MADONNA'S REBEL HEART - BEATS STRONGER THAN EVER!

While the Sony Hacking scandal that derailed, then re-railed the theatrical release of The Interview was the talk of Hollywood and the media at large, there was another multi-million dollar hack that went mostly unnoticed by the mainstream press. 

Of course the political repercussions between the U.S. and North Korea made the Interview hack much more serious and garnered the press attention.  However, the other big hack of the month was committed against the queen of pop (now and forever) herself.  Yes, Madonna saw several tracks from her thirteenth studio album - REBEL HEART - slated for March 2015, released on various internet sites.  At a time when sales for all music is waning, and the music buying public's attention span is shorter than ever, having several tracks (final versions - or even bogus) released months before the actual drop date could severely affect sales during the critical first weeks of release.

Madonna was not happy.  In fact, according to her social media accounts she was hurt.  Her facebook and Instagram pages were full of messages expressing her anger and disappointment at the fact that she would be betrayed by people she trusted.   Adding insult to injury, several photos of Madonna were also released from several shoots and campaigns that were never approved by M.MADONNA, AT HOME IN NYC - AS SEEN ON INSTAGRAM - PHOTO COURTESY OF MADONNA

So - what's a media savvy pop diva to do?   Release the finished tracks early of course - to those who pre-order the album on iTunes - of course!

Hacking aside, the new material Madonna released does not paint the picture of a happy gal.  This billionaire, single mother of 4 seems to have as much trouble finding a stand up guy to date as anyone - probably more.   Of course songs are an expression of an artist - but just one expression.  It's a bit like reading tea leaves trying to know what's really coming from an artists' day to day life.  With Madonna, I think it usually is. 

Unapologetic Bitch starts with a reggae / ska beat and builds into a laid back dance, rap track that details a woman who has kicked her guy to the curb, and she is happy to be free.  It's a bit mean spirited, but an anthem of sorts for women to stand up for themselves.  

Living for Love also has an uplifting beat and message, but details yet another broken heart. Madonna's message is clear - Feminism is the future, and rebels do it better!

Ghosttown is a haunting, beautiful ballad.  For me, this is the strongest song of the six released.   The vocals, the arrangement, and the lyrics.. stunning.   While the revenge seeking, party anthem songs are fun and enjoyable - it's the deeper subject matter songs like Ghosttown and Illuminati that stand out with more mature, sophisticated ideas..

Here's hoping #RebelHeart gets the approval of millions of fans when it is released in full in March.   Also let's hope Madonna can find Mr. Right soon.   To her potential suitors - Don't make her angry - is that so difficult?   Click REBEL-HEART to purchase on iTunes.  

AVRIL LAVIGNE - HELLO KITTY KITTY

America's (born in Canada) perennial "punk" song stylist has returned with a MEOW in 2014.  Avril Lavigne's Hello Kitty single from her self titled, fifth studio album- Avril Lavigne 2013.  The single, released only in Japan was sure to get massive attention - if only for the cult following of the most famous cat in the world! HELLO KITTY - THE COOLEST CAT IN THE WORLD THE Hello Kitty has devoted fans around the globe with several stores selling only Kitty dedicated to all this PURRRRFECT.  She even has her own airline!

Hello Kitty, the song, has a techno-pop, dub-step sound. It's catchy and could easily become a Summer favorite for girls and boys of all ages.  The styling of the video has an interesting Japanese / Punk style that seems to be Avril's favorite way to look ever since her first debut of Sk8er Boi back in 2002 on the singers debut album.  While the song has Lavigne's signature "rebel angst" tone, it's also likely to be her own tongue in cheek ode to Sapphic love.  Just as Katy Perry brought us "I Kissed a Girl" - Avril invites her friend with a "pretty kitty" to have a slumber party.   Of course - the lyrics are open to your own interpretation.

Is Hello Kitty the best song you'll hear this year?  I'm not sure, but I know it's not the worst.   Click play and enjoy!  Buy it for your Summer mix.. and watch the video below.. 25 Million people have already!

HOW TO BE "HAPPY" - PHARRELL HAS THE FORMULA

PHARRELL WILLIAMS AT THE GRAMMY'S - HAT - VINTAGE VIVIENNE WESTWOOD-PH: LESTER COHEN - WIREIMAGEIf you listen to the radio - you have head Pharrell Williams latest single - HAPPY.  Created for the animated film Despicable Me II, the tune is about as infectious a song as any you will hear.  Pharrell is one of those super talented guys that really represent his generation.  Williams has been creating hits for over a decade and his body of work as a producer is insane.  PHARRELL WILLIAMS SHOWS OFF HIS SHORT-TUX STYLE AT THE 86TH ANNUAL ACADAMY AWARDS WITH WIFE HELEN LASICHANH - PH: JORDAN STRAUSS Having worked with Kellis, Jay Z, Madonna, Nelly, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, and on and on - that would be more than most could hope for as a successful career.  Add to this Pharrell work with his band mates and childhood friends in N.E.R.D. - which has a successful fan base around the world.   Then throw in collaborations with major acts like Madonna and Gwen Stefani.  Now at 41, Pharrell has achieved his biggest success to date with HAPPY.   The song is pure joy and it is connecting with audiences from 8 to 80.   Pharrell recently visited the Ellen Degeneres show where he helped donate funds to underprivileged children in Detroit who were surprised while performing HAPPY in their chorus.  The pure joy and happiness those kids expressed almost brought him to tears, but it was Oprah Winfrey herself who did in fact make Pharrell weap tears of joy talking about the song and the happiness it is causing everywhere!PHARRELL WILLIAMS - GIRL

In addition to all this talent, this man can dress.  His "so cool you won't get until next year" style is trend-setting for sure.  This guy has made any shorts looks cool and even look appropriate at the Oscars.  His latest trademark is the Mounted Trooper style scout hat created by Vivienne Westwood years ago - yes.. it's #VINTAGE.   So Cool!

Click through Pharrell's songs now and add a few to your workout mix now!  How could I know mention "GET LUCKY" - the duet with DAFT PUNK that played so often on the radio it caused some to bleed from their ears (ok, not actually bleed- but it was played SO OFTEN).  Listen to Pharrell now and - GET HAPPY!   Watch the music video below - try not to dance.

The New Album - GIRL is out now.