I could write about all the great things happening in my personal life, but I want to keep that to myself. 1.) Sure, my Sarah Lawrence education has convinced me no one's BORN THIS WAY, but such energy and momentum surrounds this album, building it into the biggest pop culture event in years. From her gender politics to her genrelessness, Gaga belongs to Generation Y. The Beatles gave our parents The White Album. Thriller defined the eighties. The Gen Xers claimed Nevermind. Based on the early promotional tactics that focus on transforming the album's release into an event, Gaga not only gives this album to us, defining an era, but she lets us claim her. Face it, when MJ died a hole existed in the pop culture universe. Like when he took Elvis's spot, Gaga fills it.
2.) Madonna may seem saintly, and Gaga may sit on the throne, but Britney Spears defines pop. While Ke$sha has entertained us with her glitter and Santa Claus rides, we've been missing Miss Spears. What's y-100 without her? This week she returns with HOLD IT AGAINST ME, the first single from her second dubstep influenced album. (That's right, hipsters, Britney Spears was making dubstep four years ago when you had never heard of it!)
3.) JOAN DIDION releases a memoir about aging this year. Nuff said.
4.) For the last decade, LAURYN HILL looked like a crazy person. She delivered one album, a collection of live acoustic tracks and sermons, and hid from the public. Last year she owned Rock the Bells and performed a series of live concerts. She just embarked on her first tour in a decade, and rumors claim a new album waits in the wings. Like Gaga, there's a mysterious force hovering over Miss Hill, and I can feel the excitement.
5.) Broadway shows have lacked buzz in the last few years. They felt like forced commodities, made with safe artistic choices for test audiences. Sure, the reviews suck, but SPIDERMAN: TURN OFF THE DARK is what theatre should be: dangerous, risky, big, and beautiful. I refuse to miss it.
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