Last night I ventured over to Detroit Bar with some friends to check out the residency band for March, BLOK. They were great and I really enjoyed their set, but unfortunately they are not the band that predominantly sticks out in my mind today. The visions I keep replaying in my head are from their opening act, Little Red Radio. This “band” consisted of two “singers” (notice that the quotes denote sarcasm); a girl and a totally fabulous homosexual “rapper” (though I find that to be oxymoronic). In addition there was a drummer, keyboard player and two DJ’s. One actual DJ and the female singer who was scratching her own personal turn table on stage for all to see.
Clad in ripped up tights and some money making hooker shoes, this girl was entertainment for those over the legal age to purchase pornography. I could barely pay attention to anyone else on stage because for some reason she felt the need to continue DJing herself, if you will. Of all the times I’ve been to Detroit I’ve yet to see eccentricity like this. As I stood there tapping my boot and swaying my hips, I didn’t want to show too much enthusiasm in fear that she might mistake my slight movement as an attempt to dance and she would try to join me or perhaps take a whirl on my DJ equipment.
Was it avant garde? Not really but it was an attempt at being. Here’s the problem with bands like this. They are more focused on the oddity they bring to the stage than musical ability. That’s why I like Lady Gaga. Yes, her freak show persona tends to overshadow her actual talent. But strip off the crazy make up, bubble wrap, cigarette adorned sun glasses and possible male reproductive member, she’s a great musician. Unlike her predecessors Madonna or Britt, Gaga made her persona much like Bowie did.
Even though I’m a fan, after watching last night’s performance I’m not sure whether to blame or acknowledge Dame Gaga for her contributions to female artists.
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