Music conglomerates, agents, judge panels and TV networks – use to devise lists of famous singers and decide amongst themselves who would take home the top honors year after year. With the digital age, twitter, face book, American Idol and more – it now lies in the hands of the consumers themselves.

According to TipTopTen.com, Rihanna ranks as the #1 female singer of 2011 so far for her performances Love the way you lie, Rude Boy, and what‘s my name. Runners up on their presumptive 2011 list also contain Taylor Swift, Kesha, Katy Perry, and who could forget the odd and unforgettable Lady Gaga coming in at fifth place.

American Idol creates new teeny bopper singers ever year based on the vote of millions of American viewers. This year’s final two are Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina who are now well on their way to making a successful career in singing all because of popular demand, voters like you and I. However, whether they can successfully launch a super star career is far from certain.

As history shows us, many of the contestants and winners of American Idol go on to make mediocre careers and stay in the lime light. It just goes to prove that 30 million people may watch the final episode of American Idol, but those 30 million consumers don’t immediately go to iTunes and download the winners’ album or songs. It seems that American Idol was able to create a wildly successfully television show but they were unable to convert those viewers in additional sales for their winners.

American Idol does have one bright spot, however it resides within their judges panel. Jennifer Lopez, voted sexiest woman of the year. She also happens to be a super star singer and movie star grossing millions of dollars in profit, year after year.

Social Media is far becoming the number one way to solidify your position as a famous singer, whether you are good or not. One very famous example is a song called “Friday” that amassed millions of viewers in a very short amount of time (sung by Jessica Black). But there is one catch, it isn’t very good, in fact, it is more of a joke than it is a well made music video. Conan O’Brien even created a spoof of her music video, he called in “Thursday.” It goes to show you that a perfect pitch voice isn’t always required to become a famous social media icon.

To become immortalized in music history, you need more than just the fleeting fame from social media. You need a unique voice, character and the love of the American People (or the Japanese if you’re Michael Jackson or Baseball). Many chart toppers sell themselves using sex, Hollywood, or the lime light which is temporary and eventually leaves a bitter taste in the back of your throat. Taylor Swift has a reputation, great music, and is very young in her career – all of which point her in the direction of the greats like J-Lo and Michael Jackson that will last for a century.

In conclusion, this year’s list of famous singers will be determined by you, the consumer, the people based on your votes, your “likes,” tweets, and most importantly, your iTunes purchases. Whether Rihanna takes home the coveted top spot as 2011 #1 female singer or whether it falls on the new comer Scotty McCreey will ultimately be your decision so make your vote count.

Here’s the Interview:

Muse Dog (MD): On the American Idol Season 10 Finale, what do you think pushed winner Scotty McCreery over the top?

Lisa Damiani (LD): I think Scotty McCreery melted the hearts of many by his all-American boyish looks while at the same time capturing the audience’s attention by delivering soulful vocals. Scotty was the “boy next door” and America responded to his humble charm.

MD: What can other prospective contestants learn from this year’s American Idol?

LD: This year we witnessed a wide variety of contestants with musical roots in several genres including hard rock, country, gospel and pop; the Idol opportunity can be anyone’s game, regardless of style. The surprising twist of events that unfolded this year when Pia Toscano was eliminated proved to be an enormous shock which solidifies that there’s no such thing as being “safe” from elimination. Future contestants never know what America may be looking for when choosing the winner and everyone has an equal shot at the “Idol” title.

MD: How are vocal coaches a necessity for those who are “in it to win it” on American Idol?

LD: Vocal coaches guide the singer in choosing a song that best fits their voice and ensure that they care of their vocal needs while on a rigorous schedule. In competition, bringing your best performance to the stage, with the right song will prove how serious you are about winning. Vocal coaches aren’t a necessity to win, but it certainly can help better prepare in being in tip-top shape for the competition.

So, there you have it, an industry insider telling you how to win at American Idol. Stay tuned for Season 11.

If the song she sang “Like My Mother Does” has any impact on the judges and fans at all, it looks like a shoe in.

Like My Mother Does Lyrics

People always say
I have a laugh like my mother does
Guess that makes sense
She taught me how to smile when things get rough
I’ve got her spirit, she’s always got my back
When I look at her I think I want to be just like that

When I love I give it all I’ve got
Like my mother does
When I’m scared I bow my head and pray
Like my mother does

She’s a rock, she is grace
She’s an angel, she’s my heart and soul
She does it all

When I love, I give it all I’ve got
Like my mother does
When I’m scared I bow my head and pray
Like my mother does

When I’m weak and unpretty
I know I’m beautiful and strong
Because I see myself
Like my mother does

Then again nothing in life is a certainty. And the other country singer on Idol, Scotty McCreery is a formidable force as well. So, we’ll just have to wring our hands a few more hours and see mother says about the both of them.

According to the producers of the festival, “Produced by Jason Flager and Marc Gallo of Tower Farm, the two hope to bring back an annual tradition for new audiences as well as steadfast fans. Jam at the Grove was created to introduce new bands to music fans,” said Flager, VP of Jam at the Grove. This is an opportunity for artists, local bands, and national acts to collaborate and celebrate exceptional music and art with awesome fans.

“For Tower Farm owner Marc Gallo, this festival strikes a sentimental chord. ‘It is an honor to organize and host a music and arts festival for my local community on the property I grew up on,’ said Gallo. ‘It’s a symbiotic relationship at it’s finest!’

“The lineup is filled with homecomings, reunions, and first-timers. Bands include: Conspirator, Psychedelphia, Sophistafunk, Roots of Creation, Papadosio, Wyllys, Kung Fu, The Indobox, Jimkata, Kuf Knotz, Jones Street Station, Sonic Spank, Grimace Federation, Somata, The Dirk Quinn Band, Xylos, Flux Capacitor, Pongo’s, Groove, FiKus, SpiTune, Wynrise, Trouble City All-Stars, Wineskin, MIXXTAPE.

“The Jam will also be Featuring DJ’s: ADUB, Honkeytron, and Speakerbot. Vendors so far include: Shady Grove Wraps, Harry’s Homeblown, DooDayDaze, Yellow Sky Crafts, Adam Rameseyer and Ramstar Jewerly and Wraps.”

So, if you’re in the area on the times and dates listed above why not get out there listen to the music, sway a little, dance a little and have an overall good time?

Now, the times are changing again. With high unemployment, a bad economy, union busting in Wisconsin and high gas prices, there may not be another Vietnam on our hands but there is a distinct undercurrent of angst that everyday people are feeling.

One such scenario is that in one of the largest school districts in California (Fontana) all of the school counselors have now been handed their pink slips for the coming school year. This was a choice made by the district school board members and superintendent.

As a result, the school counselors and supporters are fighting back and one of the ways they are doing this is through the use of protest songs.

Here’s a link to the video and below are the lyrics to the “Don’t Cut the School Counselors” Advocacy Song:
Yeah… Stand Up… One Time… Come on.

Counselors in schools are truly vital,
They’re helpful to kids and their survival.
You go in to talk, (yeah), they see your potential, (yeah),
They’ve got a Master’s and a P.P.S credential.

Wake up California… Oh, Ooh-na-na-naaah!
Don’t cut the School Counselors,
No, don’t do it no more.

They talk about school and they talk about strife,
Academics, career, and personal life.
When you have a need or get in a fight,
Your school counselor will set things right.

Wake up California… Oh, Ooh-na-na-naaah!
Don’t cut the School Counselors,
No, don’t do it no more.

Mention A – G and their eyes open wide,
They’ll do what they can so your classes coincide.
If you laugh or cry, (yeah), or needin’ a snack, (yeah),
Don’t have no fear they’ve got your back.

Wake up California… Oh, Ooh-na-na-naaah!
Don’t cut the School Counselors,
No, don’t do it no more

Without counselors kids’ll be in a bubble,
With nowhere to go when they’re in trouble.
If you want the kids to graduate,
Better keep the ones who settin’ them straight.

Sayin’ wake up California… Oh, Ooh-na-na-naaah!
Don’t cut the School Counselors,
No, don’t do it no more
Sayin’ wake up California… Oh, Ooh-na-na-naaah!
Don’t cut the School Counselors,
No, don’t do it no mo’!

For those who would like to get involved or at least give the school counselors a thumbs up here’s the Facebook page.

Top 6 Dog Songs

1. Bingo
2. Hound Dog
3. (How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?
4. Me and You and a Dog Named Boo
5. Where, O Where Has My Little Dog Gone?
6. Who Let the Dogs Out?

With the exception of “Who Let the Dogs Out?” by the Baja Men, most of these other dog songs are quite old. Where are all the dog songs of today (outside of barking dogs for Christmas albums I mean)? Do people not love their dogs in the same way they used to? Or is singing about your dog become too sentimental or childish?

Well, Muse Dog wants to bring back the dog song. So, if you know of a hit that I haven’t listed here (especially something recent) sent it in as I would like to expand this list.

But, this is not the case this time. Enrique M. has many good, well thought out points to make so I thought I would publish his lyrical analysis of the song How to Save a Life.

Here is Enrique’ take on this song:

I don’t think that this sing is necessarily depicting a friend giving advise to a girl. It’s a little simplistic and obvious assumption. A more keener interpretation would be someone’s regret on failing to stop a friend who subjected him/herself to something that has negatively impacted their lives thus resulting in death. When the speaker/singer says, “I lost a friend” it reveals this to us.

Having said this, the more possible interpretation of what this negative impact is is the subjection to the influence of drugs though it is not exactly specified in the song. It certainly isn’t the only possibility; it could also be something in regards to relationships but drugs seem the more potent possibility.

Through out the song there is a switch in Point of Views between first person and second person. By having implemented the first person point of view in the chorus, it demonstrates his personal involvement in the situation which he is talking well in this case singing about. This means that the speaker/singer has gone through the same experience of having lost a friend which explains his great acknowledgment of the situation. It is not directly advice that he gives; it is also a recount of what he had gone through. By placing the first person point of view in the chorus it creates this effect of interruption.

When the song is in the verses, the singer/speaker is recounting the situation but when it arrives at the chorus there is this sense of being cut off while the singer/speaker expresses his regret of having failed to have helped his friend.The chorus gives this sense of blame “Where did I go wrong.” Accompanied with this is regret, which is expressed through the line that says, “And I would have stayed up with you all night Had I known how to save a life.” So, he is regretting not only the fact that he failed to help his friend but also regretting that he did not know how to save him. But now that he knows, he says what he would have done to save his friend “And I would have stayed up with you all night.” This describes that he would have supported his friend with endless guidance and advise.

Since this is a blend of both a recall and advise, the advise is essentially given through this recalled experience. By explaining what happened between him and his friend, he is also allowing the reader/listener to learn from it. This is why the beginning of the second verse sounds more advice. “Let him know that you know best Cause after all you do know best” He also tells the reader/listener what to do to prevent them from falling into the same situation. “Try to slip past his defense Without granting innocence Lay down a list of what is wrong” The singer/speaker then begins to shift back into how he was personally involved. The paragraph for this purpose was set in the past tense.

“The things you’ve told him all along” The “all along” shows how this has been said for an extensive period of time though this is futuristic advice. The last two lines are just for encouragement. “And pray to God he hears you And pray to God he hears you” He is emphasizing the importance of keeping faith to avoid the tragedy of the situation, death.

There are particular moments of the song that also need to be taken into consideration. For example, the switch from saying “And you begin to wonder why you came” to “And you’ll begin to wonder why you came” This shifts enforces how he lived through it and by retelling his experience and error of growing tired of trying, he also gives advice. The first time he says “And you begin to wonder why you came” shows a tone that gives this sense of personal experience. The second time when he addresses it in the future tense portrays a more advisable tone. So that person may prevent it from happening to them, he tells them how he began to wonder why he should he keep on trying.

The last verse of the song is advice but on what not to do. “As he begins to raise his voice You lower yours and grant him one last choice” This depicts how the singer/speaker began to lose his hope on the person after having tried. “Drive until you lose the road Or break with the ones you’ve followed” He continues to explain how giving up or loss of hope can lead to misguidance and error. The last lines of the verse say, “He will do one of two things He will admit to everything Or he’ll say he’s just not the same And you’ll begin to wonder why you came” As a result his friend begins to conclusively accept his situation and tries to provides reasons so that he is justified and left alone to continue towards his own unforeseen death. The speaker/singer then continues to think about whether or not he should continue to help his friend.

Overall, his friend suffered a terrible fate and having gone through this experience the singer/speaker now recalls it to other people so that they may be able to evade this situation.

The lyrics up for auction are from Dylan’s iconic song, The Times They Are A-Changin’ were written on notebook paper in 1963 and the song was released in 1964.

The handwritten lyrics are expected to command around $300,000 at Sotheby’s. Dylan gave the lyrics to fellow folk singer Kevin Krown in the 1960’s. Since this time, the page of lyrics has traded hands several times.

Even though the times may be a changing, Dylan is still performing for eager audiences around the world.

The Burlesque lyrics are about sexual power that many women feel on a smaller scale and only a few feel on a large scale. The line about “They know I got that certain savoir faire” reminded me of Pepe Le Pew but otherwise these stinkin’ lyrics are actually pretty decent.

Burlesque Lyrics

It’s a cold and crazy world that’s ragin’ outside
Well baby me and all my girls are bringin’ on the fire
Show a little leg, gotta shimmy your chest
It’s a life, it’s a style, it’s a need, it’s burlesque

E-X-P-R-E-S-S.
Love, sex, ladies no regrets
E-X-P-R-E-S-S.
Love, sex, ladies no regrets

Been holding down for quite some time
And finally the moment’s right
I love to make the people stare
They know I got that certain savoir faire

Fasten up, can you imagine what would happen if I let you close enough to touch?
Step into the fantasy, you’ll never want to leave, baby let’s give it to you
(Why?)

It’s a passion, and emotion, it’s a fashion, burlesque
It’ll move, goin’ through you, so do what I do, burlesque
All ladies come put your grown up, boys throw it up if you want it
Can you feel me, can you feel it? It’s burlesque.

I tease ‘em ’til they’re on the edge
They screamin’ more for more and more they beg
I know it’s me they come to see
My pleasure brings them to their knees

Fasten up, can you imagine what would happen if I let you close enough to touch?
Step into the fantasy, you’ll never want to leave, baby let’s give it to you
(Why?)

It’s a passion, and emotion, it’s a fashion, burlesque
It’ll move, goin’ through you, so do what I do, burlesque
All ladies come put your grown up, boys throw it up if you want it
Can you feel me, can you feel it? It’s burlesque.

It’s a passion, and emotion, it’s a fashion, burlesque
It’ll move, goin’ through you, so do what I do, burlesque
All ladies come put your grown up, boys throw it up if you want it
Can you feel me, can you feel it? It’s burlesque.

In a recent article in MLive two such examples have surfaced including Eminem and Insane Clown Posse. Eminem says that he doesn’t swear at home – I swear. He says his cussing on stage including homophobic remarks are an act and at home he is a dad who doesn’t go all ghetto on his kids. One can understand that.

The Insane Clown Posse, however, is another matter which is more subversive. In a recent interview they claim to be evangelical Christians who put on an act of violence and hoe chasing in order to draw in the younger crowd.

Then the lyrics change from demonic to despotic trying to get the message of God out in not so obvious ways. Don’t be surprised if the Insane Clown Posse shows up at your door on Halloween. And don’t be surprised when they hand you a Bible and wish you a good evening.