Come And Praise

Does anyone else remember the 'Come and Praise' books at primary school??

Oh, how much fun we used to have singing the hymns from the books.  There are only a few that I can think of from the top of my head, and I'm not too familiar with the titles either...but who else remembers the following:

1. Dance, dance, wherever you may be.  I am the Lord of the Dance said he, and I'll lead you all, wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.  I believe this was called "Lord of the Dance" but I could be wrong...Nowadays, I just associate it with Michael Flatley!?

2. Oh I mustn't forget!  No I mustn't forget...to say a great big thank you, no I mustn't forget.  No idea what this bad boy was called - but what a song!  This was my brother's favourite.

3. He's got the whole world in his hands, he's got the whole world in his hands... That could go on for a while, but you get the jist!

4. Now, I don't remember the rest of this next song, only the beginning.  Nowadays, when I sing it, I seem to go into a different song halfway through...you'll see what I mean: If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning, I'd hammer in the evening, all over this land...but you've gotta have money, a whole lotta spending money, you've gotta have patience and money, to do it right, child.  Close, but no ciggy!

Right, that's all I can remember of the hymns.  The only other thing I remember is the book itself.  It was a blue book with a bunch of creepy looking kids on the front.  They did not look like they wanted to come and praise with us at all... no, they actually looked as if they wanted to kill us instead.

I've attached a picture, which I found on Google, for you to see what I mean...

Do you remember 'Come and Praise' from your Primary School days?  If so, I'd love to know your experiences and what hymns you remember...!

I would also like to know your thoughts on the yobbos from the book...?

The X Factor - Quarter Finals

Well, since the last time I wrote about the X Factor, we have lost The Risk, Johnny, Kitty, Frankie, Craig and Janet...and we have regained Amelia Lily.

So, first of all...I am devastated that Kitty has gone.  I wanted her to win - she was so spectacular for an X Factor contestant.  But, c'est la vie I suppose.  I now want Little Mix to win!!

I was so glad that Frankie went as, let's face it, he did not deserve to be part of the live shows.  He was a very naughty boy and I loved, loved, LOVED how people across social networking sites had dubbed him "Frankie Cokeupthenozza" - very clever indeed!!  I was very disappointed that we did not get to see him go personally but he did have a very big girly fanbase so I think they would have kept him in till the final.  So, every cloud...

Who do I think is going to win?

Well, like I said, I would now like Little Mix to win as I think they are growing to be such a strong girl group (please, please, PLEASE, stop calling them a "Band" X Factor Judges!!  Until I see them playing instruments they are just a group!!) - I particularly loved their performance of Katy Perry's 'E.T'.  I know you are thinking that I am biased due to my love for KP, but it is because of that reason I should be biased to not approve of their version of the song...

Amelia Lily coming back has certainly thrown a spanner in the works - she is very good!!  However, I was disappointed when she said last week "this shows that I should have been here from the start".  That may be the case, AL, but a little modesty goes a long way...

I'm just saying!

Finally, thank goodness Janet has gone.  She definitely deserved to go after the SECOND debacle of forgetting the words.  Once was bad enough, but at such a late stage in the competition, it was truly embarrassing to watch her forget the words again...and then AGAIN later on in the song.

So, the competition has now been left wide open for Little Mix, Marcus, Misha B and Amelia Lily to steal the top spot...

Although this year's X Factor has been particularly boring compared to previous years, it should be an interesting final...

Katy Perry - LIVE

Oh my Goodness!

One of the best things I ever did was purchase tickets to see Katy Perry's 'California Dreams' Tour in October 2011.

Her show HAD to be the best I had ever seen.  She had clearly put SO much thought into the show to make it as spectacular as it was.  There were continuous dress changes on stage, different style dancers (a mime act at one point), effective lights and...get this...a pink fluffy candyfloss cloud that Katy Perry hopped onto and flew into the crowd on, playing guitar and singing "Thinking of You".

Not only that, she engaged with the crowd by cracking jokes and even inviting a boy from the crowd onto the stage - she gave him a kiss and everything!!  Very funny - and an experience that boy will not forget in a hurry.

I have to say too...Katy Perry's vocals were SPOT ON!!  I was so surprised at how good she was because 1) I saw her on the X Factor last year singing Firework and she was a little ropey, and 2) she was running around the stage constantly!  However, she sounding bloody amazing.  Her last but one song was Firework and it was incredible - she sounded great.  I don't know how she did it considering she was on the stage for two hours.  Yes, TWO HOURS, people!!

I bought the tickets for £30 each and had a two hour performance compared to a £60 ticket for Glee and had a one hour and twenty minute performance...

So, if you ever get chance to go and see Miss Perry/Mrs Brand live, snatch that opportunity up as soon as you can.  It's totally worth it as she is just bloomin' fantastic.

If there was one criticism I had to make...it was that towards the end of the show Katy Perry danced (and mimed) along to Whitney Houston's 'I wanna dance with somebody'.  As much as I enjoyed the dancing etc, there was no need for it as KP did not need it - her show was perfect without!!

Charlie Simpson

Dear bloggers/readers,

I have deleted my previous post about Charlie Simpson as, four months after that bad boy was posted, I received a few angry (and somewhat abusive) comments from his fans.  Out of respect I have taken the post down as my intention was not to offend or hurt anyone's feelings.

I hope this is the end of the matter and I shall not insult the former Busted (and Fightstar) musician again.

An apologetic Loula xxx

Swagger Jagger

Is Cher Lloyd's 'Swagger Jagger' supposed to sound like the old classic 'Oh my darlin, oh my darlin, oh my darlin Clementine'?

Forget getting some of your own swagger jagger(!?) Cher, I think you should be getting your own music!

P.s. Anyone else think she might regret this song in ten years' time? Even if it gets to number one, it will still be an embarrassment!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Beyonce - Best Thing I Never Had

If there's one person who gives us the opportunity to man-hate via the power of a song, it's Beyoncé!

What's more, she's happily married, which makes us love her even more as she lets us know it's ok to hate our exes even though we have a new man.

I never thought Ms. Knowles would ever be able to top her classic 'If I were a Boy' in the ballad/girl power stakes.

However, her new song, 'Best Thing I Never Had', is definitely giving it a run for its money. It's a song that makes you want to jump around and sing at the top of your lungs, on the off-chance that your ex's supersonic hearing kicks in and hears you, realising what he missed out on and that you are better off without him.

Go on girls, grab your hairbrush and belt out all of that relief...

You're the best thing he never had!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Amy Winehouse - RIP

The inevitable time has arrived for Amy Winehouse to kick the bucket.

My heart goes out to her family who have had to deal with the rollercoaster of watching the demise of their daughter over the past few years.

Although everyone knew Amy was rushing headlong into an early grave, there was always that glimmer of hope within us that wished she would have been provided the support she consistently needed.

Unfortunately, although Amy passed away on Saturday 23rd July 2011, her talent died a few years ago when her rebellious streak proved too overpowering but it's true that she won't be forgotten in a hurry.

I hope Amy's demise encourages young impressionable people to choose a path that does not include drugs!

RIP Amy Winehouse


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Katy Perry - Tickets

Woohoo! I have purchased two tickets to go and see Katy Perry at the NIA in Birmingham on Wednesday 26th October!

I am far too excited! I know Ms. Perry will put on an amazing show...

I'm so pleased they put on extra shows as I missed the tour earlier in the year!

Who has already seen her in concert? Thoughts?

Roll on October...


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Illuminati Celebrities

Am I the only person who thinks this whole 'Illuminati' nonsense is...well...just that.  Nonsense!

All over the internet are websites, blogs, videos, pictures etc about how celebrities have sold their souls to the Devil in exchange for fame.  These are celebrities ranging from Lady Gaga to Rihanna to Beyonce to Kanye West to Katy Perry.

Their proof?

Well, apparently, these celebs are introducing a number of clues into their videos that are connected with the Illuminati phenomenon.

These clues include pyramids/triangles (also created by putting their hands together), hooves (yes, as in hooves), stars, verses of songs that have been written in a certain number of syllables - 666, eyes, doing the OK sign with their hands which really represents 666 (from the form of their fingers).  The list is endless...

Taken from Google Images

Basically, I think the people who have spotted these things are clutching at straws.  Granted, some celebs are possibly playing on the idea that they are all devil worshippers (anyone remember the 'Paul McCartney is Dead' rumour that was possibly toyed with by the Beatles once they heard about it?), but why can't anything be taken as face value anymore?  Why can't Rihanna just be a fan of triangles?  Why can't Lady Gaga putting her hand in front of her eye be just a new dance routine?

Taken from Google Images

There is a video circling the internet with Katy Perry saying that she used to write gospel music but knew that it did not sell in the industry.  She goes on to say that she changed direction in order to be successful and "sold her soul to the Devil".  Well, that's it then.  Proof.  It's not a figure of speech at all... (for anyone not aware - that was sarcasm)

 

It is interesting how Kelly Cutrone tells Whitney in an episode of The Hills that to work for her she is selling her soul to the Devil.

Oh my God!  I've had a breakthrough!  Kelly Cutrone is the Devil!  She is the puppet master behind all of these Illuminati-based videos.  She is controlling all of these pop stars!  How has no one realised this before?

Maybe because it's a little far fetched; a little difficult to believe?

Why?

It's easy enough for people to believe that pop stars are only successful if they include Illuminati symbols in their music videos; so why is it hard to believe that Kelly Cutrone is the mastermind behind the whole thing?

C'mon, she's scary enough!  It could be true...

Taken from Google Images

I reckon Rebecca Black is in on it too - that's why she starred in Katy Perry's Last Friday Night video...and why her surname is Black...and why she inflicted her song Friday upon the world...

There are thousands of images, videos and notions about the whole Illuminati symbolism saga on the internet.  Have a search and see what you think...

Glee - Live Tour

A bit late, but here goes...

Yes, I was one of the adorning fans who travelled to London's O2 Arena to see the Glee Live tour.

My verdict: Awesome!

Although I would consider it to be a very, very short show (1 hour 20??!!), it certainly lived up to my expectations...and then some.

Someone defined Glee as 'glorified karaoke'.

That person...was right.  It IS glorified karaoke!  That's what the show's fans love about it.  Songs that they know and can sing along to, and are being performed wonderfully.

Whilst waiting for the show to start, there were a number of Cheerios running through the crowd, handing out what looked like pieces of paper.  (I was up in the Gods and even my binoculars could not see that far into the floor seats)

A video came on the screen showing Butt Chin (sorry, I mean Will Schuester) and Sue Sylvester; Sue explained that the 'pieces of paper' were in fact...sick bags!  Hilarious.

The show kick-started with the original six (Rachel, Mercedes, Tina, Kurt, Artie, and Finn) performing the song that shot them to super-stardom: Journey's Don't Stop Believing.  Classic.  They even incorporated an introduction to the later members of the Glee Club who all joined in the latter part of the performance.

A couple more songs and we were shown another video of Will and Sue.

Brittany S. Pierce dancing to Britney Spears's Slave 4 U was AMAZING.  That girl sure can dance.

The cast then continued throughout the show with a number of fantastic performances; my favourites being Dog Days are Over, Firework, Teenage Dream (The Warblers), River Deep/Mountain High, and the climactic Somebody to Love.

The utilisation of the mini-stage within the crowd was a stroke of genius.  And Kurt performing the dance routine to Single Ladies on it was just absolutely marvellous.

The show pretty much based its set list around the songs from the second series - this would have been acceptable had the UK been given a tour last year which was based on the songs from the first series - and, like I said previously, it was deemed very short by my standards; but there is no denying that these actors and actresses are extremely talented and are perpetually going from strength to strength with regards to their vocal abilities.

However, I am probably being picky as I can just never get enough of...

Lady Googoo - Sorry, I mean Gaga

As we all know, Lady Gaga is slightly...how can I put this politely?...warped.

Her wacky outfits go from extreme to extreme, causing the whole world to gasp in shock and horror.

BUT...

Does anyone else feel that Miss CooCoo Pants is becoming so far-fetched that, eventually, even her 'Little Monsters' will lose interest?

Admittedly, (well, it's hard not to agree) she is one of the craziest people to walk the planet, with an outrageous fashion sense to match, but will the "wow-factor" soon fizzle out?

Apparently, she is currently feuding with Katy Perry over the rights to a certain mermaid outfit.  Surely Gaga can just hand that one over to Katy on the basis that it is far too tame a costume?!

Gaga vs. Ariel vs. Katy Perry

I just think the world will eventually become bored of Gaga's attempts to shock the world.

It is interesting to look back at videos for Poker Face and Just Dance where she is relatively normal.  Was that the real Lady Gaga?  Has fame brought out a ridiculous side?

People will do anything to stay in the limelight.

My bet is that she brings out a lesbian sex tape.  I don't think a celebrity has done that yet...!?

Katy Perry and Russell Brand

Word on the street (well, in gossip mags and The Sun...) is that Katy Perry and Russell Brand's marriage is on the rocks as he has been spotted holding hands with a blonde.

If this is true, it begs the question: what is he thinking?

Katy Perry is beautiful and funny; the latter being a rarity in the celeb world. Why would he want to cheat on her?

Well, apparently, Russell considers KP's current 80s fashion style to be 'silly'.

Surely this is a bit rich coming from someone who went through a huge spell of infamy as a result of phoning up Andrew Sachs and leaving an offensive voicemail for the sake of comedy value.

It has also been suggested that Russ is upset that people in the US only know who he is as a result of his marriage to Ms Perry.

So, what better way to gain recognition, and respect, by the US than cheating on one of America's Sweethearts?

Good one, Russ!

Jackass!

Loula's advice? Stop being a whiney little bitch and be happy for your wife. Man up and stop being jealous of her journey to world pop domination. Support her instead of trying to destroy her... Jackass!

After seeing the two of them pictured together this week, the infidelity gossip could in fact be rumours...

Before or After the Watershed?

There is a huge debate that is currently going on regarding whether or not certain music videos should be banned before the watershed.

It appears that the nation is divided.

As per usual, I am going to throw my two pennies worth into the mix...

What do I think about it?

Well, personally, I thought people were making a mountain out of a mole hill... to begin with.  However, that all changed last night when I saw for the first time (bear with me, I live under a rock most of the time!) Rihanna's S&M video.

Crikey me!

What ISN'T she wearing!!  It's actually quite disgraceful that such a video is broadcast at all.

Now, I'm not a prude in the slightest, but I have to admit/agree that such a video should not be cast upon the eyes of an innocent youth.  It's highly inappropriate for them to look at such role models and think that it is ok to behave in such a manner.  No wonder we have so many teen pregnancies with girls believing it is ok to be so promiscuous.

It's not just that though.  It sends out the wrong messages to the males!  If young girls are parading about in skimpy clothing, and young (and old) boys think that said girls are giving the impression that they are 'up for it' from their provocative dress, it will result in such a disastrous outcome.

Girls need to be reminded that it's ok to be young!  They don't need to be slutty to be accepted.  They need assistance in believing that there is no rush to grow up.

The likes of Rihanna and Christina Aguilera (cast your mind back to her X Factor performance last year!) are not helping at all.

Verdict: Yes, such videos should be broadcast AFTER the watershed!

Glee in the Charts

I have just seen that the Glee cast's version of Willy Wonka's Pure Imagination is creeping its way up the charts.

Now, I appreciated it in the episode but not necessarily in the charts. If any song should be in the charts from the Funeral episode, it should be Lea Michele's version of My Man.

Lea doing Barbara always sounds incredible and certainly showcases the range of her voice. There are no boundaries when it comes to Lea's vocal abilities.

If you haven't heard it yet, I urge you to listen to her rendition of O Holy Night, which is available on Glee's Christmas album. If you're not yet convinced about Ms Michele, you soon will be after listening to that. It will blow you away!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Alexis Jordan

Ah, here we go again, down the road of the fresh, young teenybopper who claims their desire to be a role model for other impressionable teens.

Fair enough that she may not be drinking or taking drugs, so you may think that she is indeed suitable to lead those wayward teens toward the straight and narrow. Very commendable.

However, it's statements like "I don't want to be considered sexy" that infuriate me. Miss Jordan apparently claimed "There are singers out there who do it amazingly. But I never wanted to be one of those artists who wears revealing clothes and flirts into the camera".

Is that so? Well, why does she do both then in her videos? Fair enough, she's not parading around in a basque but she's wearing a loose vest that happens to skim across the training bra she is hiding while she dances.

If singers want to be sexy, do it. Girls like to feel attractive. Katy Perry and Rihanna are two singers that are always flashing the flesh, but at least they are honest about wanting to look and feel sexy. (Although perhaps some outfits are that tad too inappropriate)

The best way to be a role model to the youngsters is to be honest with them. If you don't want to be considered sexy, focus on the music - don't shoot a video that distracts from the vocals with provocative dancing and flirtatious flutterings of the eyelashes.


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Oh, they're not the correct lyrics?

Have you ever been singing along with a song, sure that you know all the lyrics off-by-heart? You feel like a superstar. You don't need a backing track. It's you and your hairbrush against the world.

Then one day, you are greeted by the reality of what the words actually are... Very different to what you have been singing.

Do you change your version?

Hell no! Chances are your version was better!

An example, I hear you request from behind your computer screen. OK, I shall offer an example of what I've gotten wrong in the past:

"What a Feelin'" (The Flashdance song) - I believed for many years that it was indeed a rude song. I was shocked and appalled that such lyrics were being pimped out over the sound waves of the radio. "Take your pants off, and make it happen..."

Good grief, I exclaimed. How frightful.

It was only recently that I discovered that the lyrics are actually "Take your passion..."

Ohhhhhh - that would indeed be less controversial, but not as much fun!

Everybody!! ... "Take your pants off..."


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Adele This, Adele That

Seriously, stop throwing Adele down my flippin' neck! There is such a thing as 'overplayed, overkilled', you know!!?

She is only what I can describe as...wait for it...mediocre. I can see this all going in the same direction as many 'pop' artists before her. People are amazed at the fact that there is a new singer in town who hasn't gone all electro on us (I'm talking to you here, BEP!) and has not got that generic voice that most other singers do - as well as not being a size 0. However, like many singers before her, one short break from 'work' and it could be all over. Duffy, anyone? ...Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Still, I should allow her that special 15 minutes of fame that everybody is entitled to. To support that, I will admit that I do like her song "Someone Like You" (not to be confused with the POP hit from Kings of Leon [sell outs]) as it does invoke an emotion from me. Even if it is one of sadness!

I fail to name any other song of hers. Has she done any? Concrete Pavements? That was one, wasn't it?

I heard somewhere recently that Beyoncé told Adele that "listening to you is like being spoken to by God". Are you sure you're not getting confused with Cliff Richard there, B?

Blimey!

Jessie J

This new pop sensation is a little hard to adjust to.

'Price Tag' is indeed a catchy little tune but 'Do it like a Dude' is a bit too freaky for my liking. Not the song so much, but the video is flippin' annoying!!

Jessie J's ridiculous dance moves are just that and why oh why does she have to make annoyingly stupid faces?

She is indeed edging her way to my top spot of my "People who I would most like to punch in the face" list.

Obviously no one should actually punch this poor girl in the face. I don't condone violence, dear readers! It's a bit like when someone punched Leona Lewis in the face. It was wrong! Even if she has got the personality of a wet lettuce...

Anyway, back to Jessie J. So, we've established that she is very annoying but once you strip away the pathetic scrunched up faces and the terribly gimmicky music, you will find that she's not actually that bad. In fact, I will go so far as to share a cheeky little YouTube video of her that I found recently ...

Jessie J - Who You Are

No gimmicks, only a couple of annoying faces, and the song is quite nice too. Enjoy!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Cheryl Cole - US X Factor

Hmm, not really sure what to make of the news that Cheryl Cole has been confirmed as a judge on the US version of the X Factor.

First of all, I think Cheryl Cole is lovely and really captured the heart of the nation.

I am sure she will do great in America as she truly is beautiful, diplomatic and can spot talent. I just hope they can understand her Geordie accent as I know that I struggle with it sometimes.

I genuinely believe she knew that she was going to be a judge on the show months ago. The fact that she put Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel through on the UK version last year can only be the result of her mind being elsewhere... On the dollar signs connected with the US show. I can't think of any other reason why those two were put through!?!

At least we still have Dannii. She certainly knows talent and is not afraid to speak her mind about the contestants...or Simon. Perhaps that's why she wasn't invited to the US!?! She doesn't pander to the puppet master.

From a different perspective, I'm a little miffed that BOTH Cheryl and Simon are leaving us Brits for the US. I doubt Cheryl will want to carry on over here once she has a taste of America's good stuff. If we weren't being left with Louis Walsh I wouldn't mind so much...

Still, Michael McIntyre is proving to be a great judge on Britain's Got Talent so perhaps a fresh panel of judges on X Factor will also prove to be a success.

P.s. The jury's still out on The Hoff...


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Vintage TV

I have to express my love for this channel (Sky - 369) as it's just fabulous.

There are so many classics ranging from Led Zeppelin to Buddy Holly to The Doors that appear on there. It kicks VH1's 80s butt.

The other day I saw The Smiths on Vintage and it was the first time I'd seen a song other than This Charming Man. They actually played Panic. I've never seen a video for that song before.

Great stuff!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone