Music and James Taylor, Jr.

WORKING

2012-01-03T15:38:00.002-05:00

I work hard. But the results of what I do are not always evident.

I write. I pour my heart and soul into the words of my songs. I put forth every effort possible to create an instrumental that compliments the mood and story of my lyrics and melodies.

I sing. Every note, every word is a message from inside of me. Whether it is a song that I wrote or written by my bandmate or a song from the "Top 40" charts, I immerse myself wholly into the words, melody, and music.

The results of this are not always clearly evident, and I often feel the weight of nothingness pulling me down. But when someone expresses to the rest of the world that MY music touched them, spoke to them, it feels, if just for a moment, like it is truly worth all the effort and pain.

So, please don't look at musicians, writers, singers, as lazy. The work we put into our craft (rehearsal, writing, recording sessions, and the pure emotion poured into our work) is pure and real and strenuous. And we often see nothing for our work. Little to no appreciation, and little to money.

Coming UP...

2011-11-18T11:53:00.001-05:00

Re-recording "When She's Gone", and working on "I Didn't Know" and "You Are Forever" for "Memories..."

Also, gonna record a version of "I Kissed A Girl" to share on YouTube... so keep an eye out...

"When She's Gone"

2011-09-13T14:18:00.002-04:00

First, I'd like to let everyone know that I will be keeping UPCOMING PERFORMANCES on the right hand side, right above "Connect w/ ME" where you can find my various social networking sites to stay UP TO THE DATE on what's going on with me and my music.

Also, (the)fundamentalists now have their own BLOG PAGE! So you can stay up to date with your favorite, local, gay, rock, electronica band THERE! And all of "our" links (the band's) are on the right hand side of that page!

Meanwhile, here's a song I wrote that Chris Taylor of (the)fundamentalists and I produced together and have been performing. It's called, "When She's Gone", and will be on the upcoming album, "Memories" which has been over a year and a half in the making. I hope you enjoy.

Don't forget to check out upcoming performances and (the)fundamentalists blog page. All dates and links are on the right hand side!

Thanks,
James

Confirmed Performances...

2011-09-02T11:20:00.003-04:00

September 1st - Stiletto's (11pm)

September 3rd - Silverdome Parking Lot, Big & Rich / Gretchen Wilson pre-show TAILGATE w/ MIGRA, w/ (the) fundamentalists, duet w/ Karen O'Brien (2-5:30pm)

September 8th - Gigi's, G-Spot Revue, Krysta's Birthday Show (10:30pm)

September 9th, King's Island, Pride Night, w/ (the) fundamentalists (event from 6pm-midnight)

September 30th, Stiletto's, Joye's S.I.D.S. benefit

More information as it becomes available...

Quick update !

2011-08-09T11:45:00.001-04:00

Alrighty, ladies, gentlemen and etc. (the)fundamentalists are performing Sept 3rd for the Big & Rich / Gretchen Wilson pre show tailgate at the Pontiac Silverdome! Links and more info soon. There'll be a James Taylor, Jr. penned song!

A much needed update:

2011-08-02T11:17:00.003-04:00

Hello one and all... or probably just one... does anyone read this anymore? LoL.

Here's a little bit of an update...

I've been singing, playing, and pretty much JOINED (the)fundamentalists! It's been a blast, and we have a few more gigs lined up, including getting ready for Pride season NEXT year! How exciting, right?!

Also, it's time for me to get my $#!+ together! I've been out and about myself, performing at Stiletto's open mics on Thursdays, competing in their Mr. Stiletto's pageant and their vocal competition, as well as trying to make some contact for other performances. Not just that, but I'm ready for "Memories"! I've been promising this album for over a year now and it's time to get some real work done. With my work with (the)fundamentalists, I'm ready to get things done. We've got two albums to work on now, and it's gonna be a lot of hard work, but completely worth it in the end. So keep an eye out for news and performances, b/c I plan on keeping up with this blog a little more regularly. This Saturday we'll be going over music, and adding some of my songs and some of (the)fundamentalists' songs to our lineup for our King's Island PRIDE NIGHT performance in September! This year has really flown by! I can't wait to share more news with all of you... so keep an eye out here and on FACEBOOK!

You can check out Clubs of Exile [(the)fundamentalists] and my album, Unknown, at Common Language Bookstore!

RuPaul - Glamazon (Review)

2011-06-08T23:01:00.003-04:00

Since "Supermodel (You Better Work)" in 1992, RuPaul has done just that... worked: from RUworking duets w/ Elton John and Martha Wash ("Don't Go Breaking My Heart" and "It's Raining Men"), writing TWO books ("Lettin' It All Hang Out" and "Workin' It"), her own talk show, film appearances and starring roles ("A Very Brady Sequel", "But I'm a Cheerleader", "Starrbooty"), producing and hosting television shows ("RuPaul's Drag Race" and "RuPaul's Drag U"), and recording a total of 5 studio albums (from "Supermodel of the World" to this year's release "Glamazon") among remix and holiday albums.

In fact, 2009's Champion was perhaps one of RuPaul's greatest albums. From the catchy dance tunes ("Main Event", "Jealous of my Boogie", "Devil Made Me Do It") to the inspiring, uplifting tracks inspired by the girls of season 1 of RuPaul's Drag Race, including Ongina, who memorably came out on the show as HIV positive. RuPaul credits the season 1 cast of RPDR with helping inspire the album, as RuPaul and Lucian Pane (RevoLucian) went into the studio for the sole purpose of writing a theme song for the show and nothing else.

This year, after 3 successful seasons of RPDR, a 2nd season of RuPaul's Drag U, and a pretty good RuMix album (Drag Race, featuring my favorite version of "Jealous of my Boogie": "J.O.M.B.2.0. [RevoLucian's Redux]" featuring Tilly Key), RuPaul released "Glamazon" on April 25th of this year.

And... well... it's fun... and... nice...

"The Beginning" starts the album with great energy, amping the listener for a pretty awesome album. However, the rest of the album falls flat, striving for the uplifting yet fun vibe of "Champion" yet never quite reaching that goal. Even "Superstar" tries to achieve the essence of the title track of "Champion", and while quite a catchy tune and fun drum track, the song goes nowhere. The entire album lacks buildup and flare and the true inspiration of RuPaul's prior work. "Champion" was inspire by others and for others, while this album is a weak attempt to do the same.

The final track, "If I Dream" starts out much like a ballad and almost offers hope for redemption, but falls into the same pattern as the rest of the album. While the songs themselves aren't bad, throwing all of them into an album together creates monotony and sounds lazy, dull and flat. It's a CD you can listen to a couple times, put aside for when you just happen to be in a RuPaul mood (which for me is actually quite often).

Champion (A/A-)

Glamazon (B-)

Simply for the fact that it IS RuPaul... (T)Grrl gets 1/3 of a "letter grade" just for that.

Performances and more...

2011-05-19T19:47:00.002-04:00

Hello friends, fans, and whoever else reads this thing... LoL

It has been awhile since I've posted and there's a bit of news to report.

Friday, May 27th, I will be competing for the title of Mr. Stiletto's at Stiletto's bar in Inkster. Here is my Facebook event to promote that. Audience participation can become a huge factor in contests like this.

Also, in June and July, I will be performing as part of a group called (the)fundamentalists. You can find their Facebook PAGE and PROFILE on the provided links.

You can check us out June 4th AND 5th at Motor City Pride (Website, Facebook).

Also, there are two new videos available on YouTube, and an exclusive video (under pictures) as well as up to the date news on Facebook.

Thanks for your support!
James

Rainbow Sounds SERIES FINALE

2011-04-11T14:10:00.016-04:00

It is the end of an ERA. I spent a lot of time and work on Rainbow Sounds in the past 2 years. So, thank you to everyone for listening to Rainbow Sounds and visiting the blog for updates, links, playlists, and more. This blog will not cease to exist, and I will post playlists every now and then to let you know what's going on in MY musical life. Also, stay tuned to find out more about the current project I am working on (aka, the second album), performances (including a Relay for Life performance at the end of this month), and videos.

Here is the FINAL RAINBOW SOUNDS PLAYLIST:

Freedom - George Michael
California - Melissa Etheridge
F'in Perfect (Clean)- Pink
U + Ur Hand (Clean)- Pink
Mas - Ricky Martin
My Devotion - RJ Helton
Bed, Boys and Beyond - Bed, Boys and Beyond Cast Recording
May I Take Your Hand - Bed, Boys and Beyond Cast Recording
Let's Be Alone - Charlotte Church
Say What You Want - Andy Bell
Thank God For Music - Patrick Cowley
Better Get To Livin' - Dolly Parton
Champion - RuPaul

Fire With Fire - Scissor Sisters
I Hope You Dance - Daniel Boys
Gay Bash - Melange Lavonne
Aftermath - Adam Lambert
I Am What I Am - Gloria Gaynor

Thanks to Martha Swartz for co-hosting. (Facebook, Twitter)

Project Alice

Sawyer Winter (Facebook)

Kage Alan (Facebook, Twitter)

Milton E. Ford

Common Language Bookstore (Facebook)

Rihanna ft. Britney Spears (S&M)

HIV Patients Want to Accept Infected Organs

GLAAD Honors "Glee", "Modern Family", Kristin Chenoweth, Dolly Parton

Rainbow Sounds, April 4th, 2011

2011-04-04T13:44:00.011-04:00

A reminder that next week is the end of an era. The FINAL Rainbow Sounds will air Monday, April 11, 2011, at 2pm Eastern Standard Time on Eagle Radio.

This week's guest is Joan Stevenson! (Joan on FACEBOOK!)

Here is this week's playlist:

This Way Forever - Joan Stevenson

Angel From Montgomery - Joan Stevenson & After Midnight
Little By Little - Joan Stevenson & After Midnight
Till The World Ends - Britney Spears
Where You At (Dave Aude Remix) - Jennifer Hudson
Take My Hand - Matt Berry
Snuff Box - Matt Berry
Skin Deep - Buddy Guy
Damn Your Eyes - Etta James
So Much Better - Joan Stevenson
?what if? - Joan Stevenson
The One That Got Away - Erin Elise Accomando
Defying Gravity - Joan Stevenson
I'm Not Afraid of Anything - Joan Stevenson
I'm Diggin' You (Like an Old Soul Record) - Me'Shell Ndgeocello
The Doctor and I - John Barrowman
Leviticus: Faggot - Me'Shell Ndgeocello
I Am What I Am - John Barrowman

MoonGlow Entertainment Karaoke Contest!

Kage Alan will be at Common Language Books on Saturday, April 9th, starting at 2pm! (Facebook Event)

Next week, Martha Swartz, my mother, will return to Rainbow Sounds to help me end this era of LGBTQQIAA radio here at Eastern Michigan University!

James

Rainbow Sounds, March 28, 2011

2011-03-28T13:33:00.013-04:00

This week's playlist and links:

Wannabe - Spice Girls
Headlines - Spice Girls
I Want You Back - Melanie Brown
Minimix (Just Dance, Poker Face, Eh Eh Nothing Else I Can Say, LoveGame) - Lady Gaga
Born This Way - Lady Gaga
Til The World Ends (8 BarZ Radio Edit) - Britney Spears
Hold It Against Me - Britney Spears
Edge of Seventeen - Lindsay Lohan
Come What May - Ewan McGregor; Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge)
Elephant Love Medley - Ewan McGregor; Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge)
Disco Medley: I Will Survive, Funkytown, Last Dance, The Hustle, On The Radio - Selena
Taylor, The Latte Boy - Kristin Chenoweth
More - Latter Days Soundtrack
Another Beautiful Day - Latter Days Soundtrack
A Deeper Love - Aretha Franklin
Extravaganza Megamix - RuPaul
Two in a Million - S Club 7
Lately - S Club 7
Whataya Want From Me - Pink
You Fascinate Me So - Liza Minnelli
Love Is Love - Culture Club
It's Raining Men - Geri Halliwell
Sexual Revolution - Army of Lovers

Happy Birthday, Lady Gaga.

Britney Spears' album drops tomorrow! (Win A Britney Spears Prize Package!)

Lev Raphael tonight at the Ann Arbor District Library at 7pm!

Judy Shepard ticket deadline ends THIS WEDNESDAY (March 30th, 2011) at noon. Visit the Jim Toy Community Center for more info. (Matthew Shepard Foundation)

March 30th, 2011, at Gigi's on Warren & Southfield in Detroit, March Madness PAD (Performers' Awards of Detroit) show at 10pm!

Next week: singer Joan Stevenson joins me in the Eagle Radio studio. Tune in April 4, 2011, 2-4 pm / EST!

Rainbow Sounds, March 21, 2011

2011-03-21T15:50:00.003-04:00

This week's playlist:

Where You At - Jennifer Hudson
If This Isn't Love (Stonebridge Remix) - Jennifer Hudson
Big Girls Don't Cry - Fergie
Get It Right - GLEE
The Boy Is Mine - GLEE
Loser Like Me - GLEE
One Less Bell to Answer / A House Is Not a Home - Barbra Streisand
Let Me Fall - Idina Menzel
Sand on My Feet - Donna Summer
Bring Me To Life - Evanescence
Long Shot - Kelly Clarkson
Timeless - Justin Guarini; Kelly Clarkson
Finding My Own Way - Charlotte Church
Casualty of Love - Charlotte Church
Why'd You Lie to Me - Anastacia
Blow - Ke$ha
Everybody Bleeds the Same - Ferras
Scars - Allison Iraheta
Never Ever - All Saints
Look Around - Anthony Rapp
Heart of Stone - Cher
Broken Woman - Alicia Bridges
Better Get to Livin' - Dolly Parton
Treat Her Like A Lady - Celine Dion
Say What You Want - Andy Bell

SNL Alum: Victoria Jackson, slams GLEE gay kiss

Rainbow Sounds, March 14, 2011

2011-03-14T10:54:00.006-04:00

This week, an extended playlist!

Electrobix (Hungry Wives Remix) - Scissor Sisters
Fire With Fire - Scissor Sisters
You're My Number One - S Club 7
Higher - Taio Cruz; Kylie Minogue
All The Lovers - Kylie Minogue
Freedom - Robbie Williams
I Do What I Do - John Taylor
Heartbreak (Freemason's Remix) - Pat Benatar
We Belong - Pat Benatar
Till The World Ends (8BarZ Radio Edit) - Britney Spears
You Are What You Are (Beautiful) - Christina Aguilera
Just Some Guy - Anthony Rapp
Don't Hold Your Breath - Nicole Scherzinger
Lay Me Down - Ashley MacIsaac
In Summer - Anastacia
Good Girl - Alexis Jordan
What's Love Got to Do with It - Tina Turner
Take Your Mama - Scissor Sisters
Make My Body Rock - Ari Gold
I Know Him So Well - John Barrowman; Daniel Boys
When Love Takes Over - David Guetta; Kelly Rowland
Why'd U Go? - (the) fundamentalists
Crazy Chick - Charlotte Church
Call On Me (Hey Champ Remix) - Andy Bell
Written In The Stars - Elton John; LeAnn Rimes
Forever Young - Alphaville
Last Tears - Indigo Girls; Brandi Carlile
Thank God For Music - Patrick Cowley

Thanks for listening to Rainbow Sounds! Remember, Rainbow Sounds airs on EagleRadio.org on Mondays, 2-4pm /EST!

SPECIAL VIDEO PLAYLIST

2011-03-10T12:29:00.005-05:00

Since there's been 3 weeks of NO Rainbow Sounds due to weather, "Winter Break", and illness, I've decided to put together a mini-"video-playlist" for you guys. ENJOY!

GLEE: Teenage Dream (originally done by Katy Perry)

IDINA MENZEL: Gorgeous

FERRAS: Take My Lips

CHARLOTTE CHURCH: Call My Name

ANTHONY RAPP: Just Some Guy

JANET JACKSON: Rock With You

WHITNEY HOUSTON: Million Dollar Bill

BONUS VIDS:

CHARLOTTE CHURCH: Logical World

AVRIL LAVIGNE: What The Hell

VIDEO: D.R.U.G.S.- "Graveyard Dancing"

2011-02-21T13:31:00.000-05:00

Since there is no Rainbow Sounds today, due to Eastern Michigan University closing (thus Eagle Radio being closed as well), I decided to share this video.

TOMORROW, the band D.R.U.G.S., from Pontiac, MI, releases their debut album. Check out this song from tomorrow's release.

James

Happy Rainbow Sounds... I mean Valentine's Day! 02/14/2011

2011-02-14T15:50:00.005-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day or Happy Singles' Awareness Day! Either way, hope it's full of love, hope, and peace. If you are not currently dating or in a relationship, don't ever forget to love yourself. In the words of RuPaul, "If you can't love yourself, how in the HELL you gon' love somebody else?"

Here is this week's playlist:

8th World Wonder - Kimberley Locke
When You Come Back to Me - Garth Brooks
Born This Way - Lady Gaga
Stamp Your Feet - Donna Summer
I Wanna Know What Love Is (Low Sunday Tempo Mix) - Mariah Carey
My Funny Valentine - Chaka Khan
When You Love Someone Like That - Reba McEntire; LeAnn Rimes
Taylor, The Latte Boy - Kristin Chenoweth
Stupid Girls - P!nk
Love Song - RJ Helton
Natural - S Club 7
The Journey - Josh Strickland, Jill Zadeh (Scott Alan)
Gone - Nelly; Kelly Rowland
What About Us? - John Barrowman
Searchin' For A Euphamism - Bed, Boys & Beyond Cast Recording
If You Were Gay - Avenue Q Cast Recording
Heavy Rotation - Anastacia

This week's topics included:

EMU dismisses counseling student (PrideSource/BTL, SheWired, Eastern Echo)

It Gets Better Project (Facebook, Website)

Katharine McPhee joins Musical Pilot

Darren Criss: Big Man on Campus (GLEE in OUT)

Couples to Admire!

Thank you, Martha Swartz for being my guest cohost this week. (Facebook, Twitter)

If you would like to cohost or contribute music, please contact me at jtaylorj@emich.edu or any of the networking sites or emails listed on the right side of this page.

This Saturday, February 19th, I will be performing at Stiletto's in Inkster, MI. Showtime 10pm.

Rainbow Sounds, Feb 7, 2011

2011-02-07T14:10:00.015-05:00

This week's playlist and links!

Man In The Mirror - Michael Jackson
Seasons of Love - Original Broadway Cast (RENT); Stevie Wonder
Natural - S Club 7
Come What May - Ewan McGregor, Nicole Kidman
Broken - Seether; Amy Lee
Waterfalls - TLC
Timeless - Justin Guarini; Kelly Clarkson
Red Light - Jonny Lang
Tuesday, 3:00am - Latter Days
Tell Me Does She Love Bass - Lesbians On Ecstacy
Angels Would Fall - Melissa Etheridge
SexyBack - Justin Timberlake
The Man That Got Away - Rufus Wainwright
Beautiful People - The Pet Shop Boys
J.O.M.B. 2.0 - RuPaul; Tilly Key
You Fascinate Me So - Liza Minnelli
Strobelight - Kimberley Locke
Terrified - Katharine McPhee, Jason Reeves
Higher - Taio Cruz; Kylie Minogue
Too Late Now - Ricky Martin

Christina Aguilera @ The SuperBowl (ABC-DETROIT, LATINO FOX NEWS, CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR)

Gay Couple's Home destroyed in ARSON

KAGE ALAN ANNOUNCEMENT (KageAlan.com)

32% of American "borrow" WiFi

Rachel Maddow on Kato murder

100s of Gay Men Arrested in Bahrain

GAGA for Supreme (Photo)

Police: "Rabbi NOT Homophobic"

If you'd like to cohost or contribute music, please email me at jtaylorj@emich.edu!

Rainbow Sounds airs (LIVE!) MONDAYS from 2pm - 4pm /EST on Eagle Radio.

Rainbow Sounds PREMIERES Musica+Alma+Sexo 1-31-11

2011-01-31T13:51:00.016-05:00

Today's show consisted of ALL Ricky Martin Songs... That's right... Tomorrow Ricky Martin's Musica+Alma+Sexo (Music+Soul+Sex) gets released, and we premiered the album right here on RAINBOW SOUNDS. (Missed out on the announcement? Look to the right hand under contact me, and find your preferred social network!)

Here's the songs we played from the album plus a few past faves!

Mas

The Cup of Life (Spanglish Radio Edit) [Ricky Martin (1999)]

Te Vas

Maria (Spanglish Radio Edit) [Ricky Martin (1999)]

Tu Y Yo

Drop It On Me [Life]

Cantame Tu Vida

I Don't Care [Life]

Te Busco Y Te Alcanzo

Jaleo (Spanglish) [Almas del Silencio]

Sera Sera

Livin' La Vida Loca [Ricky Martin (1999)]

No Te Miento

Shake Your Bon-Bon [Ricky Martin (1999)]

Basta Ya

Be Careful [Ricky Martin (1999)]

Frio (Remix Radio Edit)

She's All I Ever Had [Ricky Martin (1999)]

The Best Thing About Me Is You

Shine

It's Alright [Life]

Private Emotion [Ricky Martin (1999)]

Listen to Musica+Alma+Sexo HERE!

Jesse Tyler Ferguson Goes Public W/ New Boyfriend

COMING OUT:

Geri Jewell of "The Facts of Life"

Graeme Obree, Scottish Cyclist

Jonathon Knight of New Kids on the Block (EW/POPNOGRAPHY, OUTing THe Music Industry)

Married Gay Troops Won't Be Recognized After DADT Repeal

Would you like to cohost? Contribute music? Email me at jtaylorj@emich.edu !

Rainbow Sounds Jan 24, 2011

2011-01-24T14:30:00.017-05:00

This week's playlist and links:

Poison - Nicole Scherzinger
Castle Walls - T.I. featuring Christina Aguilera
Haven't Met You Yet (Jason Nevins Radio Edit) - Michael Buble
United We Stand - Brotherhood of Man
On The Floor (Clean) - Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull
Let's Turn The Night (Matt Moss' Vidon Remix) - RuPaul
Living On My Own - Freddie Mercury
Percussion Gun - White Rabbits
Lift Me Up - Christina Aguilera (Hope for Haiti Now)
Let It Be - Jennifer Hudson (Hope for Haiti Now)
Jennifer Hudson's NEW single! ("Where You At")
Woof! - Tori Fixx
Jaleo (Spanglish) - Ricky Martin
Man In The Mirror - Michael Jackson
Gay Bash Melange Lavonne
The World - Queen Latifah
Come So Far (Got So Far To Go) - Hairspray Film Cast
Get Your Freak On Vs. Faith - Missy Elliot vs. George Michael
Rocket Man - Elton John
F'in Perfect (Clean) - P!nk
Say What You Want - Andy Bell

OPRAH To Reveal A Huge Family Secret TODAY!

Oprah's half sister? On WXYZ.com

John The Divine (Advocate article on John Cameron Mitchell directing Rabbit Hole starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart)

RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 3 PREMIERES TONIGHT

Gayest Cities in America (Advocate)

Facebook DESTROYS Relationships

Wonder Woman pilot, "I Hate That I Love You" (Lesbian sitcom in NBC)

TV's GAY Teen Revolution

If you'd like to co-host, contribute music, or just have questions or comments, feel free to email me at jtaylorj@emich.edu !

RAINBOW SOUNDS SEASON 3 PREMIERE, January 17th, 2011

2011-01-17T11:30:00.009-05:00

WELCOME BACK Season 3 PREMIERE of RAINBOW SOUNDS!

Here is today's PLAYLIST!

Welcome - Christina Aguilera
Welcome to Burlesque - Cher
Welcome to my Head - Chris Barnes & Thunderpuss
Welcome to the Pleasure Dome - Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Welcome to Hollywood - Jim Verraros
Logical World - Charlotte Church
Shine - Ricky Martin
May I Take Your Hand? - Bed, Boys and Beyond (Musical Revue)
Forgive Them Father - Lauryn Hill
I Wish You Well - Mariah Carey
A Deeper Love (Pride) - Aretha Franklin
Skin Deep - Buddy Guy
Phantom Song - Ferras
Aftermath - Adam Lambert
Million Dollar Bill - Whitney Houston

I'm Every Woman (LIVE) - Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston

Love Heals - RENT (Film) Cast

I Am What I Am - Gloria Gaynor

CHRIS COLFER VIDEO

ANNE HATHAWAY to guest on GLEE

O-Town Reunion?

Facebook's Chris Hughes and Freedom To Marry's Sean Eldridge ENGAGED!

Sean Eldridge discusses engagement and marriage equality

Ryan Murphy boards Project Glee

Ron Howard surprised at reaction to "gay" comment in new movie

Larry Kramer: AIDS was allowed to happen

Kramer to Anderson Cooper: "a pretty lackluster and bloodless [AIDS special]"

Rainbow Sounds: Mondays, 2-4pm EST on http://eagleradio.org !

If you'd like to cohost, contribute music, or have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me via the blog, the Connect w/ Me links on the right, or jtaylorj@emich.edu!

NEW SONG

2010-12-23T22:17:00.003-05:00

I recently recorded a song called "Makes Me Feel". This is another self-produced, self-written track. I sang it at Karaoke on Tuesday night, however, and people seemed to enjoy it.

I am going to PREMIERE a CLIP of this song on my FACEBOOK page. It is public, therefore you do not have to "Like" it or have Facebook to listen.

I will premiere it TOMORROW (December 24th, 2010), exclusively on mypage. It should be somewhere around 3pm EST, so keep an eye out. It will be in "video" format, but there's nothing special about the video part. LoL.

Hope you enjoy,
James

P.S. Don't forget to keep an eye on the left hand side of my FACEBOOK page, b/c it will tell you all the places you can find me performing. I'll be at Stiletto's January 1st, and Rainbow Sounds, season premiere, is on January 10th!

The Big Gay Christmas Show! (Rainbow Sounds 12-13-2010)

2010-12-13T11:19:00.009-05:00

Yes, it's THE BIG GAY CHRISTMAS SHOW! If you didn't HEAR the show today, here's the playlist: you'll see why...

You Haven't Seen The Last of Me (Almighty Radio Edit) - Cher (Burlesque)
Hard Candy Christmas - RuPaul
No More Tears (Enough is Enough) - Donna Summer; Barbra Streisand
Deck the Rooftop - Glee
Stamp Your Feet - Donna Summer
Listen to Your Heart - DHT
No Ordinary Christmas - Cheetah Girls
Me, Myself and (I) - Darren Hayes
It Doesn't Often Snow at Christmas - Pet Shop Boys
Everybody Bleeds The Same - Ferras
Christmas Tree - Lady Gaga
It's Raining Men - Geri Halliwell
Burning Star - Natalia ft. Anastacia
Melodies of Christmas - David Archuletta
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays - *NSync
Seasons of Love - Rent Cast; Stevie Wonder
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve - Clay Aiken
Auld Lang Syne (The New Year's Anthem) - Mariah Carey

Cher's NIPPLES?
Estee Lauder's first black model!

Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman) and IBS
3 Discharged Vets Want to Return to Military!
State (Michigan) considers non-married partner benefits

S/He Said
Gay books vandalized at Harvard
Gay Kiss removed from Air NZ

My pal, Hugh Yeman's blog, Meet Adam and Steve
Anderson Cooper's TALK SHOW, Anderson
Gucci Threw a Day-Care Party to launch children's line!

Department of Justice: It Gets Better
(Also, get your It Gets Better TSHIRT here)
California DMV investigates hate letter
Lesbian Engineer wins 4 year suit

James Franco watches a gigolo have sex
Ja Rule headed to prison
(Carrie) Fisher Priceless (interview)

Chris Colfer to make FILM DEBUT
Nelly Furtado on It Gets Better (and Justin Bieber)
Mariah, Unwrapped (interview)
Hockey Team video of Mariah Carey Christmas song

Rainbow Sounds returns January 10th, 2011. If you'd like to cohost, contribute music, or just have comments or questions, you can email me at jtaylorj@emich.edu !

Thanks, and don't forget to check out upcoming performances by looking on the left hand side of my FACEBOOK page.

7 songs from 99 songs

2010-12-09T17:15:00.000-05:00

I do not own any of these songs, just appreciate them.Based on my blog "Music and Life" in which I list 99 songs that have influenced my life or have spoken to me on a very deep level. Yes, this includes "Pop" by *NSync, "Everytime" by Britney Spears, and even "How Do I Feel (The Burrito Song)" by Hoku. But it also includes "A Song for Mama", "You Raise Me Up", and "Love Heals".

Enjoy this clip of just some of those songs, then head on over to http://jamestaylorjrmusic.blogspot.com/ and click "Music & Life (99 songs)" on the right hand side.

Or just click HERE.

Music and Life

2010-12-07T19:24:00.018-05:00

I recently decided to make a CD for my voice professor of some MAJOR songs that affect me now and have affected me throughout my life. The Story: I won't be taking Voice next semester, or probably ever again, at Eastern. I have fulfilled more than my share of credits in voice, and it is time for me to move on. I wanted to leave a piece of me with her, as a piece of her, and all of my music friends at Eastern, will always be with me.

This was no easy task. In fact, it has proven impossible, since, as many of you have come to realize, I love music way too much. So I've come up with the top 99. Yes, that's right 99.

So, Lindsay Kesselman, this is dedicated to you. But it's also for anyone who's ever had music touch their life and impact them on many levels. Enjoy.

Top 99 songs that have affected me in 2010 and beyond:

{I love Anastacia. I love the timbre of the voice, the style in which she writes, and her courage and strength. The entire album, Anastacia, was written and recorded while undergoing treatments (including radiation and chemotherapy) for breast cancer at the age of 35. Proceeds from the single "Heavy on my Heart" went to the Anastacia Fund which in turn went to The Breast Cancer Research Fund.}
Beautiful Messed Up World (from Heavy Rotation [Anastacia])
Heavy on my Heart (from Anastacia [Anastacia])

{I recently discovered that Charlotte Church, besides being a child (pop-)opera star and current talk show host, was still recording music! Pop music! Not opera! "Logical World" seems silly, cutesy, and funny at times. However, it can mean so much more: confusion, being lost, things just simply not making sense in the world in general, but also in our own world that we create for ourselves. "Even God" is just an amazing piece that you have to hear to understand. Quiet, but powerful.}
Logical World (from Back to Scratch [Charlotte Church])
Even God (a.k.a. Even God Can't Change the Past) (from Tissues and Issues [Charlotte Church]) (Written by Boy George, Rick Nowels, and John Themis)

{Cher. Is there anything else? Ha ha. The first of these two songs is very uplifting, and, like love should be, it is dedicted to EVERYONE. "Runaway" is a little sadder, but has always said something to me. It represents that need in us ALL to just simply get away from all of it sometimes.}
A Different Kind of Love Song (from Living Proof [Cher])
Runaway (from Believe [Cher])

{More Cher.}
You Have Seen the Last of Me (from Burlesque, Soundtrack [Cher])

{I love Christina. She has an amazing voice (that she doesn't always use correctly, efficiently, or beautifully) and writes some very poignant lyrics . "I Got Trouble" is fun, and bluesy: my favorite Christina style (much like a favorite inspiration of us both, Etta James). "Loving Me 4 Me" is something for which we all pray. "Soar" is inspirational. "I'm OK" is... difficult to talk about. My mother was physically abused by her first husband, as Christina's father abused her mother. This song is about the daughter (Christina) witnessing this abuse. It reminds me of my mother, sister, and brother, and the pain they experienced because of their ordeals with abuse, and it affects me very powerfully on a very emotional level. "Blessed" reminds me that I am blessed for everything that I have, and it was a song I tried to incorporate into a video compilation of my aunt after she passed away. The video never came to fruition, but the song still reminds me of all the things I've lost, and all the things I have.}
I Got Trouble (from Back to Basics [Christina Aguilera])
Loving Me 4 Me (from Stripped [Christina Aguilera])
Soar (from Stripped [Christina Aguilera])
I'm OK (from Stripped [Christina Aguilera])
Blessed (from Christina Aguilera [Christina Aguilera])

{I was introduced to the Dixie Chicks by my friend Suzanna Dorroh when I was about 12-13 yrs old in Princeton, Kentucky. Since then, I have been an avid follower. (I even have the CourtYard Hounds album.) These songs are songs that truly speak to me about life, love, relationships, happiness, sadness, not compromising yourself, and so much more.}
Easy Silence (from Taking the Long Way [Dixie Chicks])
I Believe in Love (from Home [Dixie Chicks])
Heartbreak Town (from Fly [Dixie Chicks])

{Backwoods Barbie is a pretty good album by one of the best songwriters in music. "Better Get to Livin'" is a fun song with a great message. Although I'm not very religious, I am extremely spiritual and when I heard "Jesus & Gravity" for the first time, I cried. It is extremely powerful, and really says something about our connection to the earth and to the universe; to ourselves and to God.}
Better Get to Livin' (from Backwoods Barbie [Dolly Parton])
Jesus & Gravity (from Backwoods Barbie [Dolly Parton])

{I discovered Ferras doing research for Rainbow Sounds. He is 4 years older than I am, to the day. (Yes, that means we share a birthday!) He is also an OUT singer/songwriter whose song "Hollywood's Not America" was featured briefly as an exit song on American Idol. “Everybody Bleeds the Same” is a song with a wonderful message.}
Everybody Bleeds the Same (from Aliens & Rainbows [Ferras])

{This entire album means so much to me. It is Idina's first major release (Warner), and I love her voice, her writing, her collaborations, and her choices for this album. With songs like "I Stand", "Brave", and "Gorgeous", I can't say anything more except amazing!}
I Stand [Idina Menzel] (songs: I Stand, Better to Have Loved, Brave, Gorgeous, Where Do I Begin, Don’t Let Me Down, I Feel Everything, Forever, My Own Worst Enemy, Perfume and Promises, Let Me Fall [Bonus], I Stand [Acoustic / Bonus])

{John Barrowman is Scottish-born, American-raised, and one of England's finest talents. Barrowman is best known for his West End work, as well as being Captain Jack on Doctor Who and Torchwood (both of which are where I fell in love with him), When I found out Barrowman was a West End star and singer, I became ecstatic. "What About Us?" is the only original song he's ever recorded. "I Know Him So Well" is a duet from Chess about two women who love the same man. For OUT actor John Barrowman to sing this with OUT singer Daniel Boys is extremely powerful to me.}
What About Us? (from Music Music Music [John Barrowman])
I Know Him So Well (from Music Music Music [John Barrowman featuring Daniel Boys])

{First love of my life, Judy, and the incomparable Babs. Need I say more?}
Get Happy / Happy Days Are Here Again (from The Judy Garland Show, 1963, can also be heard on Duets [Barbra Streisand; Judy Garland])

{More Judy…}
Zing! Went The Strings of my Heart [Judy Garland]

{Since the moment I heard Kelly Clarkson on season 1 of American Idol, I loved her. The first season was actually a pretty amazing season. And while I love the majority of Kelly’s music, and there are songs not listed here that are amazing, these are the songs that have really spoken to me throughout the years. “Cry” is really an amazing country rock ballad that should just stand alone, be taken separate from all of her other work, it is such a great piece. “Sober” and “Hear Me” bring out the empath in me, feeling the emotions of what others feel when they are crying out. “If No One Will Listen” was an excellent choice of a cover song, and I honestly feel that she does the song way more justice than the writer and original singer, Keri Noble. The song says a lot of self as well as society.}
Cry (from All You Ever Wanted [Kelly Clarkson])
If No One Will Listen (from All You Ever Wanted [Kelly Clarkson, cover of Keri Noble])
Sober (from My December [Kelly Clarkson])
Hear Me (from Breakaway [Kelly Clarkson])

{Mariah Carey has an amazing voice. No matter what you think of her, her songs, her writing, or her style of singing, this fact (simply named “The Voice”) can not be denied. These songs are gospel-oriented and inspired. “I Wish You Well” draws lyrics from scripture, describing the injustice of being mistreated and judged, saying that “I Wish You Well” even if you don’t wish the same of me. “Fly Like A Bird” features Carey’s pastor reading from the Bible. While I am not a religious person, I like that these songs are about self-empowerment, and having a deep spiritual relationship that takes you to a positive place.}
I Wish You Well (from E=MC2 [Mariah Carey])
Fly Like A Bird (from The Emancipation of Mimi [Mariah Carey])

{Let’s face it: first season of American Idol, I was in love with RJ. I was praying (coincidently enough) that he was gay. When he DID come out in 2006, I had only mildly let him slip into the back of my mind. At that time, I searched out his album, which I had previously decided not to listen to because it was an INSPIRATION/CHRISTIAN album. However, this album is amazing. There are latin influences (despite being raised by his white, adopted family), there are rhythm and blues influences, and songs about God that are such UNIVERSAL messages about love, peace and forgiveness, of ourselves and others. It’s really a pretty incredible album.}
Real Life [RJ Helton] (songs: Even If, My Devotion, Love Song, All We Need to Know, Freedom, Tell Me, Why Don’t We Pray, Delicate Child, Forgive, Crazy, Missing Me, Canto de Amor [Bonus, Spanish of “Love Song”])

{Rupaul, Rupaul, Rupaul. What can be said? The most popular drag queen in the world, entertainer extraordinaire, full of EXTRAVAGANZA… and heart. Champion was an album FOR the gay community, and Rupaul makes no qualms about it. It’s really his (her, in drag) first album directed, intentionally, toward his (her) loyal gay audience. “Never Go Home Again” tells the story of two youth who fear returning home because they are not accepted by their “family” and “friends”. The bridge encourages and reminds us to “make the family you want with ones who really love you.” “Let’s Turn The Night”: community, commitment, and Proposition 8. “Coming Out of Hiding” is simply fabulousity, and (again, though not intentional) definitely speaks to the LGBTQQI community as a whole.}
Never Go Home Again (from Champion [Rupaul])
Let’s Turn The Night (from Champion [Rupaul])
Coming Out of Hiding (from Red Hot [RuPaul])

{I discovered this musical revue (Bed, Boys and Beyond) around 2004, and absolutely fell in love with the music. “Gay Today” asks the critical questions of how LGBT individuals are looked at in the wide scope of society, such as: “Will I find love and friendship in this new day? Will some of the stigma and blame finally fall away from being gay today? Will I at last feel I’m safe living out and open? Will I have the heart or the hope to help me cope with being gay today?” “May I Take Your Hand?” is much more personal, a plea from one love to another, wanting to show affection, even in the simplest of ways. “I don’t want to make a statement to conservatives and purists; confuse all the ladies, or frighten the tourists. I’m not looking to shock or offend, but must we always pretend that you are nothing more than a friend?”}
Gay Today (from Bed, Boys and Beyond)
May I Take Your Hand? (from Bed, Boys and Beyond)

{A must-see film (Latter Days). “If I Could Be With You Now”, a great male love duet. Great, great songs for this film. These songs stuck out the most to me, and speak to me. They are must-hear.}
If I Could Be With You Now (from Latter Days, Soundtrack)
Hymn for Those Left Behind (from Latter Days, Soundtrack)
Another Beautiful Day (from Latter Days, Soundtrack)
Abide with Me (hymn, also from Latter Days, Soundtrack)
Tuesday, 3:00am (from Latter Days, Soundtrack)

{If you’ve never seen or heard of Rent, you are missing out. You don’t have to love it, but please appreciate it for what it is. It speaks VERY poignantly about HIV, AIDS, life and death, music, hope, growth, and so, so, so, so, so much more. If you can’t see a production of it, please RENT (he he) either the film or the DVD, Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway. The reprise of “I’ll Cover You” is extremely powerful and emotional, and that’s all I can say. “Love Heals” played in the closing credits of the film version. The notes from the CD booklet say this: "Jonathan [Larson] wrote LOVE HEALS while working on RENT, to help in the efforts of Love Heals — the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS education. Alison was one of the first heterosexual women to contract AIDS from a "one night stand." He wanted to help her and the organization in the best way he could: with music. Although not written for RENT, we have included this bonus track as a tribute to Jonathan and to help further the cause of AIDS education.”}
I’ll Cover You (Reprise) (from Rent, the Motion Picture)
Love Heals (Bonus Track) (from Rent, the Motion Picture)

{These are songs that are meaningful and powerful. Thanks to Kage Alan and Rainbow Sounds for helping me find these wonderful artists and songs.}
Say What You Want (from Non-Stop [Andy Bell])
Crucified (from Massive Luxury Overdose [Army of Lovers])

{These songs are very meaningful for me. "A Song for Mama" is very powerful. At my grandmother's funeral, they played this song, and now it represents the love that, not only I have for my mother, but for the mothers of my parents, and the mothers of my grandparents, and so on. I sang "You Raise Me Up" at my high school graduation. It was a very powerful moment for me, singing in front of hundreds of people, hundreds of families, at the EMU Convocation Center, representing the love we had as new high school graduates and burgeoning adults for the people in our lives who got us there. When my grandfather passed away, I was asked to sing this at his funeral, and at that moment it meant just as much, if not more. Family (biological or otherwise, chosen or not) is very important to me, and these two songs represent this very well.}
A Song for Mama (from Soul Food Motion Picture Soundtrack and Evolution [Boyz II Men])
You Raise Me Up (from Closer [Josh Groban])

{Other songs:}
Pop (from Celebrity [*NSync])
Everytime (from In The Zone [Britney Spears])
Taking Chances (from Taking Chances [Celine Dion])
Honest Questions (from Gotta Get Thru This [Daniel Bedingfield])
Stan (from The Marshall Mathers LP [Eminem])
It Don't Matter To The Sun (from Garth Brooks in... The Life of Chris Gaines [Garth Brook as Chris Gaines])
How Do I Feel (The Burrito Song) (from Hoku [Hoku])
Last Tears (from Despite Our Differences [Indigo Girls featuring Brandi Carlile])
Terrified (from Unbroken [Katherine Mcphee featuring Jason Reeves])
How Long Has This Been Going On? (from Let Yourself Go [Kristin Chenoweth, song from Rosalie])
Taylor, The Latte Boy (from As I Am [Kristin Chenoweth])
I Will Love Again (from Lara Fabian (English) [Lara Fabian])
Forgive Them Father (from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill [Lauryn Hill])
Umbrella (acoustic cover of Rihanna [Mandy Moore])
Gay Bash (from The Movement [Melange Lavonne])
Reason (from Reason [Melanie C(hisholm) aka Sporty Spice from the Spice Girls])
God Is in the People (from The Awakening [Melissa Etheridge])
I Will (from Princess P [Paris Bennett])
Dear Mr. President (from I’m Not Dead [Pink])
The World (from Persona [Queen Latifah])
When You Love Someone Like That (from Reba: Duets and Family [Reba McEntire; LeAnn Rimes])
I’m A Survivor (from Greatest Hits: Vol. 3, I’m A Survivor [Reba McEntire])
Goodbye (from Forever [Spice Girls])
30 Minutes (from 200 KM/H in the Wrong Lane [t.A.T.u.])

Purpose (from Avenue Q, Original Cast Recording)
She Loves to Hear the Music (from The Boy From Oz, A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording)
Listen (from Dreamgirls Motion Picture Soundtrack and B'Day Deluxe Edition [Beyonce])
I Am Changing (from Dreamgirls Original Cast Recording [Jennifer Holliday])
I Know Where I’ve Been (from Hairspray, Motion Picture Cast Recording [Queen Latifah & Cast])
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (hymn, also from Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Soundtrack [Lauryn Hill and Tanya Blount])
A Deeper Love (from Greatest Hits (1980-1994) and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Soundtrack [Aretha Franklin])

I wish I could go into detail for every song, but I figure this is a pretty comprehensive (and already tiring) list. I hope you took the time to at least look through the song titles, recognize some favorites, and find some new favorites.

Thank you for reading.

Please visit http://facebook.com/jamestaylorjrmusic for the most current, up-to-date information about album progress, upcoming performances (there’s quite a few), and Rainbow Sounds.

Rainbow Sounds 12-06-2010! Next week, SEASON FINALE...

2010-12-06T13:47:00.012-05:00

That's right, the end of the season came quickly, just as the Christmas season is beginning and the Hanukkah season is ending. NEXT MONDAY is the last episode of the season. I will let you know soon when the new season will begin. Appropriate, since it is the FIRST of the 12 days of Christmas. LoL.

Meanwhile, here is this week's playlist:

Sing (Jody Den Broeder Radio Edit) - Wynonna Judd
Back In Your Head (Tiesto Remix Edit) - Tegan and Sara
I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (Stuhr Remix)
Please Don't Leave Me vs. Mr. Brightside vs. Boom Boom Pow - Pink vs. The Killers vs. Black Eyes Peas
I Know Him So Well (Almighty Club Edit) - Steps
Love Me Or Hate Me (Radio Edit) - Lady Sovereign
The Climb (Joe Bermudez & Chico Remix) - Miley Cyrus
Blue Kiss - Jane Wiedlin
Last Christmas - Cascada
E.T. vs. All The Things She Said - Katy Perry vs. t.A.T.u.
Need You Now (Jason Nevins Hands Up Mix) - Lady Antebellum
Americanos (Radio Mix) - Holly Johnson
Don't Fall In Love With a Homo (Uptempo Re-creation Mix) - Jonny McGovern
You Turn It On (The Spot Rockers Turn The Party Out Edit) - Jim Verraros
Strobelight (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Radio Edit) - Kimberley Locke

Is DADT repeal Dead? Seems So...

Actress, Amber Heard come out!

LGBT Youth Acceptance is Critical on CNN.com
(with various links, plus quotes from students)

S/He Said on PrideSource
Cho/Palin Throwdown
JIMMY CHOO relaunches Men's line

Italians Sell Wine for AIDS
Huge grant ENCOURAGES HIV Prevention in SE Mich
Police Office Discloses Suspects HIV Status to ExGF
HIV Specific Law Manual AVAILABLE
GAYS should pay for AIDS RESEARCH?

Atlanta Settles w/ Gay Bar Raided in 2009

Holiday Albums & Reviews

If you'd like to cohost or contribute music, please email me at jtaylorj@emich.edu !

New season of Rainbow Sounds will be announced soon! Stay tuned next week for the season finale! Monday, 2-4pm/ EST ONLY on Eagle Radio!