JammnJay's Blog

Just when I got used to writing "2008" on forms and checks and other dudads, 2009 is upon us!  This happens to me every year!  But, it's not a bad thing necessarily because it gives me a chance to wish for what's to come in 2009.  Well, we can't predict, or write the future, but here's what I hope for in the coming year.

First....of course, I hope the economy will recover from the recent recession. 

Second....with Obama now in office, let's hope everything will change for the better.

Third....let's hope the papaRATZi leaves people alone.  And I say "people" instead of "celebrities" because first and foremost, celebrities are PEOPLE!!!

I hope the Digital TV revolution works out for the best.

Basically.....I just want things to turn around in 2009.  I know I sound serious rather than slapstick, but...I'm pretty serious when it comes to these things.

Well, here's to all my Fox friends and all the people of the world...have a safe and Happy New Year!! :)

Peace,

Jay

Well, the ladies certainly seem to be thriving in the music world!!  From Britney, to Christina, to Beyonce, to TINA!!!

WOW!!!

First up.....I've been hearing the new tracks on Britney's new CD, "Circus", and she is definately back and better than ever!!  I especially love "Womanizer".  I love the synths and the overall attitude of the track.  And anyone who can overcome personal struggles and who can survive the way she has gets all my respect.  Not to mention she was AWESOME on "Good Morning, America"!!!  She looks beautiful, she's keeping herself together.  Good for her.  I've liked her for ten years and it's great to see how far she's come.  (Now let's hope the damn papaRATZi can stay off her back!!!)

My girl, Christina Aguilera, is still reinventing herself - both musically and image wise.  I have always been a huge fan of her music for ten years now and love how she's always daring with her image and her musical direction.  I remember listening to her song, "Beautiful", and tearing up, still getting emotional listening to it to this day.  Then a couple of years ago, she came out with "Back 2 Basics" and went in a complete different direction; old school R&B, blues and jazz.  Now, she's back with a brand new sound, more synth-driven, but still sounding great.  I love "Keeps Getting Better" because the sound is really interesting and I love what she's saying.  Christina has always been one of my favorites and she really does keep getting better.

Beyonce' is another woman who has come a really long way since her Destiny's Child days.  As a fan of Destiny's Child already, I was thrilled to see her going out there on her own and still making great music.....then getting into movies!  Her new songs, "If I Were a Boy" and "Put a Ring On It" both have great empowering messages.  "Boy" is a beautiful, soulful song and the way she sings it, you are really able to feel what she's feeling.  "Put a Ring On It" is every single woman's anthem who wants her man to commit to her.  The song has a great beat and as soon as I hear it, I immediately get up and start dancing (badly, which is why you will not be seeing it up on YouTube anytime soon!!)  "Crazy in Love" has always been my favorite Beyonce' song, but "Ring on It" is right up there as well.  I always look forward to what she has in store for us next.

Say what you want about Jessica Simpson....I love her new country album, "Do You Know".  I admire anyone who's willing to try different musical genres.  She happens to be a really good singer and it really shows in these songs.  "Come on Over" is a feel good song and I always listen to it whenever I need to relax.  This is a very talented lady.

Jennifer Hudson has my utmost respect...as an entertainer and a person.  When I first became aware of her watching "Dreamgirls", I immediately became a fan.  She is one of the best singers I've ever heard.  "Spotlight" is one of my favorite songs of the year, because of the groove and the feel of what she's singing about.  I look forward to hearing more from her, but I am also praying for her and her family.

Pink.....she endlessly amazes me!!  She's Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Madonna and Janis Joplin combined, yet she's her own person.  I first became aware of her in 1999/2000 when I heard "You Make Me Sick" and instantly loved how tough and punky she was.  I loved that she had pink hair and didn't give a toss about when anyone thought of her.  I was all about "Get This Party Started"...once again, dancing my buns off to that song, and once again NO I am not posting it on YouTube!!  Her latest song, "So What" is another work of sheer genius, and the ultimate punk anthem.  I rock out to this song everytime I'm working out, or doing housework.  She continues to be original and innovative and pushes buttons and boundaries.  She's not afraid to be herself and lets everyone know it.  This tough girl is going to be around for a very long time and she will always do something outrageous and awesome.

Alicia Keys......not enough words to describe her greatness.  I remember hearing "Falling" in 2001 and almost literally wanted to jump right out of the house and buy the entire CD.  She writes all of her own songs, sings with all her heart and stays true to herself.  I have all of her CDs, her latest, "I Am", is by far her best work to date.  Especially "Teenage Love Affair".  I love the old school feel of that track, and "Superwoman" speaks to me.  Her talent is neverending and unstoppable.

Rihanna....how can I not mention Rihanna???  She's so talented and tries all different types of music.  "Rehab" is a great song, which she sings with Justin Timberlake, and a brilliant description of how it feels to be completely in love with someone.  All of her songs have different feels to them, which is so rare these days, especially in pop music.

And finally....

TINA!!!!!  Tina Turner is MY HERO!!!!!  Another strong woman who has beaten the odds!!  I have been a fan of hers since FOREVER!!!!!  I remember being 5-years-old belting out "What's Love Got To Do With It?" and "Private Dancer"....and her version of "Let's Stay Together" is the best I've ever heard.  One of the many songs on my MP3-player.  When you think about how long she's been around and she's still doing her thing, you can't help but feel inspired by her - whether you're a woman, or a man - just to see her and those great legs cooking onstage.  What else can I say?  She's the ultimate diva of all time and a true survivor in every sense of the word.

Seeing all these women breaking barriers in the music world and being able to survive the media and personal obstacles inspires me, and so many other people.  When you think of how hard it was for women to break through in the music world in a time when it was heavily male-dominated, and now to see how all these strong and determined ladies are dominating the charts and breaking out in so many ways...are there even any words?  Not taking anything away from the guys, but speaking as a woman, it's empowering to see all these gals paving the way for so many others to follow.

Halloween:

Does anyone else feel that Halloween should be treated like any other major holiday?  Think about it!  The poor kids spend almost half a day behind a desk, then only have, like, a few short hours to go trick-or-treating.  As for us grownups...well, we have to work during the day, but for us, the night time is when all the cool parties take place.

Thanksgiving:

What do advertisers really think they're accomplishing by making turkeys look adorable???  (Nothing, except making us feel guilty!)

Christmas

Egg nog....WHAT IS THE POINT?!?!?!?!?!

I'm sure I'll think of more stuff that stumps me about the holidays...it's still a week before Thanksgiving...give me time.

OBAMA WON!!!!!!

YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!

Happy Halloween!!  Think this is just a kids' holiday????  Guess again!!

While the kiddies are dressed up in costumes and taking candy from strangers, we get to go to wild parties, or stay in and watch R-rated movies (with blood and guts!)

To those who may not like Halloween, here's a thought...it's the kick-off to the Holiday Season!!

Ta-ta for now,

Jay

You may have to put up with a lousy commercial first, but it is soooo worth it!! :)

Just click on the link below...

http://www.yahoo.com/s/977204

Even though Election Day isn't until next week, here's my take on what's going on....here it goes!! (Wish me luck!)

Okay...I admit...I am not a heavily political person.  But, even so, I am voting next week (for whom, I will keep that private).  I do care a great deal about the state of the world and the economy and people's welfare. 

However.....I don't know about anyone else...but at this rate, I am pretty "politoxed"!!  Don't ask me what that word means...I just came up with it one day...but I think y'all pretty much get the picture.

In closing......I could care less about the clothes Sarah Palin wears.  I care more about THE ECONOMY!!!

On that note....please don't shoot me for my political beliefs.  And remember to go out there and vote!

Then, after next week, we can all sit back and relax until the next election.

(Sheesh...I sure took a HUGE risk talking about politics, didn't I???)

This is the first of different blogs I want to do making everyone aware of what's going on in the world of music.

This week, indies!!

I've been listening to alot of different indie groups and artists from Europe (mainly the UK) as well as playing them on my shows.  There have been alot of different styles of music ranging from pop, to rock, to alternative, to hip-hop, to country.

When I first started with the indies, it was rough to find artists who were willing to get their music played due to the newness of podcasting and internet radio.  Now, I get artists contacting me left and right and sending me some of the most eclectic and brilliant music I've heard in years.  Not just straight up rock, but all different types of music that can also be played on terrestrial stations along with Matchbox Twenty, Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, Madonna, The Goo Goo Dolls, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi, etc. because they're that good.

I always like to hear feedback as do these artists who work really hard at their craft.

Every week, I will be doing a different music newsletter addressing different genres of music.  Feel free to respond to me and give me your insights and feedback.

Jay

I know it has been a few weeks, but I thought I'd do my very brief take on this year's VMA's.

First off...congrats to Britney.  She looked good and happy to see her finally win some MTV Awards.  Now, hopefully, the media will get off her back.

Secondly, I thought Rihanna did a great opening performance.  Sort of like a girl-power themed "Mad Max".

I thought Kid Rock and Little Wayne teaming up was brilliant.

My girls, Pink and Christina Aguilera also rocked it out! 

Pink doing her thing to the tune of her latest hit, "So What?". 

Christina A. proving that motherhood rocks with her performance of "Keeps Getting Better"...which really should be her anthem.

Finally, Kanye West closing the show with yet another one of his show-stoppers.

Alot of other great performances and outrageous moments...just too many to think of right now.

Oh, well...can't wait for The American Music Awards, The Billboard Awards and - of course -  The Grammys!!

Keep rockin'!

Jay

As you all know already, I love music.  What you might not know is I also really love animals.  It really bothers me whenever I see people abusing their pets, or animals in general.  As a matter of fact, I have two cats of my own and share another cat with my folks.  Sadly, we had to put down our dog, Spud, due to old age and suffering.  I'll never get over him.  He was a member of the family...but he was also my pal.  The one thing all my animals share with me is a love for music.  Or, at least I think they do.  What they don't like are garbage trucks, thunder, or any other really loud noises.  You should see how fast they run everytime I sneeze...or sing!  But, in all sincerity, I really can't get past it when I see on the news, or even in movies and TV shows, or in the newspaper, an animal being in any way harmed or abused...or even having to be put to sleep.  But when I see someone being abusive to an animal for any reason...it makes my blood boil.  I put my money where my mouth is...this is why for a couple of years, I volunteered at the Humane Society, which at times was emotionally scarring, seeing how badly abused, or how sickly many of them were.  And I know many older people and invalids who have pets to keep them company.  Well, gotta' go now...see, my cats are rubbing on my leg which means A) it's time for me to cuddle with them, or B) it's time to be fed...or C) ALL OF THE ABOVE!  More on this soon.

Jay

  I really love what I do, playing such a great variety of music on my internet shows.  It gives me an excuse to keep buying a ton of CD’s!!                                                 
       

*Hee-Hee*

I’ve been exposed to music ever since I can remember.  Of course, like most kids, I grew up listening to the radio and watching MTV, VH1, as well as all the really cool music programs like “Solid Gold”.  Did I just date myself?!  ABSOLUTELY!! 

My love for music never really stopped.  I still love all different kinds of music.  I really take my hat off to people like BLEEP Jagger, Aerosmith, Santana, U2, Billy Joel, Debbie Harry, Cyndi Lauper…all these people who continue to make great music and are heavily influencing all the newer artists out there today. 

To see people like Michelle Branch and Rob Thomas singing alongside Carlos Santana, or Christina Aguilera singing onstage with The Rolling Stones to me shows how music continues to cross boundaries and transcends genres. 

Country music, which I’ll admit for a while I was not really too big a fan of (SHAME ON ME!!!), but now there seems to be a heavy rock influence in country music, and vice versa.  Listening to people like Carrie Underwood and how about Tim McGraw joining forces with Def Leppard, and Bon Jovi teaming up with Sugarland?! 

I even think back to when Bonnie Raitt added some kick-butt rock and blues, as well as Garth Brooks and…how can we forget Shania Twain?!  “Man I Feel Like a Woman”!  That song ROCKS!!!  And Faith Hill’s “You’re Bringing Out the Elvis in Me”! 

And don’t forget the newbies out there like Kelly Clarkson, who can collaborate with someone like Aerosmith one minute, then Reba McIntyre the next! 

Sugarland, who I mentioned earlier having made music with Bon Jovi, even took the stage with Beyonce at an awards show to add some country flavor to one of her biggest hits,

“Irreplaceable”. 

Speaking of Beyonce...how about all the R&B people like Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, the late Ray Charles and the recently departed Isaac Hayes, just to name a few?

The list is endless. 

You listen to people like John Legend, Alicia Keys, Beyonce and Rihanna and you can absolutely hear a heavy influence of all the greats. 

And we cannot CANNOT abandon Mariah Carey!  Take a listen to people like Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis and even Kelly Clarkson…Mariah is one of the top vocalists in music, PERIOD!  No wonder she’s been the biggest selling female artist of all time.  Her voice is one of a kind!  Definitely up there with Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and Gladys Knight. 

And Whitney Houston!  Whitney is HOPEFULLY making some new music, because we all miss that voice of hers! 

And people who play by their own rules like Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne and Pink.  These gals have definitely followed in the footsteps of one of the greatest innovators in music, who continues to keep us entertained…the one and only Cyndi Lauper!  Not only is she an amazing vocalist, and not only are her songs great, but she’s also been known to have her own style and her own unique image.  How many other people out there dyed their hair bright orange? 

I can go on and on and on, but I’d better pace myself before I run into my next blog…or somebody else’s blog! 

Anyway, let me hear what y’all out there think and who some of your faves are!  And keep listening to ISIS Radio as we continue to move onward and upward! 

 One last thing…please don’t forget…be kind to animals. 

Peace. :)  Jay