Lights: ‘The Listening’ Album Review

Lights: ‘The Listening’ Album Review
By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Review: 5 Stars (out of 5 stars)





“If you only buy one album this year, “The Listening” by Lights should be that album. No new recording artist has impressed me more with their overall creativity, originality and one-of-a-kind personality. ‘The Listening’ is an emotional, passionate, and melodic debut by a truly extraordinary musician.” – StayFamous.Net

As I stood in the hot afternoon sun, beneath the front of the stage at the 1,000 Islands Music Festival in Gananoque, Ontario, with my camera in hand, I paused and stopped shooting. In that moment, it was more important to me to listen than to capture the perfect image.

A fellow photographer told me I should hear up-and-coming Canadian singer/songwriter Lights (formerly Valerie Poxleitner), and instead of taking a break for lunch, I decided to photograph her concert.

As a journalist, I knew I was only permitted to take pictures during the first two songs, before I would be whisked away from the front, but as I stood there with time running out, I couldn’t help but be completely mesmerized.

The performer I saw before me that afternoon was deep and mysterious, like the morning sea after a storm. There was passion and pain, innocence and illusion in her music. I was instantly transfixed by her ability to blend soft, poetic lyrics with an engaging electronic sound.

When her concert was over, I wrestled with decision of whether or not to go up to her and say something. Should I ask her for an interview, or talk to her about her songs? I eventually decided not to say anything at all, other than to ask for her autograph and pose for a picture with her. I had too many questions and it wouldn’t have been fair to her to interpret her music so hastily.

Now, months later, my only regret is not saying something. When you cross paths with someone extraordinary, don’t let the moment pass you by.


The debut full-length CD by Lights, entitled “The Listening” (now available on Sire Records, a Warner Music Group company) is flawless. From the catchy verses in “Savior” and the inspirational lyrics found in “Face Up,” to the beautiful piano ballad of “Pretend (Reprise),” the album illustrates the power of pop music to be rich with texture, meaning and symbolism. It is an album you can play over and over again and find something new each and every time.

Lights is not simply a pop singer who makes dance music, she is an artist who has created an album that redefines the electro-pop genre with lyrical complexity. In additition to her popular song, “The Last Thing on Your Mind,” which was featured in an Old Navy television commercial, “The Listening” also includes “Ice,” “February Air,” and one of her best songs, “Drive My Soul.”

One thing is certain, if Lights schedules a concert in Syracuse, NY, you can expect me to attend. But the next time I see her perform, I won’t be bringing my camera. I will be listening.

Tracks on “The Listening” include:

1. Savior
2. Drive My Soul (*Top Pick for StayFamous.Net “Favorite Song” on the Album)
3. River
4. The Listening
5. Ice
6. Pretend
7. The Last Thing On Your Mind
8. Second Go
9. February Air
10. Face Up
11. Lions!
12. Quiet
13. Pretend (Reprise)

For more information on the music of Lights visit http://www.iamlights.com/.

Want to know more about Michael Aaron Gallagher? Read his IMDb mini-biography at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3614756/bio and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stayfamous.

Related Stories:
- Lights performs at 1,000 Islands Music Festival

Lights: 'The Listening' Album Review
Copyright © 2009 by Michael Aaron Gallagher

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Telephone: (315) 863-2577
Email: publicity@manhattanpublicrelations.org

'B-Movie Film Festival' celebrates 10th anniversary

'B-Movie Film Festival' celebrates 10th anniversary
By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

The City of Syracuse recently hosted the 10th Annual B-Movie Film Festival from Nov. 6 to 8 at The Redhouse and The Gear Factory, two Westside art venues.

As a growing player in the motion picture industry, Central New York has a rich cinema tradition and a thriving independent film culture that is attracting attention from around the world.

Local production companies, filmmakers and actors throughout the region are beginning to unite in their efforts to promote area talent year ‘round, combining their resources through fledgling organizations like the Salt City Actors Group, the Syracuse Film Office and the Syracuse International Film Festival.

This year's B-Movie Film Festival featured two Central New York productions. The intense, action-packed independent horror film by award-winning director Ron Bonk, entitled "Ms. Cannibal Holocaust," premiered at The Redhouse on Nov. 6 to a near sell-out crowd. The film stars Kellyn Lindsay, Nicola Fiore and Wes Reid (and features the big-screen debut of Michael Aaron Gallagher). Among the cast members attending the opening night festivities were actors Kirk LaSalle ("Meskada") and Jack Gargaro ("Lonely Joe").

Another Syracuse production that drew a crowd was the hilarious mafia comedy by writer Jason L. Lyons, which took four years to film and had a production budget under $10,000, entitled "Monkeys Wear Cement Shoes."

Following the screening of “Monkeys Wear Cement Shoes,” the filmmakers discussed the movie and answered questions from the audience.
But local films were just some of this year's special offerings. The final schedule of nearly 20 short and feature-length motion pictures played throughout the three-day event. From the Quentin Tarantino-style film “Ballad of Angel Face,” which was reminiscent of “Kill Bill: Vol. 2” to the outrageously oppressive Appalachian comedy “The Hills Have Thighs,” more than 200 low-budget, indie films were submitted, according to the festival’s director.

Also among this year’s attendees was director Kiff Scholl and the brilliantly comical actress Kelsey Wedeen, who starred in “Scream of the Bikini” (a very funny 1960’s style film about two crime-fighting supermodels that had relatively nothing to do with a scream or a bikini).

In celebration of the festival's 10th year, all the movie showings were free (with the exception of tickets for the premiere of "Ms. Cannibal Holocaust"). In addition to the screenings, merchandise including movie posters, DVDs and T-shirts were also available.

For details on how to submit a film for consideration to the 2010 B-Movie Film Festival or for ticket and schedule information, visit: http://www.bmoviefest.com/.

Want to know more about Michael Aaron Gallagher? Read his IMDb mini-biography at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3614756/bio and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stayfamous.

'B-Movie Film Festival' celebrates 10th anniversary
Photographs by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Copyright © 2009 by Michael Aaron Gallagher

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Telephone: (315) 863-2577
Email: publicity@manhattanpublicrelations.org

Selena Gomez and The Scene: 'Kiss and Tell' Album Review

Selena Gomez and The Scene
‘Kiss and Tell’ album review
By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

“Sweet, sassy, and supercool, ‘Kiss and Tell’ is solid proof that Selena Gomez is becoming a versatile, multitalented entertainer with genuine star power.” – StayFamous.Net

Review: (4 stars out 5 stars)





On Sept. 29, Selena Gomez and The Scene (Ethan, Joey, Nick, and Greg) released their first album “Kiss and Tell” on Hollywood Records. With 13 tracks, including a remix of her popular song “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know” (from the “Another Cinderella Story” soundtrack), the CD demonstrates Selena’s concerted effort to make a successful debut as a new recording artist.

With the “core” of the record shaped by Ted Bruner and contributions made by Isaac Hasson and the impressive John Fields, Gomez benefited greatly from the masterful work of the team behind much of Demi Lovato’s musical success.

Coming off her recent win as “Best Actress in a Television Comedy" at the 14th Annual ALMA Awards for her role on the Emmy-award winning Disney Channel show “Wizards of Waverly Place,” there’s no question, right now Selena Gomez is all the rage in Hollywood. At 17, she’s a hip, stylish trendsetter, whose fashionable wardrobe choices, hairstyles and accessories demonstrate her unique personality, a blend of girl-next-door sweetness with a playful edge of sarcasm and comedic wit. It’s no wonder, she has swiftly become a merchandising sensation.

Up until now, fans have only heard a small sample of Selena Gomez’s musical style. She recently released four songs on the “Wizards of Waverly Place” soundtrack, “One and the Same,” a duet with Demi Lovato for Disney’s “Princess Protection Program” soundtrack, and a collaboration with Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, and Demi Lovato on "Send It On."

It was easy to see her anxiety leading up to the album’s release date, but the fact is Selena Gomez has nothing to be worried about. Her fans will definitely enjoy rocking out to her new album. She continues to be an inspiration to many young people who admire her for her hard work, determination and her commitment to set a good example as a role model for kids. But “Kiss and Tell” is not just an album for her fans. Many of the songs on the album have a broader appeal, even beyond the target demographic.

Other music critics (and even some of her fans) have questioned her ability to sing and compared her to other Radio Disney stars like Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus. Despite the limitations she may have vocally (a criticism that can also be leveled against many other pop artists as well), she ultimately delivers an album that is fun and full of personality.

As a new artist, it can often be a challenge to find your own voice and determine the sound and genre that is best suited for your abilities. As Selena continues to perform over the coming year, she will certainly develop a style that compliments her vocal range and individuality.

Tracks on “Kiss and Tell” include:

1. “Kiss and Tell” –The title track gets the album off to an up-tempo start, although it is not one of the best songs on the album.

2. “I Won’t Apologize” – The only song on the record written by Gomez, “I won’t apologize” was co-written by John Fields, who has also worked with Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato.

3. “Falling Down” – When the single was first released on Radio Disney in August, it took me a while to figure out what was holding me back from loving it. Then I realized that my favorite parts of the song are the verses. In fact, the lines “you give me roses, but they’re all just made of plastic” and “smile for the camera, everybody’s looking at ya,” are two of my favorite lines on the CD. Although Selena does a phenomenal job creating a cool, edgy vibe, the problem I initially had with the song was the chorus. If another chorus (with a different tune) was substituted in its place, the song would have a more cohesive flow and perhaps be a little more catchy. “Falling Down” is a good song, but with a little re-working and re-mixing, it could be better.

4. “I Promise You” (Written by Isaac Hasson, Lindy Robbins, and Mher Filian) – (*Top Pick for StayFamous.Net “Favorite Song” on the Album) – Although there are several songs that deserve praise, “I Promise You” was the first track on the album that caught my attention during the “Planet Premiere” on Radio Disney. After replaying the album dozens and dozens of times since its debut, it continues to be one of my favorite tracks. Note: It made me smile when, at the 2:45 mark, I heard Selena deliver the line “forever we will stay true” a lot like Demi Lovato.

5. “Crush” – The best part of the song is when Selena talks and whispers, “I wasn’t really in love, it was just a crush.”

6. “Naturally” – As one of the most listened to songs currently in my music playlist, its dance beat makes it a fun song to drive to.

7. “The Way I Loved You” – With a hint of country style, this is a song that would be interesting to hear a cover performed by Savannah Outen or Taylor Swift.

8. “More” – Ironically, the song that sounds most in line with Demi Lovato’s style, is my least favorite on this album.

9. “As a Blonde” – There is a heavy “Hannah Montana” feel to this track.

10. “I Don’t Miss You At All” – With an expertly-mixed blend of dance and rock, it would also be interesting to hear an all-acoustic version of this song, with the same guitar work that occurs around the 2:18 mark.

11. “Stop and Erase” – The best line in this song is “’Cause I’m gonna wipe that smile off your know-it-all face.”

12. “I Got You” – I especially like the background vocals by Julia Harriman on this song, which add a great vibe toward the end of the track (from 2:30 to 2:50).

13. “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know” (bonus track) – This is a slightly more mature sounding remix of the song featured on the “Another Cinderella Story” Soundtrack, (which means I can finally listen to it, without getting strange looks from co-workers).

Regardless of how long her music career lasts, Selena Gomez is a superstar who is proving she can do just about anything.

For more information on Selena Gomez’s music, including her debut album on Hollywood Records, visit myspace.com/selenagomez, where you can listen to her songs and add her as a friend. Selena Gomez appears on “Wizards of Waverly Place” Fridays at 8 p.m. EST on the Disney Channel.

Want to know more about Michael Aaron Gallagher? Read his IMDb mini-biography at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3614756/bio and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stayfamous.

Related Stories:
- How ‘Selena Gomez’ made him famous (Michael Aaron Gallagher’s exclusive interview with Greg Kurka)
- Drew Seeley brings fiction to life
- Demi Lovato ‘Don’t Forget’ Album Review
- Demi Lovato ‘Here We Go Again’ Album Review
- Lovato and Gomez rock in Disney’s ‘Princess Protection Program’

"Selena Gomez and The Scene:
'Kiss and Tell' Album Review"
Copyright © 2009 by Michael Aaron Gallagher

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Telephone: (315) 863-2577
Email: publicity@manhattanpublicrelations.org

Koppel interviews Langella

"Koppel interviews Langella"
By Michael Aaron Gallagher
SU alums participate in ‘Orange Central’ celebration

With his signature adeptness and trademark interviewing prowess, former anchor of the long-running ABC News program “Nightline,” Syracuse University Alumnus, Ted Koppel ‘60, H’82 recently sat down with Tony Award-winning actor Frank Langella ’59 for an intimate, one-on-one conversation at Syracuse Stage.
Ted Koppel (left) interviews Frank Langella (right) in front of a sold-out crowd at Syracuse Stage as part of Syracuse University’s Orange Central events. Photo Copyright 2009, by Michael Aaron Gallagher. All rights reserved.

When asked how he prepares for an interview, Koppel, who is currently a senior analyst for BBC World News America and National Public Radio (NPR), shuttered to admit that he doesn’t make any special preparations.

“I do the research,” said Koppel, who has won 42 Emmy awards for his work in broadcast journalism, “but I don’t prepare questions.”

In front of a sold-out audience, the two discussed Langella’s notable career both on stage and screen. His recent portrayal of President Richard Nixon in the Ron Howard film “Frost/Nixon” (2008), garnered an Academy award nomination for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.”
Between reminiscing stories of their days spent at Syracuse University and their memories of legendary running back Jim Brown, to Langella’s lighthearted ribbing of Koppel’s attempt to imitate President Nixon and do impressions of old Hollywood celebrities, the two conversed with unrehearsed ease.

During their exchange, Langella admitted that he was the second choice to play Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” (1972) a classic role that Al Pacino later made famous. He also discussed his work in the upcoming Oliver Stone film “Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps” (2010), starring Shia LaBeouf, Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, Susan Sarandon, and Josh Brolin.

The following day Langella received the George Arents Award (for excellence in performing arts), Syracuse University’s highest alumni award.

“He’s a distinguished graduate of the university,” said Koppel, “and a great, great actor.”

"Koppel interviews Langella"
Copyright © 2009 by Michael Aaron Gallagher

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Telephone: (315) 863-2577
Email: publicity@manhattanpublicrelations.org