Critical Approaches to Gender and 21st Century Pop Music

here are six arguments stating that Taylor Swift is worse than Miley

This is probably the WORST article for someone like me to read. Purely because I just LOVE Taylor Swift and couldn't hate Miley Cyrus anymore if I tried. Whoever wrote this is obviously just basing their facts off of the stuff that is touched upon in the media, particularly in relation to the songs Taylor Swift writes. 1. Oh Taylor's songs lack depth? And Miley's don't? Turn on the radio and listen to some of the trash they call 'music' on there and then come back and say that again. Yes, she writes about breakups but at least she can say that she experienced her songs unlike the crap that most popular artists sings who's lyrics were practically pulled out of a hat and strung together. 2. Not ALL her songs are about how she was victimized by her exes, they just so happen to be the ones that make it to the charts. For example, 'Back to December' was written about her previous relationship with Taylor Lautner and that she was wrong for hurting him etc. 'Better Than Revenge' is claimed to be about Camilla Belle after she quickly hooked up with Joe Jonas after he and Taylor split. Her first hit and most famous song 'Love Story' isn't even about a break up! 3. People criticize that Taylor is predictable because she only writes songs about break ups, well if that's so then why doesn't the public gather together and get her non-breakup songs on the charts? Why? Because they prefer the breakup ones. 4. Miley is a self-absorbed, loud, ex Disney star who is trying to break away from her Hannah Montana image and is only making her image worse.

This is Rihanna's new song and video, I thought it was interesting as I feel it is a good example of how ratchet cultural as gone mainstream.

This blog post talks about how Miley Cyrus is a genius because "she doesn't just talk like a bad girl, she behaves like one...if you're a musician, that's an incredible place to be."  Sinead O'Connor also wrote a letter to Miley about empowerment.

I feel Cyrus' response to this letter so shocking by talking about Sinead O'Connor having had mental illness and re-tweeting post O'Connor said whilst mentally ill. It appears O'Connor meant well and Cyrus' reaction was uncalled and down right mean. This however may be said for the shock value that it is been made clear Miley Cryrus is all about now!!

Zoe, I agree that Cyrus's response was awful--that rather than deal with issues, she taunts and resorts to attacking her for her mental illness, which especially bothers me.

I guess Miley has some new photos out that are pretty risque.  This post just writes about how Miley is all about the controversy and getting people to talk about her.

I agree with the post, i guess is easy to say that Miley is always fame hungry and wants people to talk about her. But surely if people keep talking about her won't they just get bored.

"LOOK BOOBS! And even more tantalizing: LOOK HANNAH MONTANA BOOBS!" Amanda Palmer decides to write a open letter to Sinead after Sinead writes one to Miley. In it Palmer praises women to try as many fashion decisions as they would like because it is their choice. 

Hey guys! So I'm watching SNL and it turns out Miley Cyrus is hosting & performing tonight. Here's a link with the promo! Update: She just did a parody of "We Can't Stop." It's about the government shutting down. Really funny! Katy Perry will be hosting within the next few weeks as well.

The video for 'Can't Hold Us' features a message of freedom, individuality and authenticity. In the closing sequence it features Mackmore atop the Seattle Space needle and mounting a 'The Heist' flag for their album. This links to the Nirvana grunge rock scene that came to represent artist integrity, authenticity and anti-establishment ideals.

Folk singer Raina Rose writes an open letter to Miley Cyrus, Sinead O'Connor, and Amanda Palmer, showing appreciation for the dialogue they're having (in words and visually) and admiring them as "outspoken, powerful, talented" women.

Here is the parody Miley did on SNL of her song, "We Can't Stop." I think it's pretty funny! EDIT: Sorry guys, that link isn't working anymore. Here's another one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik1bdoufPt0

Madonna's recent essay in Harper magazine about her experiences as an aspiring artist in New York City, in particular how she was raped at knife point

Following the recent spate of controversy over the sexualisation of artists in today's pop culture. Singer Annie Lennox has criticized not the artists but how musics ''market forces don't give a toss about the notion of boundaries''. However Lennox agrees with freedom of speech and expression, but it is effectively depressing to see and all the sexualised performances as just a glorified and monetized form of self harm.

Since this weeks readings are on authenticity, I thought I'd share this music video by the band Foster The People which takes a rather comical approach to issues of authenticity, by having the studio executive struggling to find a way to make the band play a show even after they have died. 

I think it is very interesting here that they say we have been so consumed with Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry that we have sort of forgot about Lady Gaga.

Comparison of Miley's Posing and Pictures vs. Pink's

An interesting take on the evolution of Miley Cyrus. 

A mash up of a more authentic and a less authentic band. We had a small dicsussion about this in class on Tuesday