Blessed are We in this Queer Week of Music...

… when the skies cracked open and the Goddess did lower a shining pair of headphones fitted for all the queer girls of this world.

I kidd-eth thee not, mere mortals—we are crashing through quite the blissful week for queer ears (when it comes to the music scene, of course). We started off with a glittery Grammy celebration, and we followed the fireworks up with a stunning array of new releases. I'm still recovering from the shock of great tracks, hence the late post.

But as you will discover, 'tis better late than never.

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Sunday, February 13/11: The 53rd Grammy Awards

Goodness glamoury—I do love the Grammys. And lo, true talent prevailed in the major award categories for the first time in decades. I know some reviewers termed the two big winners in question an "upset" to the natural order of the More Albums Sold = "Best" Artist reasoning, but I find it refreshing to see the academy push for more alternatives to the mainstream ear. Who ever decided an independent album is inferior to a major label's production? Ah, but the politics—one can never be free of 'em.

Anyhow, on to a rundown of the highlights:

Lady Gaga debuts her queertastic new single, "Born This Way"

Did anyone else feel Lady Gaga was channeling the Alien franchise with this entrance? Or, at least the Cocoon flicks? We all figured Gaga was another life form, so the comparisons seem appropriate. I know she was gunning for her last single, "Alejandro ", to be the definitive gay anthem of the new millennium (which still baffles me), but I do believe she's figured out the formula at last. Throughout the entire performance, I kept projecting myself into the 2011 Pride celebrations and you know for a fact—THIS SONG WILL DOMINATE THE ENTIRE MONTH OF JUNE AND BEYOND. Guaranteed. And, I admit, I will approve.

Janelle Monáe Upstages Her Fellow Up-and-Comers

…though, we all sort of expected that one, am I right? Monáe electrifies when she touches the microphone, and she doesn't need a black-and-white camera filter to achieve an old school, soul-inflected sound (*cough*brunomars*cough, cough*). Though, I give points to B.o.B. for rocking a monocle on stage—I do like his brand of rap, and I have to dedicate a piece of my heart to his duet with Paramore lead singer, Hayley Williams. And then he adds a monocle to the mix? Brilliant. But overall, the stage shuddered along with Monáe's "Cold War"—and now I know who I'm fightin' for.

Bob Dylan Amalgamates Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers

Behold the staggering influence of The Bob Dylan, able to consume the talents of new stars and put their powers to use on an old-timey stage. I wanted to highlight this performance because, A) I'd never seen Mumford & Sons perform before, and the lads seem awesome, B) Ditto for The Avett Brothers, and C) WOW, Bob Dylan—I cannot understand a word you utter. Before, you mumbled; now, you gurgle…? People call you a living legend, but are you really alive, or are you pre-zombified?

Cee Lo Out-Glams Gaga, and Gwyneth Paltrow Survives Epic Heels

I am not sure how this duo formed. I don't know that a clear answer exists. Despite the oddity, I loved the performance. How could one not love the brightest, queerest stage show of the night—a performance that managed to upstage Gaga's "Born This Way"? I mean, Cee Lo's feathers? A plethora of puppets for a band? Gwyneth Paltrow in the most dangerous-looking heels I've ever seen a straight gal descend from a staircase wearing? You ought to YouTube this one if you missed it. Quite the sideshow.

Esperanza Spalding snags Best New Artist Award in the First "Upset" of the Night

I never thought a talented artist winning an award could be deemed an "upset," but the Grammy reports prove otherwise. Esperanza Spalding bested the kaleidoscopic Florence & The Machine, the boisterous Mumford & Sons, and the young'uns from the North, Drake and Justin Bieber. True, it is a rare occurrence for a jazz musician to snag an award for Best New Artist, but Spalding proves to be a towering new talent.

ARCADE FIRE TAKES THE NIGHT!

Album of the Year winners, Arcade Fire, overturn the status quo of the Grammy night and prove artistry and independence trumps the big wheels of the music biz to the south. I know our household was ecstatic with the announcement, and with the sheer fact that Arcade Fire performed both "Month of May" and "Ready to Start" to round off the 53rd Grammy Awards. I imagine the kids in Montreal and Quebec in general are elated—Arcade Fire's The Suburbs bested Eminem's comeback album, Lady Antebellum's new country classic, Katy Perry's Top 40 knockout, and Lady Gaga's international behemoth. Heh, no pressure, right? CONGRATS, ARCADE FIRE!

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This Week in New Releases

Lady Gaga, "Born This Way" (Single)

Get out the glitter and all those rainbow flags, kids—Lady Gaga breaks the winter blues with a burst of Pride. Better start memorizing the lyrics now so you're up-to-speed once the June/July season rolls around.

PJ Harvey, Let England Shake (Album)

At last—a new shot of PJ Harvey for the stereo. I needed a good aural thrashing to start the week, and I am forever dedicated to Harvey's brand of brass. Let England Shake offers a dark dystopian treat for listeners harbouring a penchant for dictatorial swagger and iron-fisted guitar riffs. I do love music spiked with speculative fiction—the fact an album of this nature is coming from Harvey makes the combination that much sweeter.

k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang, "I Confess" (Single)

See what I mean, gay ladies? When I spotted a new k.d. lang single for sale, I knew we were being rewarded. On "I Confess", we are treated to lang in fine lamenting form— she confesses to the mistreatment of her lady love and begs for a second chance (um, and who would be daft enough to not offer her one million extra chances?) I would recommend updating your queer tracks now by adding "I Confess" to the mix—we've only got a handful of months before Pride, you know.

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*Dabs brow with a handkerchief*

Feels good to write an epic update for once, especially when it is of the music variety. I get distracted with new tracks and triumphant awards, and I often forget to comment on 'em.

You all can thank k.d. lang for this post.

I Now Declare the Games OPEN

... Or so stated our Governor General, Michaëlle Jean, before the blinding glory of CANADA overwhelmed spectators around the world over.

I mean, if a man hurtling through an explosive version of the Olympic Rings on a snowboard was not enough of an introduction, then, I don't know what is. Though, I'm curious to know who wrote the prologue for the televised event. You remember the montage of Canadian scenery right before the ceremonies started? I seem to recall Vancouver being described as the "emerald" of the nation and there was something about "sugar-coated peaks" for mountains? What? I.... sure. Sure, narrator. You just keep on.... reading those bizarre descriptions.

I have to admit, I was a little torn over the ceremonies. I had moments were my national pride was practically bleeding out my eyes, but there were other times where I felt..... somehow irked.

On one hand, the presentation of our natural wonders and iconic Canadian geographical features was gorgeous; on the other hand, we've sold most of our natural resources to the Americans and, in the GTA, we're taking a stance of overdevelopment and swelling urban centres.

On one hand, we focused on Canada's indigenous roots and incorporated Aboriginal culture into welcoming athletes and visitors from around the world; on the other hand, we as a nation have left Native populations completely disadvantaged when the world isn't watching.

Our Governor General officially opened the Games, a woman who represents our lingering ties with Britain (again, a vestige of the colonial mentality); our Prime Minister had ample time to take in the Opening Ceremonies since he's, you know, not working (good ol' prorogued Parliament); and.... um, actually, I think those are all the points that irked me most.

Hmm, perhaps I'm just having an off evening. I mean, there were some gorgeous elements to the entire evening: I was stunned with the stage and the effects created through those massive, multi-layered screens; the chill, blue atmosphere of the stadium was at once refreshing and peaceful; the crowd was an integral part of the show's success as their presence was used for lighting and other designs; and, of course, watching the faces of the Olympians as they entered the stadium behind the flags of their nations was inspiring and uplifting all in one.

But, I wonder how far we've come when we roll out all those stereotypical images in front of international company. It's like we took out the fine china from the 1800s to impress our guests. The Mounties in red, the majestic and rugged geographical features paraded about, even the snow-covered stage -- almost all of the alpine events were cancelled today on account of the fact that Vancouver can't produce the weather to sustain the events. The fake stage snow is about all the snow in Vancouver at the moment.

Now, all that bitching aside -- I do believe one performer managed to capture the essence of Canada. Of course, I refer to spoken word artist, Shane Koyczan, and his impressive, inspirational piece, "We Are More." I found one section in particular resonated loudest:

"But we are more than genteel or civilized

We are an idea in the process of being realized

We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry

And the design is what makes us more than the sum totals of our history"

I love this concept of Canada. I love the idea that we are not bound by a single, overbearing national identity. It seems like Canada has more room when it comes to what we are. I like that we still have debates over what defines a Canadian and what our culture is.

In a sense, it feels similar to the word "Queer." Our national identity unites us, but it gives us flexibility and allows us to still self-define. Ha, I know quite a few Conservatives would take offense to me likening our national identity to anything queer-related, but I can see the similarities.

Oh, and speaking of Queer, we had quite the representation last night:

• Ashley MacIsaac kicked it with "The Devil in the Kitchen" during the fiddler section of the Opening Ceremonies
• k.d. lang effectively stole the evening with her breathtaking rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah"

I must be psychic considering I profiled k.d. lang all of three days earlier for Tunes for Tuesdays. It must be those latent gaydar capabilities of mine. I would also like to note that both MacIsaac and lang were the first performers who were NOT dubbed with a pre-recorded version of their songs. I know, I'd never seen dubbed fiddle music before, but, there's a first for everything, I suppose.

So, all in all.... I am all over the map on this one. I was confirmed and alienated in one shot.

Another question for readers out there: Were the Opening Ceremonies a boost to the Canadian ego, or were they a pageant of stereotypes? Did you feel inadequate compared to the show or was your national pride reinforced? I am definitely interested to hear opinions on this one, kids.

Tunes for Tuesdays: k.d. lang

It was all a matter of time before k.d. lang was profiled for the beloved Tunes for Tuesdays segment here at Cute, Queer, Canadian. The woman is blessed in numerous areas: she's got a honeyed voice and a classic, seductive persona; she's respected throughout the North American music industry for her addictive, alt-country sound; she's a Juno and Grammy award-winning artist; AND she's an out and proud lesbian.

I have the inkling sense that for numerous Canadian gay gals, k.d. lang factors into those proto-lesbian years in a substantial way. I remember watching her video for the epic hit "Constant Craving" from Ingénue (1992) and sensing there was something wonderfully different about this Canadian icon. Impressive, considering I was six-years-old in 1992. I know she came out in the same year, but, this was LONG before the days I even understood the concept of "queer."

She has such an unmistakable, smokey quality to her voice -- such an elegant composure to her persona. I am certain that, given ten minutes, she could seduce everyone in a fifteen mile radius with the sheer magnetism in her voice. That includes ALL queer and straight women and men within that radius. There's not any sense resisting her. It's proven fact.

I mean, readers will remember those delicious cover shots from the August 1993 publication of Vanity Fair, right? Need a refresher?

Oh, to be that razor....

Oh, to be that chair...

As I said, I think k.d. lang is one of those fixed points in the Coming Out narratives of numerous Canadian women. In a social climate where few butch women exist in the entertainment industry, k.d. lang has represented since 1989 when she won her first Grammy Award for her collaboration with Roy Orbison on the track "Crying." From that point on, she has shown the world that Butch is Beautiful and we all best bow down to it.

For this week's edition of Tunes for Tuesdays, I am focusing on k.d. lang in her live performances. She is a rare breed of musician who cannot be contained by her recorded tracks. No. To feel the full power and passion behind her pipes, audiences NEED to hear her live.

On that note, I turn to her powerhouse hit, "Constant Craving." I defy you not to be seduced where you sit:

*Swoon* I hope I can summon the coordination necessary to post this next clip. Now, k.d. lang is quite well known for her ingenious covers. On her album, Drag (1997), she focused her talents on smoke-themed tunes and other lounge classics; Hymns of the 49th Parallel (2004) saw lang covering iconic songs by a host of English-speaking Canadian musicians; and, she's got an array of other collaborations under her belt. With this next clip, I would like to showcase the pure glory that is k.d. lang's version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" from the 2005 Juno Awards:

Glorious. I'm glad the Junos can sometimes make smart decisions. This single clip might just be their finest choice, I must admit.

I feel there's still so much about k.d. lang to share -- I could write on and on with no clear end in sight. From her extensive music career to her social activism (RE: Vocal vegetarianism, her support for Tibet human rights issues, her dedication to vital LGBT issues) and to a whole host of other delightful gems -- her stories are far too complex for a post of this nature.

Though, new and established fans alike will be thrilled to hear about her latest release. What better form of celebration is there than to head out and purchase her Recollection Deluxe Edition, an impressive 33-track album of her greatest hits (all released on Feb. 5th, 2010)?

Cute, Queer, Canadian -- she's a national treasure as far as I'm concerned.

And yeah, I suppose we could share her with the rest of the world, too. I mean, it'd just be too greedy to keep her all for ourselves, as much as we certainly would like to.