YouTube Stars!

So guess who was recently at a festival in my area? BABYMETAL!
I recently wrote about their US television debut, performing "Gimme Chocolate!" So when they were here for Carolina Rebellion, I thought I'd check YouTube for some concert footage. In the related videos to the right, I noticed another band that was at the show, called Ghost.

Ghost (a.k.a. Ghost B.C.) is a Swedish rock/metal/doom band who are touring in promoting their third full length album, Meliora (link at left). They have something in common with BabyMetal. BabyMetal combines Metal and Thrash musical stylings with the theater presentation of J-Pop. Ghost combines the musical styles of Rock and Doom with the theatrical shock value of a Satanic Cult. All the members wear the same black robe and plastic devil face mask, and are known as Nameless Ghouls. The exception is the singer who dresses like the anti-pope and goes by the name of Papa Emeritus.

So what do they sound like? There is a definite influence of Blue Oyster Cult, KISS, Pink Floyd and Alice Cooper. They sound like BOC and Pink Floyd mixed with Black Sabbath, but they look like KISS in that their identities are hidden. They borrow from the Horror themes of Alice Cooper but dress alike like Devo.

Let's discuss and watch their Official Video for Cirice. This song won them the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance! Here are some lyrics, to give you an idea of what it's about...
I feel your presence amongst us.
I know your soul is not tainted, Even though you’ve been told so.
I can feel the thunder that’s breaking in your heart; I can see through the scars inside you!
You and I see eye to eye.
Now there is nothing between us. From now our merge is eternal.
Can’t you see that you’re lost? Can’t you see that you’re lost without me?

It is clear that the singer is forging a connection, a bond, with the listener. The listener is told that they are part of the group, they are understood, they are in a place where they should be. Without this in their life, they are lost. Notice that cults and, some will say, religions work to perform this psychological function in people's lives. They make them feel like part of a tight group where they are wanted and if they depart, their life will be devoid of meaning, left in Hell on Earth or perhaps eternal fires of damnation. Heavy subject matter but something to think about!

The video starts with Cirice, about 11 or 12, and her mom entering a school to watch a talent show. They were late and have to sit in the front row. Cirice looks less than interested in the acts, until Ghost comes out to play. The crowd is uncomfortable except for one couple who look slightly demonic; possibly the parents of Papa Emeritus, who is now singing directly to Cirice. She instantly feels a connection, and stands hand in hand with Papa as her mom tried to pull them apart. She succeeds but then when the MC tries to attack Papa, Cirice exhibits powers that are similar to those of movie icon Carrie who has a similar sounding name. All Hell breaks loose!

So is this an Award Winning Metal Performance or the work of The Devil himself? Have a look and decide for yourself!



Now if you thought that was Satanic, evil and creepily disconcerting... let's go back 50 years to the groovy 60s when the Hippies were singing about Love and Flowers. Not everyone was so happy. There was a man named Jason Crest who related his experience at a terrifying Black Mass.

Let there be light; stop these sounds! ahhhhh Black Mass-s-s-s-s-s. Heavy organ music, creepy evil lyrics and chanting, and a backwards percussion track might give you nightmares. Have a listen to "Black Mass" by Jason Crest, and ponder on whether this old slice of demonic horror from the swingin' 60s outdoes the new Satanic Ghost band or not!

Labels: Alice Cooper, BABYMETAL, Black Mass, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Carrie, Cirice, doom, Ghost, GhostBCVEVO, Jason Crest, KISS, metal, Pink Floyd, religion, Rock, Satan

posted by KennyCrane at 5/20/2016 01:45:00 AM 2 Comments

We have had a great response to our call for Guest Writers! We still have room for a few more writers, but apply only if you have an active YouTube channel. Send requests for information about writing for us to "Kenny".

Here's a review of American Idol related videos, by Jennifer Arthur.


It's no secret that American Idol is America's top rated TV show. We all seem to love the concept of finding the hidden talent of "the next rising star," whether it comes from your favorite bartender, your child's first grade teacher, or the kid who bags groceries at your local supermarket.

While outstanding numbers prove that Idol as entertainment is a success, what about the lives of contestants after the show ends? What becomes of the winner, the runner-up, or the underdog who was most loved by the fans? As a long-time fan of American Idol, I headed to YouTube to find my four favorite music videos by Idol Alums.

Yeah, I admit, I'm a Clay Aiken fan. And I still get a thrill every time I hear the first few notes of Invisible on the radio. As much as they try to hype it, no other season ever has come close to the excitement of Season 2. There was something so thrilling about watching the premiere of Clay's first video on TRL. His phenomenal record sales led to a series of fun and mostly sold-out tours, and he just finished a run on Broadway's Spamalot as Sir Robin. I'll definitely be watching to see what is next for Clay. Until then, catch Clay singing his first hit live in his hometown of Raleigh, NC:



Another Idol star is Kelly Clarkson. She's found huge success on the radio with several number one hits. However, my favorite remains Miss Independent. There's nothing like hearing the thumping bass and cranking up the volume to sing at the top of your lungs. When I found out that Kelly's first non-AI song had been written by Christina Aguilera, I knew it was going to be a great fit—and a huge hit.



Of course, I can't neglect country sensation Carrie Underwood. Admit girls, we've all seen this video, turned up, sang along, and danced our hearts out to Before He Cheats. It's what the song was written for! You couldn't turn on a country or pop radio station a year ago without hearing this anthem for wronged and empowered females everywhere, and Carrie's success post-AI continues to build. She's a country star who has crossed over to pop, and will no doubt continue to crank out hits.



Finally, I have to mention last year's sensitive rocker, David Cook. In his video, Come Back to Me, he proves that he has the talent as a musician and singer to carry on a career after his Idol win. With his gravely rocker's voice that still manages to hit the glory notes, David is the perfect example of the reason we can't get enough of American Idol. Most of us like to know that our favorite radio and video stars can actually sing, as opposed to having their latest hit manufactured in a studio. As long as contestants like David, along with those like Clay, Kelly, and Carrie continue to appear, we'll be watching Idol for years to come.

Labels: Aiken, American, Carrie, Clarkson, Clay, cook, David, Idol, Kelly, Underwood

posted by KennyCrane at 4/18/2009 03:21:00 AM 0 Comments