Upon first Refraction helps the viewer to reflect and respond to the darkest time of the year by considering the unique qualities of lightness and darkness. also, Upon first Refraction presents the viewer with various notions, powers, emissions, reflections, as well as analyzing the mysticism surrounding the winter solstice. upon first Refraction will be held at Drake Hotel on Saturday, November 28 until February 9 More on upon first Refraction here

There are winter solstices and then there are ’soul-tresses’, ha! Lady Gaga clearly is on a fast track to world domination. She named her first album The Fame long before she could lay any claim the illusion, the album sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide, which makes her eight-song follow-up all that more intriguing. Gaga kinda comes across as an eclectic mix of Ace of Base with a huge helping of Amy Winehouse – expect, to see lots of blood, fire, wicked piano playing, way too many crotch shots, and maybe a few members of the Paparazzi. but hey, that’s Lady Gaga for you. Lady Gaga’s, the Monster Ball Tour will land at the Air Canada Centre on November 28 More on Lady Gaga’s the Monster Ball Tour here

Step forward, step back and maybe take a ride on a disco stick, because it’s time for The Almighty Ball!!! So get your cameras ready there’ll be lots of PYT’s vying to win the vogueing competition. the Almighty Ball takes place at the Gladstone Ballroom on November 28 More on the Almighty Ball here. Or maybe you just need a good dose of Deep Dish. Deep Dish spend their days touring the globe and remixing tracks for the likes of Madonna, The Rolling Stones and Brother Brown. the duo even won a Grammy in 2002 for their remix of Dido’s Thank You. Deep Dish will perform at the Guvernment on November 28 More on Deep Dish here

LADY GaGa insists you’ll never see a photo of her falling out of a nightclub — because she’s too focused on her career to go out every night and get drunk.

“I don’t go to nightclubs,” said the Bad Romance singer. “You don’t see pictures of me falling out of a club drunk. I don’t go — and that’s because I usually go and then, you know, a whiskey and a half into it, I got to get back to work. because I love my work so much, I find it really hard to go out and have a good time.

“Something that I have or fear is never being able to enjoy myself. That’s my fear — that the phone’s ringing and my head’s ringing. whether it’s a telephone or it’s just the thoughts in your head, that’s another fear.”

In an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to air Friday, GaGa revealed that she felt like a “freak” during high school.

“I didn’t fit in in high school and I felt like a freak,” she said. “So I like to create this atmosphere for my fans where they feel like they have a freak in me to hang out with and they don’t feel alone.

“This is really who I am and it took a long time to be okay with that,” she said. “Because I’m sure you all… maybe in high school you, Ellen, you [felt] discriminated against.

“Like you don’t fit in and you want to be like everyone else, but not really, and in the inside you want to be like Boy George. well, I did anyway.

“So I want my fans to know that it’s okay. sometimes in life you don’t always feel like a winner but that doesn’t mean you’re not a winner. you want to be like yourself….”

Lady Gaga – Bad Romance
It seems the Gaga may need a bit of a break. She’s clearly being worked to the limit, and if the “ra-ra-ro-ga-ga” in the opening bars isn’t a serious cry for help then I don’t know what is. not that you can blame the singer for wanting to capitalise on her golden moment in the spotlight, but her packed work schedule might explain why her latest assemblage of electro-beats and big, BIG chorus sounds like it was rushed off in about five minutes. in the hype that surrounded the release of the video – that hair! Those clothes! – it seems somebody forgot to mention that the song is pap.

Paramore – Brick by Boring Brick
Remember how utterly dreadful your adolescence was? Well, if you can’t, Paramore are here to bring it all back home. how depressing. with it’s tumbling drums, shrieking vocals and rousing “ba-da-ba-ba-da-ba” battlecry, Brick by Boring Brick is the emo-strewn noise of raging hormones imprisoned in cloying suburbia. It’s a sound that speaks to 13-year-olds from Arkansas, but prompts anybody over 25 to ask: “Is this that Avril Lavigne?”

Erik Hassle – Hurtful
Swedish singer Erik Hassle sounds like a male version of Robyn. were we blessed with the same reviewing skills as Raygun (remember them?), we might even go as far to say he sounds like “Basshunter and Mika in a lift”. Of course, you may think you don’t like this electro-pop ballad now (re-released this month after making the Swedish charts last year), but just wait till you’re listening to it in the back of a cab after a late one. You’ll be silently weeping at this homage to lost love.
Watch the video for Hurtful

Sting – Soul Cake
Far be it for me to speak ill of the dead, but this song was bad enough when Peter, Paul and Mary (RIP) recorded it in the 1960s. It’s the kind of giddy hey-nonny-nonsense that gave folk music a bad name, so you can only imagine how dreadful it is now that Sting’s got his hands on it. the Police singer lifts the melody and samples lyrics from the original for his own uniquely creepy-sounding version. And every time he sings “Soul cake” it’s like fingernails being dragged down the blackboard that is your soul.

Flo Rida and Akon – Available
In a parallel universe, this hideous construction of chords and melody might actually pass for music. It’s probably the same universe where lyrics such as “I ain’t got no girlfriend … let me put your number in my iPhone baby” pass for poetry. And in this horrendous alternative reality no art is considered as great as that touched by the producing hand of Will.I.Am (he pops up near the end for a bit of a boast). the only thing that’s worse than this song is the accompanying video, which appears to have been filmed on a child’s mobile phone.

Rules were made to be broken. Or, when it comes to Lady Gaga, one of the few true breakout music stars in a business that is starving for new icons, at least bent.

That’s the message Grammy president Neil Portnow was sending in a red-carpet interview at the American Music Awards on Sunday night (November 22) following a revelation last week in Variety magazine that Gaga would not be eligible for the best new Artist category at next year’s Grammy Awards because her song “Just Dance” was nominated for Dance Recording at this year’s Grammys.

Portnow told Entertainment Weekly that there may be a loophole that would allow Gaga to join the list of recent female luminaries who’ve snagged the award that includes Adele, Amy Winehouse and Carrie Underwood. “The awards and nominations committee meets to review the rules every year,” Portnow said when asked if the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences might consider a rule change to let 2009’s biggest breakout artist vie for the prize. “We change the rules frequently. We recognize that situation is not perfect, and we are looking at ways to figure it out.”

However, on Monday morning the Los Angeles Times reported that Portnow’s wishful thinking may be just that. An official spokeswoman for the Recording Academy told the paper that ballots have already been returned for the 2010 event, with nominees to be announced on December 2, with no further rule changes expected until after the January 31 ceremony. “First-round ballots were due back in early/mid-October, so it would be extremely challenging to change the rules now with nominations being announced next week,” the unidentified Recording Academy spokeswoman said. “Any changes to be made will be considered after this year’s show and therefore would not affect the current rule, which does disqualify her.”

Gaga’s debut, The Fame, was released in August 2008, but it didn’t begin to take off until later in the year, going mega in 2009 on the back of a series of #1 hits — it has sold more than 1.6 million copies to date. even without the prestigious best new artist nod, the Times said Gaga is expected to receive multiple Grammy noms, including Album of the Year and Record and Song of the Year for “Poker Face.”

If it does somehow happen, the rule change could follow in the footsteps of another major reversal recently announced by Billboard magazine in reaction to the new realities of the music business. after a year in which albums by the Beatles and the late Michael Jackson experienced a surge in sales while being denied a spot on the Billboard 200 chart because of rules that mandate titles over 18 months old. Beginning this week, older releases will now be eligible for inclusion on the top 200 chart.

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 10:11 AM on 17th November 2009

Beyonce has long spoken of her confident onstage alter ego Sasha Fierce.

But it seems that a dream team pairing between herself and pop’s biggest and boldest newcomer – Lady GaGa, 23 – is set to reveal an even naughtier side.

Lady GaGa looks to be a bit of a bad influence, as Beyonce, 28, wears an eye mask and perspex basque in the eccentric singer’s new video.

It was certainly an avant garde look for the R&B star, and one which has the Haus of GaGa stamped all over it.

Scroll down to watch video

Seeing double: Beyonce Knowles and Lady GaGa dressed identically for their Video Phone video

Dominatrix: Beyonce keeps control of two masked men with a futuristic pistol

Newcomer GaGa has stepped in to remix Beyonce’s track Video Phone from hit laden album I am… Sasha Fierce.

The new Yorker, real name Stefani Germanotta, appears on the track which is set to premiere on MTV worldwide on Tuesday.

Beyonce asked GaGa to take part in the video last month during a break in her I am… world tour and the eccentric singer jumped at the chance.

In return, Beyonce has duetted with GaGa on her new track Telephone, which features on the Paparazzi star’s new EP the Fame Monster.

The pair then spent several days shooting the sexy promo in Atlanta, Georgia.

Futuristic: Beyonce looks like Rihanna as she walks through an industrial estate in her tiny outfit and mask

While little has been given away about the promo, it appears GaGa and Beyonce dress in identical outfits as they sing about the virtues of connecting with their lover over a video phone.

In one clip from the video, Beyonce and GaGa show off their figures in white corsets and killer heels.

While Beyonce goes for a traditionally sexy pair of red heels, GaGa gives a nod to her usual quirky style in a pair of bright yellow Christian Louboutins.

Bad influence: Eccentric Lady GaGa performed at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s 30th anniversary gala in Los Angeles last night

In another futuristic shot, Beyonce appears in a risqu black leotard with cutaway sides and black mask as she marches through an industrial estate accompanied by dancers in suits.

Beyonce also shows off her curves in a nude plastic corset as she threatens two masked, topless male companions with a gun.

Speaking about the video on a radio station recently, GaGa said: ‘When I was doing her video with her, she called me, and she said, “What do you want to do?”

‘AndI’m like, “I don’t want to show up in some frickin’ hair bow and befashion GaGa in your video.” I said, “I want to do you.”

‘So the whole time I was learning the choreography, they were calling me Gee-yonce.’

Long night: Beyonce and husband Jay-Z arrived back at their hotel at 2.30am this morning after a brief post-gig sojourn to Whisky Mist

Tangled up: Beyonce appears to have some difficulty getting herself and her powerful legs into the back of her car home

The video is set to premiere on MTV and VH1 cable channels and websites on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, Beyonce was spotted out partying at London nightclub Whisky Mist with her rapper husband Jay-Z last night.

Following Beyonce’s second night at the O2 Arena, the couple spent just 90 minutes at the Mayfair venue before returning to their suite at the Oriental Mandarin hotel in Knightsbridge at 2.30am.

Beyonce looked in the party mood in a sequinned waistcoat and trousers and gave her feet a rest from the killer heels she wears on stage in a pair of studded sandals.

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One crucial difference between the two – Beyonce can sing.
- Darren, dorset, uk, 16/11/2009 14:35

you are kidding right? GaGa is an amazing singer… you should perhaps educate yourself before you make such a silly comment
- laura, bedfordshire uk, 16/11/2009 17:15

That’s right Laura, Gaga is an amazing singer and doesn’t sound like a strangled cat unlike Beyonce who goes over the top with her notes.

I have seen both live (beyonce was not my choice) and Lady Gaga beats Beyonce hands down, brilliant entertainer and brilliant voice.

- Marcus, London, 17/11/2009 09:10

Can’t wait for this the Queen of RNB and the Queen of wackiness combine..
On your video phone, watch me as a cameo on your video phone..

- Zainab, manchester, 17/11/2009 08:56

Razman – It’s sad that you have turned this inti a race issue.

Not everyone finds Beyonce attractive, I don’t find her attractive whatsoever for many reasons, you really need to see past colour.

As for your misconceptions on Lady Gaga, she doesn’t pretend to be all sweet and innocent, she keeps it real, some of the things you have stated she has said is untrue, I have even double checked to make sure as I like to know what I am talking about before leaving comments on here. Gaga is original, she may not be the most attractive woman in the world but I would choose her over Beyonce any day and I find Beyonce repulsive, and I know many men who do and they are not racist.

Can I suggest you actually do some research first before you next comment.

- Callum, Essex, 17/11/2009 08:35

Collaboration often takes what is already brilliant & expands it, this is a pair that could take this to another level – u go girls

- Leigh, Hamilton, 17/11/2009 02:51

Who cares what anyone here thinks when it comes to Lady Gaga. Open your eyes she is not the it girl, Beyonce is for she is the one two steps in sealing the 500 million dollar deal in Las Vegas. that puts her in the Celine Dion and Cher category and opens the spot on who will be the next to pick up where she left off. So whatever Beyonce does, she always leaves her mark… I don’t know any other female having so many videos come off each album she does, that’s a hard working individual and it pays off.

- Tata, new York City USA, 17/11/2009 01:13

A dream team, a beatification, a baton-passing ritual. GaGa is pure Dada.
‘Videophone’ is the most GaGa-ish track anyway so it’s as though destiny kept its promise.
Visors at the ready.

- Lady Haha, basingstoke, great britain, 17/11/2009 00:20

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The rumours are true: the shock-factor lady of the moment Lady Gaga, or Stefani Germanotta, is coming back to new Zealand, and this time she’s the headline. the double platinum-selling popstar will tour North America and Europe before heading our way for a show at the Vector Arena on March 13. those who attended the Pussycat Dolls’ concert in may will remember the way she stole the show even though she was just the opening act.

March is going to be a big month because the Dead Weather – a collaboration of some of the world’s greatest rock musicians – are also heading to new Zealand for the first time, with a show at the Logan Campbell Centre on March 17.

The Dead Weather has Alison Mosshart of the kills on lead vocals, Jack White, originally of the White Stripes, on drums, White’s Raconteur bandmate Jack Lawrence on bass and former Raconteur Dean Fertita, also of Queens of the Stone Age, on guitar.

If you didn’t get your Fleetwood Mac fix for December, head along to the Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs show, featuring the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band for a good dose of blues and classic rock’n'roll from the late 60s and 70s.

They have announced three shows, in Auckland, Christchurch and Napier on March 3, 5 and 6.

McDonald is a former member of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan and Scaggs was a chart-topper in the 70s with his album Silk Degrees (Lido Shuffle, what Can I Say and Lowdown).

A few weeks later we will be visited by American singer-songwriters Carole King and James Taylor who are back on the world stage together for the first time in nearly 40 years and will be playing one show in Auckand at Vector Arena on Saturday April 10.

Their two-hour shows will include songs they performed during their 1970 debut show at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, where they really made their mark.

By Jim Farber
Daily News Music Critic

Tuesday, November 17th 2009, 4:18 PM

Beyonce didn’t gain much by adding Lady Gaga to her much hyped latest video.

The clip for “Video Phone” – which stars the woman also known as Sasha Fierce and features La Gaga – doesn’t offer much in the way of chemistry or even interaction between the two divas.

About half way through the five minute video, which debuted on MTV and VH1 today, Gaga shows up to mirror Beyonce’s deep gyrations and high leg kicks.

Dressed in matching white outfits, the two operate like parallel lines, mirroring each other but never intersecting.

The clip’s star, however, gets to have more fun, impersonating pioneering adult movie star Betty Paige, and teasing a bunch of guys with video camera for heads.

The latter look recalls the arty San Francisco band The Residents, who famously sport giant eyeballs for heads.

Other than that, probably unintentional allusion, the “Video Phone” clip seems about as innovative as a rotary dial up.

Tim in Bowling Green, Ohio: I’m curious, is Dexter more interested in Trinity as a mentor or as a nemesis?
We just saw Michael C. Hall himself and asked him this and he told us, “Both, as is often the case with Dexter. I think the only answer I can give you is both. What’s really fun about it is Dexter as an equal amount of reverence and disdain for the character and those things are commingled in the relationship.”

Jackie in San Francisco: Does Deb‘s search for her dad‘s confidential informants change her relationship with her brother?
We were wondering the same thing, and Jennifer Carpenter told us, “It has to, because it changes her relationship with herself, and it changes her relationship with her father.”

Randall in New York: Last week’s Supernatural was unbelievable! So hilarious and so well done. Got any scoop on what’s next?
According to my mole: There is an episode coming next year in which Anna returns and wants to kill Sam, so he doesn’t say yes to Lucifer. She travels back in time to kill Mary and John Winchester, so Dean and Sam go back in time to try and stop her. So does that mean we’ll see Jeffrey Dean Morgan again? Sadly, no, as it will be “young John” and “young Mary.” For the record, CW, I like my John W. old and scruffy and JDM-y!

—Additional reporting by Jennifer Godwin, Kirstin Benson and Brett Malec

Follow me on Twitter @kristinalert!

Green Day have responded to Lady GaGa’s claims she was so obsessed with their 1994 album ‘Dookie’ that she wanted to lick the album’s artwork.

In a video interview for MTV – which you can watch by scrolling down now – the band’s Billie Joe Armstrong called Gaga’s admission “bizarre”, though he later expressed his approval.

“She’s a good artist. She’s a risk-taker,” he said of her obsession. “She’s an original. It’s pretty awesome.”

Drummer Tre Cool was more surprised by Lady GaGa’s claims, explaining: “Usually when you hear the pages [have] been stuck together it’s from some other bodily fluid.”

The band also praised Kings Of Leon in the video interview, stating that they’ve been following the Followill’s career closely.

Watch the video below:

Green Day tickets: Oct 23, 2009 19:30 at The O2 Arena, London – Buy from Seetickets Oct 24, 2009 19:30 at The O2 Arena, London – Buy from Seetickets Oct 27, 2009 19:30 at Lg Arena, The Nec, Birmingham – Buy from Seetickets

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