The judges will receive a pm from me with further instructions.
The contestants should discuss the entries in this thread.
FOR THE JUDGES DEADLINE: Wednesday, January 7th 4pm EST
Episode 10: Entries
Capital B
Quote:
Originally posted by Capital B
Personally, I've had a very hard time reading the heart breaking news surrounding the tragic story of Leelah Alcorn. As someone who is a passionate advocate for LGBT issues, I've found it difficult to remove from my mind. Rather than flip my brain off and design some pointless EP for this challenge, I've instead imagined a charity album that would speak to struggling LGBT youth out there as well as benefit the The National Center for Transgender Equality, with all proceeds going there (as per Leelah's wishes in her suicide note).
The title is simply:
Call Her Leelah
The liner notes, which are typically full of song credits, would instead be a lengthy list of other LGBT youth lost to suicide. Call him Tyler. Call him Jamey. Call her Kim. This is not an isolated incident, and there's so much dialogue that still needs to happen.
I could say a lot more about my feelings on the topic - this is something I'm really passionate about speaking about in real life, but I'd rather let the music on this EP speak for itself. Honestly, it felt cheap adding fancy formatting to an entry like this. I carefully chose songs that provide a blend of connection, wisdom, reality, and hope. Creating an EP of this sort also provided me with the chance to draw from my "atypical" ATRL music taste, showcasing many great songs I love that exist outside the pop music world.
I hope you enjoy.
As well, I truly hope it's understood that I didn't simply grab to topic to be exploitative. It's something I truly think needs to be discussed. There is an epidemic of intolerance - and music has the ability to act as a powerful voice of acceptance and love, not only through it's ability to raise money through sales for important charities, but also to speak to those who struggle, and let them know they aren't alone.
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When I Was a Boy - Dar Williams
"and you can walk me home, but I was a boy too"
I connect with how this haunting song speaks to the frustration caused by society's narrow expectations of gender.
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Anthems For a 17 Year Old Girl - Broken Social Scene
"bleaching your teeth, smiling flash, talking trash, under my window"
Aside from just loving the general feel/mood of this song, I think it has a very powerful ability to connect with teens outside of the norm, as it delves into ideas around identity creation.
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"Losing My Religion" - Anouk
"every whisper, every waking hour, I'm choosing my confession"
After quiet, introspective tracks, this cover song brings some fire and in my mind speaks to the tumultuous inner struggle that often rages, letting people know they aren't alone.
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"Wicked Little Town" - Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Original Broadway Cast
"if you've got no other choice, you know you can follow my voice"
This song seems to throw a lifeline to those who feel out of place or alone in a town, or even a world, that seems so different from them.
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"Victory" - Janelle Monae
"to be victorious, you must find glory in the little things"
I wanted to end with something uplifting, and this beautifully powerful song is honestly the exact message I would want all youth struggling with their identity to hear. There is hope.
Serendipity
Quote:
Originally posted by Serendipity
For this challenge, I wanted to explore a topic that meant something and actually make a positive contribution. I undoubtedly had to choose the topic of bullying. I chose this theme because everyone has been bullied at some point in their life or another – whether it be for their appearance, sexuality, the way they talk to even just something as trivial as your favourite food. Anything that makes you distinct or you is picked upon. Therefore, I had to choose a topic like this that can reach out and connect to a huge audience, not just certain types of people.
Without further ado, here is my EP:
Recovery
I went for the title for one major reason. Although the topic is about bullying, I wanted to help everyone. So these songs aren’t related to one section of society. They’re relatable to whatever form of bullying you’re faced with. What I hope to achieve with this 5 track EP is a guide to recovery. Each song facilitates the 5 steps on the road to recovery.
Each song is carefully chosen to address the stages needed to beat the bully and ‘recover’ yourself. A side note, the songs not only are ordered in the way to recovery, but flow musically as it begins mellow and leads up to higher octane music before the final, ego filled pop song. Also, all the vocalists have incredible vocals and I think the ability for all of them to use their vocals show the ambition and determination you need through the bleak times.
Song 1 - Skyscraper - Demi Lovato:RECOGNITION
Skyscraper is the first song as facilitates the recognition mode. You recognise the problem, how the bullies make you feel horrible. Out of all the songs, this one really addresses how the bullies ‘take everything you have’ but how you should start to love yourself more. The ‘rising like a skyscraper’ metaphor plants the seeds nicely for the next song.
Song 2 - Hero - Mariah Carey:ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Hero is a perfect song for the acknowledgement process. Demi had introduced faintly the idea of looking at you. Mariah here, with her lyrics, allows you to look individualistically. She really allows you to look at your worth, you aren’t worthless – you’re a hero! This idea of your perfectibility inside you is fragile and is really well portrayed by Mariah’s delicate upper vocals.
Song 3 - Stronger - Kelly Clarkson:CONSOLIDATION
After that, Stronger (which is mainly about love rather than bullying) can equally be put into the bullying theme. It talks about being knocked down, which we’ve faced in the first two songs. The chorus is great as really stresses that sticks and stones can break your bones but words can’t hurt you. Just like Skyscraper it plants the seeds for the next song, something that all the songs do as it is a continuous path.
Song 4 - Fighter - Christina AguileraMOTIVATION
Fighter is a perfect song for motivation! This was the first song I had thought of out of all the songs. Sonically it motivates you with that rocky guitar and Christina’s perfect vocals! The lyrics are blatantly obvious and shows how now after being bullied, you’ve firstly gained love for yourself with the previous songs but now you have the fire in your belly to be a fighter.
Song 5 - Who's Laughing Now - Jessie J:SUCCESS
The final song is by Jessie J. The famous quote ‘revenge is best served cold’ fits here! The way you beat the bullies is to put all the motivation you got from the song before to success and become something that makes your bullies of your past sit up and recognise you. And as this song perfectly puts it, show them ‘who’s laughing now’.
Thank you and sorry for the VERY long entry. I was super excited for this challenge and hope you can see how much I did enjoy it!
darkhorse
Quote:
Originally posted by darkhorse
N A U G H T Y G I R L S
Naughty Girls - the EP
It’s a given fact women often see themselves objectified in the media. One of the first women to own her sexuality was Madonna, when she released the revolutionary ‘Erotica’, arguably objectifying herself as an expression of empowerment over men. If one thing has become clear since then, it’s this: sex sells. Madonna may not have done it first, but Madonna’s ‘Erotica’ in 1992 has (despite the controversy it brought) influenced a lot of female artists. The EP ‘Naughty Girls’ sees female artists’ take on sexuality.
With the EP I tried to give different perspectives on what it means to be the 'naughty girl'. The EP starts off with an unapolegetic Madonna, moving on to tracks with a little more depth or thought behind it, finally finishing off with two final tracks about the 'naughty girl' falling in love. I tried to let the EP tell the story of a 'naughty girl' being naughty for the wrong reasons (track #2 and #3 represent this part), that ultimately falls in love (track #4 and #5).
1. Erotica - MADONNA
2. Dirty Talk - WYNTER GORDON
3. Bad - WALE featuring RIHANNA
4. Naughty Girls (Need Love Too) - SAMANTHA FOX
5. Slowly - SYLEENA JOHNSON
Warning: some of the tracks on this EP are a bit explicit. A parental advisory sticker would be in order here.
(cover)
1. Erotica - MADONNA
Quote:
I don't think you know what pain is.
'Erotica' sees Madonna refer to her BDSM fantasies, and not just once. Dressed as a dominatrix in the video, Madonna refers to BDSM, singing: “I don't think you've gone that way /I could bring you so much pleasure”. At the time, this song was without a doubt revolutionary, maybe even still. The track isn’t as deep as most other tracks on the EP (not counting the second track). Contrary to the other songs, the ‘naughty girl’ in Erotica, Madonna in this case, seems to genuinely enjoy what she’s doing; there’s no mention of guilt (Bad), she doesn’t refer to love specifically (Slowly). It must be said there is a simple mention of ‘romance’ in the song, and despite its sexual content, the song does seem to refer to Madonna’s partner as a possible lover. 'Erotica', however, is definitely not a love song. Madonna owns her sexual power (as a dominatrix) in the song, and takes pride in it.
2. Dirty Talk - WYNTER GORDON
Quote:
I am no angel - I like it when you do that stuff to me.
Hmm, that stuff... The second track of the EP sees Wynter refer to kitten heels, foreplay, legs up on the bar, sex in the back of a car, latex, whipped cream, a blindfold, feather bed, tickling, a nasty pose in a video, a love machine, hot wax and S&M. I could go on, seriously, but I think it's clear the song was included for obvious reasons on the EP. It's naughty. Wynter likes it hardcore - she is no angel, and wants it all. However, the song does lack depth and artistry, which is interesting given Wynter's background. Wynter Gordon is mostly known her songwriting - 'Dirty Talk' was her final chance to make it ‘big’ (no pun intended). Sex sells, hence the choice for ‘Dirty Talk’. You could say that the song represents the theme of the EP well, but Wynter dumbing herself down to be the 'naughty girl' does seem a little sad. Is ‘Dirty Talk’ just a cute bop, or does it represent everything that is wrong with the music and entertainment industry and its objectification of women? There's a strong contrast between the first track, and this one. While Madonna may own her sexuality, Wynter seems to play the part of the 'naughty girl' for the wrong reasons.
3. Bad - WALE featuring RIHANNA
Quote:
Is it bad that I never made love, but I sure know how to ****?
Being naughty isn't necessarily a bad thing, however - it can be, if for the wrong reasons. Rihanna plays a prominent role in 'Bad' as the so-called ‘naughty girl’, Wale as her man. In the chorus Rihanna implies she will probably cheat on Wale, as she’s not ready to commit yet. In this case, the 'naughty girl' admits she might be good in bed, but no good for her man (Wale).
Wale refers to Rihanna as a bad girl in the song (even unapologetic, where have we heard that before?). With that, ‘Bad’ sees Wale and Rihanna paint a tragic picture of the 'naughty girl’, as Wale refers to her as no good, while Rihanna refers to her commitment issues. However, that does not keep Wale from giving praise where needed. He must admit, bad girls are sure fun.
4. Naughty Girls (Need Love Too) - SAMANTHA FOX
Quote:
Ooh, it's only you I adore - so much more then my body was asking for.
With the last track arguably being a bit ‘depressing’, the title EP track sees the ‘naughty girl’ fall in love. Before, sex was something Samantha Fox just had, now it's something more.
Model-turned-singer Samantha Fox was arguably the most popular pin-girl of the 80s, and in 2008, Fox was voted the top Page 3 girl of all time. For those that don’t know: daily UK tabloid newspaper the Sun has men looking forward to the beloved Page 3 girls every day. Samantha Fox is the definition of a naughty girl, without even trying. She refers to temporary love as bad, yet to good to let go off. With her newly-found lover, however, she does let go of the 'temporary love', as she realizes she needs love too. Interestingly enough, despite referring to a man in the song, Samantha did not find love in a man, and ended up with a lovely girlfriend in real life.
5. Slowly - SYLEENA JOHNSON
Quote:
Been an hour since his love had been in me.
We've seen the 'naughty girl' fall in love, it's only fitting to end the EP with a saucy, raunchy, naughty love song. Being naughty isn't bad per se, and 'Slowly' sees Syleena - like Madonna - take pride in her sexuality. Despite being arguably the most explicit song, 'Slowly' shows a softer side to the 'naughty girl'. ‘Slowly’ sees Syleena Johnson bring an ode to her man, while the breathiness in Syleena's voice makes the song a sensual one. ‘Slowly’ is sexy - not in any way tacky, despite its naughty lyrics. The song's rather explicit, especially when Syleena sings she cannot wait for him to *** inside of her. Romantic. Speaking about the lyrics - now these are lyrics that make you want to rush home to your lover, aren’t they? Or better yet: don’t leave the house.
Rider
Quote:
Originally posted by Rider
Episode 10: The One With The EP
Various Artists - Naked
Theme: Sex & Sexuality
Tracklist:
1. Rihanna - Skin
2. Kylie Minogue - Skirt
3. Beyoncé - Blow
4. Ciara - Body Party
5. Donna Summer - Love To Love You Baby
Genre: R&B, Funk ; Length: 20:33;
Poor is the man whose pleasures depend on the permission of another - Madonna -
Yes, sex sells. It's the truth. You love sex and I love sex, let's be honest. And as an activity we all love I decided to go with it for the EP challenge. The EP, called ”Naked”, consists of 5 songs, it's divided in 3 sections which defines the 3 stages of sex: Foreplay, Intercourse and Orgasm, and the length of the EP equate an average sexual experience.
1. Foreplay
The foreplay section contains two songs: ”Skin” by Rihanna and ”Skirt” by Kylie Minogue.
The EP opens up with Rihanna's heavily sexual tensioned track, Skin, which is a slow jam, perfect for the foreplay start. The following track by Kylie is definitely way more out there and more explosive which is perfect because the sexual intercourse section follows. Also the lyrics of the song are perfect to describe the foreplay:
Skin: ”The mood is set,
So you already know what's next.
TV on blast,
Turn it down,
Turn it down.”
Skirt: ”Let's get out of here come on
Where's your car, take me home
Up the stairs, Close the door
And then my skirt came down
Down, down, down”
2. Intercourse
Following the foreplay with Kylie's more alert song we keep almost the same pace with Beyonce's ”Blow” while entering the sexual intercourse section of the EP. We're at it and we're going as Beyonce sings clearly about the intercourse. We're getting ready to reach the peak and we're transitioning into Ciara's ”Body Party” which is a slower jam but still strong enough for the act. The difference here it that the songs clearly speak about the sexual act in its course.
Blow: ”Keep me coming, keep me going, keep me coming, keep me going
Keep me humming, keep me moaning, keep me humming, keep me moaning
Don't stop loving 'til the morning, don't stop loving 'til the morning
Don't stop screaming, freaking, blowing”
Body Party: ”I can't lie, I won't lie, it's amazing
My faces go places, you're taking me
Baby take your time now, there's no need to rush
We can go another round if that's what you want”
3. Orgasm
Going with Donna's classic ”Love To Love You Baby” for the third and final section of the EP is the perfect choice. The track filled with moans, sultry vocals and repeatedly thanking the lover it's actually the best musical description of the orgasm.
”Ahaaw, I love to love you, baby
Ahaaw, I love to love you, baby”
I present to you the musical representation of the sexual act and I recommend you to use this EP the next time you have the chance.
Allstar
Quote:
Originally posted by Allstar
Tracklist:
Donna Summer - I Feel Love
Fresh - Kool & The Gang
Dancing On My Own - Robyn
Todd Terje - Johnny And Mary
One More Time - Daft Punk
Tracks
'Retro, Dance, Love' is, just as the name suggests, an ode to disco and dance music. Its sometimes groovy and funky and sometimes modern or melancholic tracks all make you want to get up, dance and most importantly appreciate the dance genre. Sonically, all of the tracks have disco and dance elements in them. The first half is much more retro-heavy, despite the opener's futuristic and modern vibe. The latter half contains is very modern as it contains a lot of synths but is also built on the influences of the first tracks.
This EP starts with dance music's milestone 'I Feel Love'. Donna Summer's catchy vocal performance and its gripping synthesizer effects fiercely demands every listener to get on the dancefloor. After the almost hypnotic and sexual mood the EP's opener sets we move on to a more vibrant ambience as Kool & the Gang's funky 'Fresh' kicks in. Still an up-beat dance track it's a throwback to that era's r&b influences in clubs.
It doesn't take long until we move onto Robyn's 'Dancing On My Own' a lovefest to music and dance looking at it from a different view. The previous two songs had erotic perspectives on love and dance music while Robyn uses her track to express said genre as a way of escapism and liberty. Finally we hear the influences of our EP opener as this electropop anthem is full of synths. As Robyn's song reaches its climax and gradually slows down in the end it smoothly flows into the slow track 'Johnny And Mary'.
After three up-tempo songs this track stands out the most to create a contrast. Clubs used to play slow songs every now and then. This track pays tribute to that by serving the same purpose and successfully creating a change of pace on the dancefloor but not killing the life of the party. Todd Terje's contribution on this EP is melancholic and still romantic to keep the EP's thematics going.
We conclude our listen with Daft Punk's 'One More Time'. A final plea to every listener to never stop dancing and keep playing the song or album one more time. It defines this EP's aim at its very core - love for music - and thus makes for the perfect swan track of 'Retro, Dance, Love'.
The songs have clearly been chosen to capitalize on the EP's sonical theme and message of love and appreciation. I personally chose this theme because I wanted to create something that would still appeal to listeners of our generation but also make them crave to check out more of the unknown songs, older tracks and the variety the dance genre has delivered - many of which are real treasures.
B, using the Dutch Queen of Pop
You're my fav entry this time around.
Thanks darkhorse.
Aside from the tough subject matter, I was proud of my entry for showing off my pretty diverse and out of the norm musical tastes.
With regards to the subject matter, I honestly HAD to make myself stop reading news articles about it. Makes me feel absolutely gutted. What is wrong with this world???
Tracks
