Happy New Year From Wonderland Burlesque!

Happy New Year 

From 

Wonderland Burlesque!

2026 has arrived! How is that possible? 

But it has. 

Keep your heads up, my dears, your hearts open, and your eyes on the prize. In this new age, the possibilities are endless, all you need do is have a positive mindset and a good work ethic. 

Make 2026 a year of hope. 

Make it a year of success - however you define it. 

Make it a year of fun!

Wishing you the very best in the new year.

Spirit's up! Give life a chance.

This is the new year!

- uptonking from Wonderland Burlesque

This Is The New Year - A Great Big World

TMI Questions: In the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love…

I have been working on this since the questions were published.  It could be ‘the state I’m in’, which is subject to change without notice, but I am really struggling with these questions.  A kind of grey cloud has settled inside my chest and doesn’t seem to want to dissipate any time soon.

I thought the answers would have come so easy, or that I would have a lot to say about this particular subject… but they didn’t and, while I may have a lot to say, I have no desire to share.

Whaaa???

Me? The great over-sharer? 

But it’s true.

This topic is too hard for me.  I’ve never been able to wrap my head around why love works or why it doesn’t.  I think that may be true for many of us.  Perhaps the key is to not overthink the whole thing.

Typically, my reaction when faced with something like this would be to remain incredibly glib and slip by without revealing anything; it may not be truthful, but it tends to be entertaining enough. 

But this? 

This simply hits too close to something: things that should remain buried.

Children shouldn’t play with dead things.

TMI QUESTIONS:

Questions designed to reveal Too Much Information

Link: http://tmiquestions.blogspot.com/

TMI Questions: In the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love…

Who was the first person to say, "I love you!" to you?

Probably my Mom. 

The first gay guy to say it was an actor from the Guthrie.  Hoo-boy, did we fall in love.  Hard.  Crazy, stupid love.  I was such a drama queen.  I was seventeen, a freshman in college, and he was 18 years older than I, and only the second dude I’d ever had sex with.  A full-blooded Italian with eyes to die for, I thought (and still do) that he was beauty personified. 

He wanted me to move to New York to be with him and I freaked out big time, so unprepared was I for life; it terrified me.  My mother also figured in there somewhere, as well as the whole Catholic / going to hell thing. 

I broke his heart.  And mine.   

I was such a stupid kid, but then, he really should have known better… I mean, given the same circumstances, I would know better than to get involved with a small town youth, especially after learning how naïve I was.

Still, I often wonder how my life would have turned out if I had grabbed that particular brass ring. 

But I don’t kid myself.  With my luck?  I’d have died in the mid 80’s.

So much for romantic notions.

Who was the first person you said, "I love you!" to?

Probably my Mom.

First lover?

The actor.  I don’t know who said it first, but it was horribly mutual.  And horribly sincere.

It scarred me, and I did not attempt another relationship with a man for seven years. Part of me kept hoping he’d make some grand gesture and try to rescue me, but, fact is, I was beyond rescuing. 

I spent a large chunk of that period on emotional life support.

Love at first sight or a love that grows?

First sight.  Always. 

If the attraction isn’t there from the get go, the whole soufflé is destined to fall.  And that goes for sexual compatibility as well.  I mean, you can nurse something that isn’t quite right for a long, long time – if you’re stubborn, or are certain that some aspect of the relationship is worth overlooking the rest – but in the end… it’s gonna end. 

Been there, done that.

But, love at first sight?  That stuff sweeps away everything in its path, like a tsunami. 

Everything… including common sense.

Ah, fools get lucky.

I know, I did.

Who was the love that got away?

Josh.

I just realized why it was that I have been dragging my heels, answering these questions; this topic, it’s not about love… this is about heartache.

I guess, on this side of life, that’s to be expected.  If one has lived.  And, I did, Mrs. Burnside… I did.

So, Josh… sweetest man.  I was a dumb bunny at the time; convinced that theatre was more important than anything else in the world.  So prideful was I, I moved away, after a total career-killing disaster, to isolate myself in the quiet of Iowa.  I thought he’d follow – that was the plan, only he didn’t. 

Anyway… I did a number on his heart, I fear.  He’s gone now… died ten years ago?  I never got to own all my shit.  I would visit him in Seattle and start to talk about it, but he would sweep it under the rug – not because I was blameless, but because I think it was too painful for him to talk about. 

He fell of the wagon and then fell of the face of the earth.  I made attempts to rescue him, to reason with him, but he was really so tired of life by that point, he couldn’t  bother with it anymore.

I will never be so careless with another human being as long as I live.

Hmmm… hindsight is a great teacher, but it is also one hell of a buzz kill.

One true love or more than one? 

More than one… fortunately.

I tend to be ‘all-in’, if I see potential.  That can be off-putting, I’m sure, but I’m more cautious these days. 

I’ve been very fortunate, in love. That anybody thought to love me at all? 

A freaking miracle.

Have you ever regretted saying, "I love you."?

Nope.

Even when it hurt.  Even when it wasn’t respected.  Even when it wasn’t returned.  Even when it ended in humiliation. 

What’s life without taking a few risks?

Are love songs silly?

Love them. 

Of course, my definition tends to run a little bittersweet. 

I think that is the nature of love.  We get love, but it costs us, somehow / something.  We sacrifice our time, our focus, our desires… there’s always some kind of inner-conflict running beneath the whole affair.

But, hopefully, that’s part of my past… part of the learning curve.

For the first time in my life I’m allowing it to be easy.  The whole concept of ‘easy to love’ has escaped me… but at this late point in the game, I think I might be getting the hang of it.

And that’s the thing about love… and love songs: Hope.  Love always holds out that hope… and love songs – they promote it. 

I would like to think that life was all about work – what we accomplish here.

But if it’s not love-based, then what the hell are you doing with your life except satisfying your own ego? 

What's your favorite love song?

Hmmm.  That is a hard one. 

I will give you a list of my current faves:

Come to Me – Goo Goo Dolls

Say Something – A Great Big World

End of the World – Matt Alber

And some classics:

You Can Close Your Eyes – James Taylor

Heart Like A Wheel – Linda Ronstadt

Intimacy – Bruce Roberts

Fools Get Lucky – Barry Manilow

Who Knows Where the Time Goes? – Sandy Denny

Heartbreak Warfare – John Mayer

My Valentine – Jim Brickman feat. Martina McBride
To Deserve You  - Bette Midler
In This Life - Bette Midler
The Way of Love - Cher
Love Tried To Welcome Me - Madonna
You Can Have Me Anytime - Boz Scaggs
My Funny Valentine - Sarah Vaughn
I Don't Want To Fight - Tina Turner
Pretending To Care - Jennifer Warnes

There are so many more, but those come to mind today.

And then there are the really hokey ones, like “Love Lifts Us Up Where We Belong”.  But I rarely go there anymore.  Some of those songs are so ‘on the nose’ they end up stinking after a while.

"Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs...

...What's wrong with that?"

Are you a romantic?

Yes.  A horrible, horrible, bleeding heart, heart-on-sleeve, on my knees, swooning romantic.

A run-up-the-credit-cards, ditch-that-class, skip work, travel-anywhere, sacrifice anything romantic.

Yep… I’m a total idiot.

I can live with that.

Bonus

Have you ever said, "I love you." in the heat of sex?

Well, it has slipped out of course (no pun intended). 

When it does I simply do a quick cover… such as…. “I love you… and the way you fuck me with your big, fat cock.”

Sometimes they buy it.

Does that count?

Ha!  Not even, bud.

Favorite Singles / Songs 2013

I probably missed some (I always do), but this is a list of the songs that kept my ears tuned in throughout the year.  As years go, this was not a bad one (save for that horrible hillbilly dance music trend and the return of Jay Z). 

The Stars (Are Out Tonight)  / Where Are We Now? – David Bowie

Cryptic musings from a reinvigorated space alien.  ‘Stars’ coasts by with a speed and lushness that only Bowie can bring to the table.  ‘Where’ aches with age, experience, and a well-trod heart.

Clarity – Zedd feat. Foxes

2013’s ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’.  In other words, a well-written song with a fresh point of view performed flawlessly.  Ear candy for the emotional part of our brains.

Suit & Tie – Justin Timberlake / Jay Z

Best single of the year.  Even Jay Z’s grinding everything to a halt can’t diminish the impact of Timberlake’s dead-on retro soul hooks.

Say Something – A Great Big World

I prefer the version sans Xtina; she is so unnecessary (why is she there?).  Sparse, crisp, yearning… brilliant.  This song saved my life.

Wrecking Ball – Miley Cyrus

Miley grows up.  This is her first near-decent song.  And that rasp in her voice is growing on me.  Her tendency to careen up to a note?  Not so much.

Perfume – Britney Spears

Britney moves onto adult contemporary fare with this one.  The story is tad confusing, but then most three-way relationships are.  Vocal-wise?  The girl sounds almost real.

Counting Stars – OneRepublic

This one took forever to climb up the charts, but now it is snuggly ensconced in the top ten.  Filled with irresistible hooks and a buoyant sound, it’s hard not to smile when you hear it.

Come To Me – Goo Goo Dolls

Love this song; a tale of romantic love and redemption.  Its story really hit home with yours truly. 

Best Day of My Life – American Authors       

Technically was around in the latter part of 2013, so I have included it on this list.  Again, a very uplifting song; go on, try to not smile as you listen to it while driving in your car.

Royals – Lorde

Weird, gloomy and spooky, Lorde strikes me as that teen age nightmare that lives in the room at the end of the hall.  She sure is opinionated.  And talented.  Undeniably talented.  But she would make for a horrible roommate.   

Hold On, We're Going Home - Drake Featuring Majid Jordan

My favorite song of the year.  Love it.  It skates on the most wonderful, subtle groove.  Drake?  All is forgiven.

Kisses Down Low – Kelly Rowland

Others preferred ‘Dirty Laundry’, but Ms. Rowland had me with this one.  A perfect boudoir jam for getting your sexy on - no matter where you or on what you are planting your lips on!

My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark – Fall Out Boy

Furious, serious surging pop.  Throwing in everything they could grab, including a sweet KISS tribute (I’m on fire!), FOB managed to manipulate their way back onto the charts and into the ears of America.  Sure, it feels a tad desperate, but I will take this kind of pop smarts over the savvy marketing fare of Maroon 5 any day.

2013 - Primal Scream

Scathing and propulsive.  Makes me feel like my ears have been acid washed.  Something about this group’s music gets inside my brain and tickles my dark side.

Trying To Be Cool / Entertainment – Phoenix

Trying?  These dudes definitely succeeded.  These songs should have been much bigger than they were.  Stupid radio.

Sweater Weather – Neighbourhood

Not surprising that this hit in the year of (our) Lorde.  It strikes the same chord, but with less pretension.  Proof that moody and dark can be fun and intriguing.

Without You / Free Life – Natalie Maines

Love both of these.  Both should have been hits, but, alas, radio had no idea where she fit.  There used to be a format for music this good.  Stupid radio.

Love Illumination – Franz Ferdinand

This ‘Cars meets The Kinks’ ode is a slice of pure power pop.  I adore every snarly, sparkly, retro-seventies moment.  Makes me bop like I was seventeen again.

Get Lucky – Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams

Daft Punk takes 1970’s disco and turns it on its polyester head.  As inventive as it is retro, this had everybody’s ears perking up.

Same Love – Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert

Social activism has never been more smart or sweet.  A landmark single from unexpected quarters.  I originally wrote these guys off as a one-hit-novelty artist.  I was so wrong.

Scream & Shout – Will.I.Am feat. Britney Spears

This one was a howl from beat one.  Britney’s faux British / German(?) accent delivering dead pan VIP observations immediately brought to mind Madonna during her Marlene Dietrich phase, but if it works (and it does)?  Who cares?

I Love It – Icona Pop feat Charli X

Snarly, sassy, and infectious.  A great slice of pop drama. Would love to see this play out in real life.

Applause – Lady Gaga

Can’t help myself.  Makes me want to clap along.  Yeah, I know, it’s utter nonsense, but then doesn’t that describe all the best pop?

Lady Gaga – “Do What You Want” featuring R. Kelly 

Sounding like Christina Aguilera, Lady G (with the help of R. Kelly) brings home a nice hot grind.  A sonic lap dance and proof that the dame’s got  great pipes.  Musically, I suspect this woman has only scratched the surface.

Mirrors – Justin Timberlake

Chunky pop fun.  Chugs along on a deep groove, supporting one of the sweetest melodies of the year.  Mr. Timberlake could do no wrong in 2013.

Reflektor – Arcade Fire

Saw them perform this on SNL.  Now, I’m hooked on the video.  Oddest collection of musical ideas, but somehow it all works.  All that falsetto is chilling. That chick is freaky weird, too.

Radioactive – Imagine Dragons

The rest of their stuff feels a tad too ‘Corporate/Arena Rock’ for my taste, but this song sounds and feels deeper.  Not sure where they plan on placing themselves in the hemisphere; they remain a tad too faceless to have any staying power.  However, their talent and power is something to be reckoned with.

Next To Me – Emeli Sande

Filling in the retro soul slot for the year (in Adele’s absence), Emeli provided one of the sweetest pop gems of 2013.  Whether she is anything more than a one hit wonder remains to be seen, but something tells me this song will be getting a lot of reoccurring plays over the next few years. It’s tasty.

Burn – Ellie Goulding

From the reissue of her 2012 ‘Halcyon’ CD (‘Halcyon Days’), this one lives up to its title.  Her voice remains as waifish as ever, while her sense of craft remains unerring.  Very stirring.

Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin

Every generation needs an ode to the yearning for patriarchal approval.  This one supplies the balm and meets that criterion with style to spare.  As swan songs go, this was a great way for SHM to go out.

Special Note: The Little Single that Could

Sail - AWOLNATION

On the charts for over a year, it took forever for this one to break into the top 40 (and when it did, it only went as high as #17).  It continues to get plenty of airplay and has taken up residence in the lower half of the top 40 (where it still remains) for the past 20 weeks.  I guess good things come to those who wait.

As songs go, it is an odd number – super heavy, pitched somewhere between prog rock and Muse/Imagine Dragons territory.  It’s the stealth dinosaur that invaded the top 100 in 2013.

Up Next: Worst Music of 2013