fogerty's speech about The Ventures was cool, and it was nice to see that they're still performing.

Ben Harper looked a bit nervous at the podium during his speech about Little Walter, and I thought it was sad that no one accepted on Little Walter's behalf. After that, Ben performed with James Cotton and the Letterman band. When they did "My Babe," Ben killed it.

And it was great to see Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who don't seem to get their due credit, be inducted .

Oh yeah, and Joan Jett's peformance of the DC5's "Bits And Pieces" was great, and made me want to find the original.

P.S. To the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: stop embarassing yourselves, and elect The Stooges next year. While you're at it: Jeff Beck, Alice Cooper, KISS, Dr. John, The Meters, The Faces, Tom Waits and Peter Gabriel haven't been inducted yet. And neither has Bill Withers.

THE STOOGES TO PERFORM AT THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY?

I was shocked when I heard about this too. The Stooges are performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony? Is the Hall of Fame admitting the incredibly stupid error of their ways in not inducting this incredible band (who have been eligible for over a decade now)?

Yes and no. The Stooges are actually going to be performing for fellow Detroit native Madonna, which is so perverse and ridiculous it kind of makes sense. Last year, co-inductees R.E.M. and Patti Smith performed The Stooges' "I Wanna Be Your Dog" at the ceremony. Maybe someone will get the message.

Remember: without The Stooges, there'd be no Ramones, U2, Jane's Addiction, R.E.M., Nirvana or Red Hot Chili Peppers (just to name a few).

By the way, some might say, "Who cares about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?" But I know that Iggy would like to be recognized for the impact that the band has had. I asked him once, and said that he really would like to get in. Of course, he also said that he never wanted to reunite with The Stooges.

ROCK HALL PRESENTERS ANNOUNCED

It's always fun to try and figure out who will be presenting at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's induction ceremony. Often, they try to keep it a secret up until the event, but this year they've announced it.

Billy Joel will be doing the honors for John Mellencamp. I would have thought that they would have gotten one of his Farm Aid homeboys - Neil Young, Willie Nelson or Dave Matthews. Or Bruce Springsteen. But Billy is a good choice, and in fact, I think Mellencamp was asked to do the speech for Billy Joel a few years, but when Ray Charles agreed to do it, John bowed out (as Ray Charles is an obvious huge influence on Billy Joel). Billy and Mellencamp are both artists of the people: regular-seeming guys, with lots of talent and tons of unforgettable songs, who never seemed to get their due respect from critics.

Justin Timberlake will induct Madonna. He's working on her album, and is an ambitious pop artist like Madonna. I was thinking they'd try to get one of her influences, but Justin is a good pick for that. He and his bandmates did a decent speech for Michael Jackson a few years ago. But now Justin has proved he at least has staying power.

Lou Reed will be making the speech for Leonard Cohen. Makes sense to me. Ditto for John Forgerty and The Ventures. Ben Harper will be doing the honors for Little Walter, which I think is great - just that the Hall is acknowledging Ben as an important enough artist for the event. I was thinking it would be Clapton, but I'm glad to see Ben getting some shine. He belongs in the Hall one day.

Tom Hanks will be bringing some star power, as he'll be inducting The Dave Clark 5. Apparently, this makes sense because of a role he played in the film That Thing You Do. That's cool - although I don't see how it isn't Little Steven, who has campaigned on the band's behalf for years. Maybe Bruce has a gig that night though.

CONGRATS TO JOHN MELLENCAMP

I've previously complained about The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's ballot for this year. Today, they announced the inductees for this year, and the one artist who I thought was a lock - The Beastie Boys - didn't make the cut. Then again, the genres they represent - hip-hop, punk and funk - don't get a ton of love from the Hall. It took Grandmaster Flash and George Clinton years on the ballot before being voted in. 

But I am happy to see John Mellencamp being inducted.  I've been a fan forever.  He just has so many classic songs - and there's lots of great things he's written that never got airplay for some reason: I'd cite "Minutes To Memories," "Between A Laugh And A Tear," "Life Is Hard" and "French Shoes" as some songs that deserved more radio time than they got. I think that "Walk Tall" from his greatest hits album is one of his finest moments. I know he loves his current band, but man, it would be cool if he played at the ceremony with his current band, but also some of the guys from his earlier days, like drummer Kenny Aronoff and violinist Lisa Germano. 

Like I mentioned earlier, I don't have a problem with Madonna getting in, I just might not have voted for her. Leonard Cohen? I know he's influenced some of my favorites, like U2 and R.E.M.  but I don't know.  Great poet/lyricist, no question. But I wouldn't have voted for him either. I think someone like, say, Willie Nelson or Peter Tosh is more deserving, if you want to go outside the rock and roll norm. 

I once did a long interview with Little Steven about why The Dave Clark 5 deserve to be in. In fact, I bet his ceaseless campaigning is why they finally got voted in. I don't know enough about them or The Ventures to really comment on them.  Other than to say that you can't really overstate the value and influence of the artists who were forging the path in the early days.  

I'm also glad to see Philly songwriters/producers Gamble & Huff and the amazing blues harmonica player Little Walter being inducted. 

It doesn't seem like the most exciting induction class, but I'll be watching spinner or whoever airs the ceremony.  Meanwhile, I remain hopeful that these voters get a clue and induct The Stooges at some point.  (And KISS, and Alice Cooper, and Motorhead, and The Beastie Boys, and Run-DMC and Metallica...) 

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF SHAME

I'm not one of those contrarians who hates the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In fact, I like the fact that artists are honored for an enduring body of work. I even like the museum, I've been there a few times, including opening weekend.

And of course, any list of the "greatest/most influencial/most important" artists of all time is subjective.

That said, if the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is about influence and not sales, I don't see how The Stooges haven't gotten in yet. But this year, they aren't even on the ballot. What the frak?

It would be one thing if the Hall didn't recognize punk rock: but The Ramones, The Clash and The Sex Pistols are all in. Without The Stooges, those bands wouldn't exist, probably neither would two of last year's inductees, R.E.M. and Patti Smith. Who else wouldn't exist without The Stooges? Let's see, off the top of my head: The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane's Addiction and Nirvana? Oh yeah, and David Bowie.

There are some other artists that I'd like to see get in: Tom Waits, Warren Zevon, Bill Withers, Emmylou Harris, The Faces, The Cure, and The New York Dolls, among them. There are a few whose influence I don't think you can dispute, like KISS and Alice Cooper. But the fact that The Stooges aren't in is nothing short of an embarassment.

So, this year's ballot includes John Mellencamp. I'm a fan: I don't think that he changed the world musically, but he's written a pretty incredible catalog of songs, and he was a big force in bringing activism back to music in the '80s with his classic Scarecrow album and the co-founding of Farm Aid. I hope he is finally inducted (although I think he - along with many other inductees like R.E.M., Patti Smith, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders to name a few) would agree that The Stooges deserve to be in first.

The Beastie Boys also made the ballot: it's been 25 years since they released their hardcore punk debut, Pollywog Stew. I don't think that you can dispute that they belong in the Hall of Fame. I'm sure they'll get in.

I'm not one of those people who hates disco, I think that whole "disco sucks" thing was just racist classic rock radio. I like Chic, and wouldn't mind them in the Hall, but I think there are lots of other artists who should be in first. I like some of Donna Summers' records, but she wouldn't get my vote. Madonna isn't rock and roll - except in attitude. I don't mind her, but I wouldn't vote for her, either. I was happy that Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five got in last year, and I'm happy to see Afrika Bambaata on the ballot. I thought Run-D.M.C. would be on the ballot, but I guess they'll be on next year. The Dave Clark Five is on the ballot - get ready to find Little Steven on the campaign path, he's been saying that they should get in for years. The sad thing is, if you're curious why (as I am) it's difficult to find out what the big deal is about them, as their music is out of print.

One omission I am surprised about is Metallica, who are eligible this year. I thought that they were a lock. But then, the Hall of Fame/the Rolling Stone establishment has never been big supporters of heavy metal: it took forever for the almighty Black Sabbath to be inducted. That was another one that they should have been embarassed about. But Metallica have plenty of time.

It's just too bad about The Stooges. Hopefully The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will come to their senses at one point. I actually spoke to Iggy Pop about this a few years ago. He said that he would like the recognition. And he deserves it.