hmmmm, I was very disappointed to read the following article this morning. Hopefully she will not ruin her career by being too much of a spoiled diva. Thus far in her career, the formula for her success has been golden . . . the music has been awesome . . .

Here is the article:

Get ready for Kelly Clarkson as ... Courtney Love.

Clarkson’s new album, "My December," is causing more trouble than anyone could have guessed.

The album, Clarkson’s third, is at the center of a tug of war between the artist and her record label, RCA, which is run by the mogul of moguls, Clive Davis.

I told you the other day that Davis is happy enough to release "My December" even though he has misgivings about it. Clarkson, never before a songwriter, refused to use professional collaborators this time around. She wrote all the songs with her band members against the advice of her label and Davis.

But the real friction may not be between Clarkson and Davis, but between Clarkson’s manager, Jeff Kwatinetz, of The Firm, and the label.

It was only this past weekend that RCA learned Kwatinetz is being listed by Clarkson as “executive producer” of the album. This indicates a new role for Kwatinetz, who is not the most popular member of the recording industry. Managers generally do not receive "EP" credits on albums. They are listed as managers.

In this case, though, Kwatinetz may regret what he’s wished for. “My December” has already spawned one non-starter single in “Never Again,” a kind of tough-chick rock song that failed to penetrate radio or video. After six weeks, it’s already being pulled from rotations after not catching on.

Even though “My December” isn’t ready for press copies, three of its songs can be heard on AOL (all of its lyrics are available, too). None of them has the bright catchy pop hooks of Clarkson’s previous hits like “Since U Been Gone.” One of them, “Sober,” is kind of a rock dirge that boasts the refrain, “Three months … and I’m still sober!”

Is the world really ready for Kelly as Courtney? Ironically, Kwatinetz now also manages Love, who’s turned in a magnificent album of songs. The difference is she collaborated with hitmaker Linda Perry to mix the bitter with the sweet. Kwatinetz may have been so excited about Love and Perry that he’s gotten confused about artistic rebellion.

Clarkson’s songs are indeed bitter. On “Maybe,” which features an acoustic guitar, Clarkson boasts “life with me is never easy.” Surely the folks at RCA are finding that out, since “Maybe” is maudlin and also contains not a sing-able melody.

“Can I Have a Kiss,” mixed with heavy bass over another acoustic guitar, sounds like the kind of song you might hear from an up-and-coming singer in a San Francisco coffee house.

None of them, however, are equal to the polished, edgy pop that made Clarkson a breakthrough hit on her last album. If anything, “My December” is shaping up to be the equivalent of Lauryn Hill’s disastrous follow-up to her mega-selling “Miseducation” album. You’ll notice that no one remembers that CD, and no one’s heard from the onetime superstar since then.

Of course, Davis is often accused of being a control freak who insists on selecting every note sung by his artists. But many Arista and J Records stars write their own songs, including Alicia Keys, Dido and Sarah McLachlan. Davis has never had a problem with them, insiders say. What he does have a problem with is failure, and he’s worried, sources tell me, that Clarkson is headed for a fall.

“The album will come in at No. 1 and could even stay there a second week,” says a source. “But then, it will be over fast.” Fan club members may add to sales with downloads, too. “But Kelly will not sell anywhere near her previous numbers.” The last album, “Breakaway,” released in late 2004, sold a whopping 5.7 million copies.

I met Clarkson last year in Washington, D.C., at a recording industry event. She couldn’t have been nicer, and truly, she has a big voice that could keep her on the top of the charts for years.

But writing her own songs is a gamble she may regret, especially if she turns off her core listening audience. After all, she was built in the “American Idol” factory, and then retooled by Davis — who gave her “Since U Been Gone” — to be hip without seeming dangerous.

Clarkson’s is not a similar case to when Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye each decided to venture out on his own from the Motown hit machine in 1970. Nor is it the same as Justin Timberlake’s break from his *NSYNC persona. Pop music, a savvy producer friend of mine used to say, has to have the sound of triumph even if it’s a sad song.

“My December,” however, sounds like it’s shaping up to be one dark, angry recording. It contains lyrics like “There’s a hole/ Inside of me/ It’s so cold/ Slowly killing me.”

Some of the songs — “Judas” and “Irvine” — have titles that aren’t even mentioned in the lyrics at all, forget about the choruses.

On track after track, it’s clear that Kelly had a bad break-up with someone. But not being a skilled lyricist, her broken heart comes off as unsympathetic and a little childish. Someone should have given her a crash course in Carly Simon or Joni Mitchell to see how poetic justice is truly meted out.

Davis, I’m told, could have simply killed the album — he’s done it before when artists turned in CDs he didn’t like. But he’s going to let Clarkson face the music either way.

Says an RCA insider, “Even if this fails, he’ll work with Kelly again if she’s ready to listen.”

Step aside Barry White . . . in my opinion, Donna Summer, the queen of disco holds the distinction of having the most sensual and romantic recording ever . . . Four Seasons of Love. It is one of my all time favorite recordings . . .

This is a concept recording of sorts . . . with Donna sensually whispering one long disco ode to each season. The hypnotic, smooth dance grooves that maintain a sexy mood remind of me of the Diana Ross recording of "Love Hangover" . . .

Donna Summer is timeless . . . her soulful, sensual voice has been heard in a number of different styles of music through decades of her recordings . . . all of which you will be able to listen to on my playlists.

She is due for a major comeback and I can't wait to buy her next recording.

No Doubt was founded in 1986 with a ska-pop sound . . . the band's diamond-certified album Tragic Kingdom helped to launch the ska revival of the 1990s, and "Don't Speak", the third single from the album, set a record when it spent sixteen weeks at the number one spot. Tragic Kingdom (1995) propelled them to stardom and sold more than fifteen million copies worldwide, with the singles "Just a Girl", "Spiderwebs", and "Don't Speak". The band's popularity went into decline with Return of Saturn (2000), but Rock Steady (2001) was generally well-received.




The lead singer, Gwen Stefani experienced the bittersweet accolades from the media and fans, driving a wedge between her and the band, much like Blondie. Gwen is today's Blondie . . . she was born October 3, 1969. Gwen recorded her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. The album contains pop and dance tracks and influence from hip hop and R&B. Its third single "Hollaback Girl" became the first U.S. digital download to exceed sales of one million and "Cool" was one of 2005's most popular radio singles. The Sweet Escape (2006), Stefani's second solo album, was preceded by the single "Wind It Up".




In the media Gwen is known as a fashion trendsetter and regularly graces the covers of fashion and entertainment magazines. She debuted her clothing line L.A.M.B. in 2003 which showcases clothing that she is often seen wearing herself and also features handbags and purses. She released a limited edition, high-end line of dolls called "Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Fashion dolls" in 2006. They were inspired by her multi-platinum album and tour. Each doll reflects Gwen's eclectic onstage distinctive style and personality like her Hollaback Girl to the fashion-forward Harajuku Girls of Tokyo. She also designed and promoted a Harajuku girl-themed camera for Hewlett-Packard. Click here for more information on L.A.M.B.






It is rare for me to feature a song, but Don't Speak is one of my top 5 favorite songs of all time . . .

I always enjoyed Storytellers since I am such a music enthusiast. For me, it is all about the music and I love all of it! Being a once-aspiring singer/songwriter big time wannabe, the roots of a great song is always interesting to me.

When it is one of my favorite songs and singers, it is so much more special. So it goes with this one . . . Gwen Stefani and No Doubt . . . all about the song "Don't Speak" . . . one of my favorite songs of all time.

The lyrics of this song are hitting home for me at this time of my life, as I have reached yet another crossroads and a realization of what is happening in my life. Music lyrics sometimes mimic life and come back to soothe our soul to let us know all will be ok.

Storytellers ~ Don't Speak





Don't Speak ~ Live




Don't Speak ~ The Video





Lyrics:

You and me
We used to be together
Every day together always

I really feel
I'm losing my best friend
I can't believe
This could be the end

It looks as though you're letting go
And it it's real,
Well I don't want to know
Chorus

Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me 'cause it hurts
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me 'cause it hurts

Our memories
They can be inviting
But some are altogether
Mighty frightening

As we die, both you and I
With my head in my hands
I sit and cry
Chorus

Outro

It's all ending
I gotta stop pretending who we are . . .
You and me
I can see us dying ... are we?
Chorus






Gwen Stefani is one of my favorite entertainers, singers and fashion icons of all time . . . she rocks . . .



Gwen Stefani ~ A Medley of Singles








My Playlist of Gwen Stefani and No Doubt songs:

No Doubt Official Website



My niece Angie was a pre-teen and totally obsessed with Gwen Stefani at the height of the "Spiderwebs" popularity. I think we heard that song a million times . . . over and over again.

She and her sister Valerie would spend weekends and summers with my husband and I . . . at their ages, it was a good thing we loved music because they were 24/7 with their music. The song "Spiderwebs" reminds me of those times with my girls who were the little girls I never had.

The music of "Tragic Kingdom" represents one of the happiest times of my life . . . the summer of 1995 . . . my last memories of the girls being little girls and camping in the back yard, singing out loud like fools . . .