Divine Revelation Or Holy Terror? Lady Gaga's "Judas " Video

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Lady Gaga's new clip for her single "Judas" was set to premiere today on the E! Channel. Fortunately (for us anyway) it's leaked about eight hours early. Much tongue wagging has been made of the video's religious subject matter, as Gaga takes on the role of Mary Magdalene and sings of her love for the treacherous Judas.

When talking about the clip and its concept, the singer explained  "Well the video, in essence, suggests that [pauses] forgiveness and betrayal are hand in hand and that... how do I say this? The video puts destiny above all things and postures that the mistakes in your life are in fact not mistakes at all, they are just part of your overarching potential and your destiny."

"I want to allow the video to speak for itself but I will say that the theme of the video and the way that I wanted to aesthetically portray the story was as a motorcycle Fellini movie where the apostles are revolutionaries in a modern-day Jerusalem," she said. "And I play Mary Magdalene leading them into the town where we meet Jesus and I will leave the rest for you to see. But it's meant more to celebrate faith than it is to challenge it."

Personally I feel that the video is good, but not great. It contains many Gaga motifs--surreal theatrics, over-the-top outfits, garish makeup, dancers (the lipstick gun gets a definite thumbs up)--but the whole product doesn't come off with a bang the way previous epics like "Paparazzi," "Bad Romance," "Telephone" or "Born This Way" did. Casting the disciples as a modern-day biker gang  was a nice twist, but she should have scrapped the dance sequences and concentrated more on the overall storyline, which could have provided some great visual scenes. Perhaps the fact the video was being filmed on the same stage as Janet Jackson's "Escapade" inspired her to bust a move.

But a good Gaga video is still better than 85 to 90 percent of other music clips that are out there, so it's definitely worth watching. Maybe when the uncut version premieres later today, it'll contain some new surprises. Watch "Judas" HERE.

Five Things Marilyn Manson Needs To Do For A Comeback

Ten years ago Marilyn Manson was one of the world's most infamous and controversial rock stars. Manson and his cronies were the scourge of conservative America--every tour date was plagued by Christian protestors hellbent on keeping the kiddies away from the devil's latest storm trooper, while intense cultural debates about his subversive image stretched to the halls of Congress.

The band is currently at work on a a new album, and their leader is still a presence in the art and indie film worlds. However, while his loyal core audience has remained, it's clear that in 2011 Manson has seen better days. All is not lost though.

The current landscape of rock stars, populated by earnest, plainly dressed acts like Kings Of Leon, Arcade Fire and Foo Fighters, reveal a need for a performer with larger-than-life theatrics and powerful persona. Meanwhile the runaway success freaky deeky pop starlets like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry--hell even Britney's gone all apoctalyptic on us--show that pop audiences are also game for Manson's dark oeuvre. 

Here are five ways the Antichrist Superstar can make a comeback.

1. Hire A Vocal Coach

Screaming at the top of your lungs every night for nearly two decades is enough to wear down anyone's vocal chords. While Manson still maintains some of his vicious snarl, his lung power has dropped a few notches since his heyday. Taking vocal lessons will give him more options with song and vocal arrangements, and he'll be able to rely less on screaming.

2. Hit The Gym

It's not hard to notice that the singer's usual beanpole physique has packed on some pounds over recent years. The extra baggage has stripped his live performances of their once brutal physicality, making him come across as lethargic and listless onstage. Lazy beelzebubs aren't nearly as scary. Working out will also increase vocal stamina, so it ties into tip number one as well.

3. Camp Outside Trent Reznor's House

Manson and his former mentor Trent Reznor have had more falling outs and reconciliations than an entire season of Dynasty. But it's never too late to kiss and make up. From a musical standpoint, Reznor is known for experimentation and exploring new sonic territory. Working with him could push Manson to a new creative space. A Manson/Reznor collaboration would also bring tons of publicity, with the NIN frontman currently riding high from his Oscar win. And with 2011 marking Antichrist Superstar's 15th year anniversary, a new album featuring Reznor's production would draw fans and curious observers alike.

If hooking up with Reznor is out of the question, Butch Vig, the former Nirvana producer and Garbage drummer responsible for Foo Fighters' critically-acclaimed smash Wasting Light, could be a great second choice.

4. Relinquish Your Pen

Two heads are often better than one, especially when it comes to songwriting. Allowing Twiggy, Chris Vrenna and Fred Sablan to contribute to the lyrical process will expand the new album's subject matter, and give it a different point of view.

5. Pull A Green Day

If any 90's era band knows how to pull themselves out of a commercial slump, it's Green Day. The trio was pretty much written off after 2000's Warning, but have managed to wring a hit album and a hit Broadway musical out of 2004's American Idiot. Manson's back catalogue is tailor made for an epic Broadway production. Omega, Anti-Christ Superstar, Adam Kadmon....the characters and storylines are already in place. All they would need is some flushing out and a director and cast. If audiences will flock to the theater to watch plays about screwed up kids living in America or Spider Man, the story of a weakling that turns into a megalomaniacal, world-destroying demon or a decadent androgynous, alien rock star are sure to generate interest.

Classic Album Battle: What's The 411 Vs. My Life

Oh yeah, I went there. Most Mary J. fans(including myself) and general R&B lovers alike consider What's The 411? and My Life to be her best music. However, which one is better?

What's The 411?

Let's start with What's The 411? the album that begat Mary's career and her reign as The Queen of Hip Hop Soul. But first, a little history. When Mary's debut dropped in '92, it signaled a new direction in female R&B, in both sound and image.

At the time the top songstresses (Whitney, Mariah, En Vogue, Anita, Patti) made slick, polished R&B and wore glamorous evening gowns onstage. Mary on the other hand, rocked combat boots, baseball caps, jerseys and a nose ring (check out the "Reminisce" video if you don't believe:).

And her music, while smooth and soulful, also had the grittiness and hard edge a generation raised on hip hop had come to expect from their music. True there were other artists who had blended hip hop and R&B before her (Nehneh Cherry and TLC come to mind) but without a doubt Blige made the most impact.

For me the first album, while featuring undeniable classics such as "Real Love," "Reminisce," "You Remind Me," "Love No Limit," and a cover of Chaka Khan and Rufus' "Sweet Thing," is a little uneven. While album tracks like "I Don't Wanna Do Anything Else" and "My Love" are great, the other songs-"Changes I've Been Going Through" and "Slow Down," while fine, just don't grab me.

And the interludes, which were kind of unique when the album was released (Lawd knows only Janet was doing it at the time, lol) haven't really stood the test of time, and I find myself skipping them just to get to music. In my view they really don't tie the songs together, but feel like an intrusion.

My Life

To me, this is Mary's masterpiece. Maybe it was because she was going through some thangs at the time(which we know all too well about now) or because she had more of a hand in the songwriting process, but My Life is arguably one of the best R&B albums ever. Both the music, which this time features a less obvious hip hop influence but is still beat heavy, and lyrics fit together.

Every song works together to create a seamless stream of music, from the remakes of "Mary Jane (All Night Long)" and "I'm Goin' Down" to the Barry White sampling "You Bring Me Joy" and "Be Happy." The title track, which samples Roy Ayer's "Sunshine" just touches some deep place inside me whenever I hear it. Some people complained that Puffy and Mary relied a little too much on the samples, but to me they give the whole album a cohesivenesss that What's The 411? lacked.

The track placement of the album is also fits its themes of love, longing and drama. While the album starts off on kind of an upbeat party vibe with "All Night Long" and "You Bring Me Joy" it slowly spirals down into Mary's depression and heartbreak with "My Life," "You Gotta Believe," "Never Wanna Live Without You," "I'm Goin' Down" before ending in wishful melancholy with "Be Happy."

I can play this whole album through without wanting to skip a single track. Even the interludes don't interrupt the flow, but just take you deeper into Mary's world. Over 15 years after its release, it still slaughters almost every R&B album out right now. I love both albums, but if I had to choose between them, I'd pick My Life. So which do you think is better?

Get into videos from both albums below:

Mary J. Blige - Be Happy
by Grdgez

Mary J. Blige ~ Real Love ~
by shakura

Mary J. Blige - Reminisce
by UniversalMusicGroup