#1 Twenty Years Ago Today

Neil Young probably never envisioned having a #1 dance chart hit, but two years after its initial 1990 UK release, America met a pre-Sarah Cracknell Saint Etienne via their cover.

Christie Blasted Over Whitney Tribute

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has ordered the state's flags lowered to mark the death of Whitney Houston, who was born and raised in Newark. Cue the wingnuts.

Heather Clause, a Richmond, Va.-based blogger who writes about teen moms and was tweeting critical comments, said in a telephone interview that she was appalled by the planned flag-lowering. "It's just such a bad example for people," she said. Clause, 23, said the decision was like saying if someone sings well, drug use doesn't matter and "you can still be an idol." Rebecca Eppelmann, a newspaper copy editor in upstate New York, also tweeted her disgust at the Houston honor, then discussed her views. "It should be for major events," she said. "It's horrible that she passed away. It's not something that should warrant this."

Christie: "I am disturbed by people who believe that because her ultimate demise – and we don't know what is the cause of her death yet – but because of her history of substance abuse that somehow she's forfeited the good things that she did in her life. I just reject that on a human level."

RELATED: New York state legislators were also criticized for a resolution honoring Houston. Objections faded when it was pointed out that Houston donated her national anthem sales to 9/11's first responders.

Pet Shop Boys Launch SmartPhone App

Allure Of Sound reports:

Pet Shop Boys have released their very first official app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. According to the press release, the new app — titled Singbox — gives you the chance to experience, sing to and compete with music on your devices in the same way that has only previously been possible on console games. Singbox includes the songs ‘West End Girls’, ‘Suburbia’ and ‘New York City Boy’ and includes to option to buy additional songs. With the app, you can sing along to your favorite Pet Shop Boys tunes while watching the classic original videos. Thanks to the unique live studio feedback feature, everyone can sound like a star. Singbox Pet Shop Boys, developed by Swedish company Singbox, is available to buy ($2.99) in the iTunes app store.

But does the tuner give one that unique Neil Tennant nasality?

#1 Twenty Years Ago Today

A one-hit wonder here, Right Said Fred scored four Top Five singles in the UK, including the #1 Deeply Dippy, which I liked much better.

Eurovision 2012: Denmark's Soluna Samay

The national contests for 2012 representation are underway across the Eurovision map. Here's Denmark's entry. Likeable. Forgettable.

The Christian Bruno Mars

Unintentionally hilarious, as these things often are. Best YouTube comment: "If Jesus carried the cross in heels, I think way more people would respect him."

Xelle - Invincible

Jared reports at Allure Of Sound:

Xelle, a group made up of JC Cassis, Rony Goffer and drag sensation Mimi Imfurst, have released the music video for their catchy new single “Invincible.” This is not your average pop music video; it actually has a powerful anti-bullying message. Proceeds from the sale of “Invincible,” which it out now on iTunes, will go to GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. GLSEN “is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students.”

Donohue: Nicki Minaj Is Possessed

Right on cue, Catholic League blowhard Bill Donohue has issued an angry denouncement of Nicki Minaj's Grammy performance.

Minaj’s performance began on stage with a mock confessional skit. This was followed by a taped video depicting a mock exorcism. With stained glass in the background, she appeared on stage again with choir boys and monks dancing. Perhaps the most vulgar part was the sexual statement that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer. Finally, 'Come All Ye Faithful' was sung while a man posing as a bishop walked on stage; Minaj was shown levitating. None of this was by accident, and all of it was approved by The Recording Academy, which puts on the Grammys. Whether Minaj is possessed is surely an open question, but what is not in doubt is the irresponsibility of The Recording Academy. Never would they allow an artist to insult Judaism or Islam. It’s bad enough that Catholics have to fight for their rights vis-à-vis a hostile administration in Washington without also having to fend off attacks in the entertainment industry. The net effect, however, will only embolden Catholics, as well as their friends in other faith communities.

As I said last night, whatever you feel about Nicki Minaj, pissing off freak shows like Bill Donohue is always a good thing.

Jennifer Hudson's Tribute To Whitney

UPDATE: Yanked!

Drugs Not Drowning

TMZ claims to have the scoop.

Photo Of The Day

Whitney Tops iTunes Album Charts

Source.

The List Of Grammy Winners Is Short

But here it is. Westies might want to stay out of the comments.

#1 Twenty-Five Years Ago Today

Remembered In Harlem

Harlem's famed Apollo Theater was the location of Houston's The Greatest Love Of All video.

Music Greats React

More to come...

Whitney Houston Found Dead At Age 48

Little is known so far.

Whitney Houston, who ruled as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48. Houston's publicist, Kristen Foster, said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown. News of Houston's death came on the eve of music's biggest night — the Grammy Awards. It's a showcase where she once reigned, and her death was sure to case a heavy pall on Sunday's ceremony. Houston's longtime mentor Clive Davis was to hold his annual concert and dinner Saturday; it was unclear if it was going to go forward.

Shocking. But also, not so shocking.

VIDEO: My favorite of many great ones.


UPDATE: The only time I saw Whitney in concert was at NYC Pride's 1999 Pier Dance. I'll never forget the crowd's reaction.

Obama's Spotify Playlist

A decent mix of newbies and classics with a smidge of gay. I've got about two dozen variously themed Spotify playlists myself, all under my real name. But there's no Hootie on mine.

Gloria Estefan - Hotel Nacional

Rocky Horror, techno beats, hot boys, and a drag queen look-a-like. If all that doesn't tell you the demo that Ms. Estefan is going for with her new album, you can decide during tonight's appearance at Chelsea's Splash Bar.

Free Download: RuPaul Mix Tape

Get it here. (Tipped by JMG reader Brett)