Ryan Tedder Writes for Friends

     Musical genius Ryan Tedder (and Stevie Wonder) may have lost a Golden Globe Award on Sunday night for their original song from the movie Sing, but he gained new friends. Tedder and his buddies from OneRepublic will be opening for U2 for several stops on their Joshua Tree tour this year. Stevie and Bono are hardly Tedder's most famous collaborators. American Idol contestants David Cook, Jordin Sparks, and Adam Lambert have all sang Tedder penned songs. Brits Leona Lewis, Adele, James Blunt and Ellie Goulding have also made big hits from Tedder's words. A few months ago, I wrote about his lyrical and rhythmic prowess for his own songs. Now it's time to review Tedder's most famous collaborations as a songwriter for American artists.

5. Colbie Callait Collaborations: 2011

(c) PipPepPop

Both of Callait's collaborations with Tedder are beachy, reggae-style songs from the All of You album. Brighter Than the Sun peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 song chart. The music video plays like a tropical vacation sequence. The background beat is filled with clapping and repetitive guitar melodies, perfect for an afternoon of margaritas. Similarly, Favorite Song is Callait's song with rapper/actor Common. It was also co-written by Ryan Tedder. I would say this is one of Tedder's most different songs when compared to the others.


4. Kelly Clarkson Collaborations: 2009
     Clarkson and Tedder collaborated on most of her album All I Ever Wanted. Her biggest song
Already Gone is a beautiful, sweeping anthem about forgiveness. Like many of Clarkson's songs, it will bring on the tears by the last chorus. Here are the opening lyrics:

Remember all the things we wanted

Now all our , they're haunted

We were always meant to say goodbye

Even without fists held high, yeah

Never would have worked out right, yeah

We were never meant for do or die

    Clarkson's upbeat If I Can't Have You departed from Clarkson's other upbeat pop-rock songs. It's use of synthesized music  met with some critical reception, but it's typical of some of Tedder's other songs. Another ballad, Save You, is known as Tedder's nod to Mozart due to it's intricate piano melodies. Again it's another Clarkson tearjerker.

3. Gavin DeGraw Collaborations: 2011

(c) PipPepPop

     Sweeter is the name of the album and the sexy single about DeGraw meeting a beautiful girl and stealing her away from her guy. A rocking piano captures the traditional Tedder "driving beat," as both writers are masters of the ivories. The the music video has the couple goofing around in Brooklyn. My favorite lyrics are from the bridge of the song:

You're like an angel, got me feeling like a devil 

And I wanna give you something-

 if you promise that you won't tell.

I just wanna take someone else's holiday,  

Sometimes the grass is greener,

And someone else's sugar's sweeter. 

     Their other collaboration is the hit that took DeGraw from the guy that sings the One Tree Hill theme to the guy that opens for Billy Joel and Shania Twain.  From the many live performances I've attended, I have heard that Not Over You is not about DeGraw's ex-girlfriend. The song follows a brokenhearted man that seems okay, but knows he is not over the relationship. The first performance of the song before the album was released is here. I fell in love with this song over and over again in 2011 and it becomes more endearing with every listen.

2. Taylor Swift Collaborations: 2014
     Tedder was one of the many collaborators working with T-Swiz on her first pop foray, 1989. He produced and co-wrote her synth pop hit Welcome to New York. Swift performed this love song to youth on Good Morning America when her album was released. Check out the video here to embrace the vibrancy of the city along with the pulsing background beat. Tedder also co-wrote with Swift on the haunting I Know Places, which Swift began as a voice memo. This information can be found on the bonus Target version of the album, where Swift gives commentary on several songs.

1. Maroon 5 Collaborations: 2012-2014
     Two of Maroon 5's albums included songs co-written and produced by Ryan Tedder. The first was Lucky Strike from the Overexposed album, a classic Tedder beat with a pounding percussion and bass. View a live performance here. The song has more lyrics than a Stephen Sondheim piece, but its incredibly tight with lyrics. The opening sequence of lyrics is as follows:

(c) PipPepPop

You're such a motivator, I gotta get you here,

So sick of saying yes sir, yes sir.

You're such an instigator, wanna play the game

Take it or leave it, that's her, that's her.

  And I can't wait another minute,

I can't take the look she's giving.

You're body rocking, keep me up all night,

One in a million, my lucky strike.

     The band's biggest Tedder hit is 2013's Love Somebody. It's a simple concept, finding somebody to love a la Queen. It's a mid-tempo synth dance beat, similar to a Lady Gaga's early hits. The music video is oddly beautiful and full of half complete members of the band, emphasizing the song's desire. New Love is a lesser-known Tedder-penned song from the 2014 album V.  It is coincidentally also about forgiveness, a common theme here. The final song is V's Maps. The second the song premiered on the radio, I yelled out "Tedder's done it again," before I heard the production notes. The song has the driving beat and a haunting repetitive vocalization of the word following, following following..." Like some other M5 videos the scene plays out like a movie, jumping into flashbacks as front-man Adam Levine searches for his lady. She misinterprets a situation and he follows "the map that leads to you. " When he finds her in the hospital, and in a cruel twist of Tedder fate, it's too late to Apologize.

BONUS: Beyonce: 2009
     Even Queen B has made Tedder's songs super hits. Similar sounding to Clarkson's Already Gone, Beyonce's little song Halo is also a Tedder hit. As I Am... Sasha Fierce produced at least 5 major hits (like Single Ladies), Beyonce went on to sing another Tedder hit, XO in 2013. The song was covered in 2015 by John Mayer as a stripped-down acoustic version.

For the ever expanding list of Ryan Tedder songs, visit their Wikipedia page.

Retail Tanks in 2017- The End of An Era

     America is in facing a huge emergency. It's a "Darth Vader is coming" type of fashion emergency. In the last week, I have learned that 2 major retail chains are closing stores (again), and one manjor women's retailer is going out of business. One store is on it's way back in the coming weeks, but the damage may already be done.

The Limited- Shock and Awe
     A week ago, I walked past my local The Limited store. It was Gone Girl. It wasn't just closed, it was dark and stripped of all signage. It was completely empty. In fact, I didn't even know that spot was The Limited until I reviewed the stores on each side. Here's the kicker. I didn't have any idea the store was closing. And it seems other people are in the same boat. According to an article I read today, the stores began filing notices after thanksgiving that large-scale layoffs were coming. What they didn't say was that their plan meant that everyone was getting laid off. All of the stores are closing as of tomorrow evening, but news sources report the online business will remain open. Right now, everything is 50% off on TheLimited.com and there is no information about the future of the company.

     It's basically like The Limited is pulling an Irish exit, disappearing from a party out the back door. My mom had been by out local store two days before me, and it was fully operational. There was no "everything must go" signage. Now everything is 90% off in store. It's almost like the stores begun closing in secret. I read several articles that had been posted by local newspapers around the country last week, all stores in Florida are closing, all stores in Ohio are closing.... but nobody mentioned it was across the country. Now I'll have to look for a new place to buy my favorite dress pants...

Macy's and Sears- More Disappointments
     Major retailers are struggling. We can get so many things online today, but we can't try on a sweater through our computer. We can't get lost in counters of perfume and makeup on the computer. How can so many large department stores be closing? Macy's plans to close almost 65 stores early this year, resulting in 4,000 to 6,000 employees (depending on which source you consult) that will lose their jobs or be re-assigned to other stores. One of my local stores added a "Macy's Backstage" department, which carries a lot of assorted items and clothes for the "fashion-forward bargain hunter." When I walked through the area, the associate explained that this was to compete with the trifecta of bargain hunting,  TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls.  I have no ill will against these store,s but I've never gone to Macy's looking for the same things I look for HomeGoods. And I know for sure, that when shopping for a wedding registry, one goes to Macy's as opposed to Marshalls. I'm really shocked that a store that has a very classy reputation is going so (for lack of a better word) mainstream.

     On the other hand, I've always seen Sears as more of an every woman type of store. The sell electronics and tools as opposed to makeup and luggage. I also cannot remember the last time I've shopped in a Sears. TBH, once the Kardashian Kollection moved in (about 2010), I couldn't step foot into the store unless I was cutting through to get somewhere else. I take it back, as I did go there to pick up a pair of discount boots at the beginning of spring. I also had to return to the store because the box was sold to me with two right boots. Reports indicate Sears is in serious trouble. They are closing 150 stores (a mix of Sears and KMart stores). They are also selling off their legendary Craftsman Tools brand to pay off debts. It's pretty unfortunate.

Aeropostale- a New Hope?
     Trouble started with the closing of similiar brand American Eagle's lingerie/apparel store Aerie in 2014. They went online only and are still here online in 2017. Nothing for me if worse than ordering some underwear and bathing suits on a computer when you have no idea how they will fit.

     Throughout 2016, Aeropostale stores began closing (with signage). The filed for bankruptcy in May. In September, it was announced that the company may be restructured to keep stores open. My local store closed. This marks a new level of restructuring, where the chain of stores would be sold off to property management group, Simon Malls.  Simon is now the first property group to take over a chain of stores. We are eagerly curious about the new iteration of Aero coming to our local mall, which is not owned by the Simon group. Will more stores be bought out by mall owners in the future? I'm hoping this type of business model might keep any future stores from closing.

New Year's Resolution: More Yoga in 2017

     The act of practicing yoga is often regarded by some people as transformation experience. I'm no expert, but I try it as best I can. Unlike most other types of fitness classes, a yoga class is more about the journey than the end result. Tonight I had my first class in a few weeks and I got back on the mat.

     I came to yoga with some reservations, but tried to keep an open mind. I wasn't sure if would fit in, or if I could be as flexible as another person in the class. After over a year of back pain that turned out to be really coming from a weak hip, I was up for anything. I had been working with a chiropractor, received hip injections because of a tear in a muscle, and done two separate rounds of physical therapy. I jumped in 4 years ago with some new leggings and a new mat, remembering that at the end of the class there would be a rest period, called Shavasana. I have fallen asleep a few times during this time, and it is glorious.

     I struggled with my first class, dropping from downward dog to plank much slower than other people. It took a few weeks to get the poses down. Over time, I got used to doing a flow. I've been in classes, in the dark, in a bar, outside, and in a sweaty heated room.  Each time, I'm trying to do my best, trying to plank a little straighter or for a few extra minutes. Some days I've got a chance of balancing in some poses, and some days I'm swaying like a palm tree in a hurricane. Yoga, like us as humans, is imperfect. It's always going to give you something back if you give your energy to it.

     Two years ago, I lost my practice after having foot surgery. After living with a burning hot sensation in the ball of my foot for 6 months, I would have done anything to make it stop. My yoga practice was occasionally strained by the pain, as I could not point or flex that foot. I went to yoga classes until a few days before the surgery, promising my two classes I would be back by February. I went to my first few classes still in my boot. It was terrible. I had trouble standing and I could not balance. At all. I kept at it. A few more months taught me how I needed to modify poses with my slightly desensitized foot (blocks are a lifesaver)  and I got back to my old form after several months. It was during that time that the instructor's notes on breathing began to click. I would forget to breathe when I moved from pose to pose and I was losing energy trying not to focus on my pain. It was really that pain that pushed me farther. The more I began to breathe through the challenging poses, the more I appreciated them. In time, I could start to balance. For the record, I am still struggling with breathing through my poses.

     This summer, I again had to pull the ripcord on yoga. Terrible  unprovoked neck pain began, and I paused practicing. After a month of doctor visits and tests, it was decided that I had a slightly herniated disc in my neck. It's only herniated in certain positions, making it all the more difficult to control. My arm became weaker on one side and I couldn't hold poses.  I then began months of physical therapy and could not keep up with yoga. About a month ago, I began taking classes again. I may stay a little longer in my spinal stretches, but I have gotten back to a rhythm.  It is imperfect, but it's my rhythm and I'll stick with it. In some ways, I think yoga has helped me keep going through the tough times. It may be as simple as sitting in a twist and trying alternate nostril breathing, but I try to squeeze something in a little each day.

     After the Shavasana, we wake our bodies up slowly and rise up to a seated position. The instructor thanks everyone for coming and repeats a phrase that means "the light within me respects the light within you." We all acknowledge each other (even in a class of 3) and thank ourselves for devoting the class and the time to ourselves. It's a very peaceful moment and can turn even the toughest class into time well spent. In conclusion, take time to respect yourself in 2017. Follow your bliss, learn a new skill, and devote some time to yourself. Namaste,

Mariah Carey's NYE Performance was "Amazing" and Other Live Fails

     I'll be honest, I was occupied and missed Mariah Carey's now legendary train wreck of a performance on Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve. I watched so many videos and news clips yesterday, I feel like I saw it live. Mariah has long been known for "Diva-ing" out during live events. First there was her 2001 appearance on TRL, stripping out of an oversize T-shirt. She lamented how this was her "therapy session." I also reminisced about a 2002 episode of MTV Cribs, where Mariah was just bizarre. Some of her antics are highlighted in this MTV article. I also remember vividly her wearing heels while working out a on a machine in her home gym. To put it lightly, she had a few breakdown a while back. She took some time off recover, married Nick Cannon, and had kids. Then she took over as a judge on American Idol. She continued to be a Diva there, often fighting on camera with fellow judge Nicki Minaj.

     Back to the present, Mariah's poor performance on the NYE countdown was the result of a complete lack of professionalism.  First of all, she was not dressed appropriately for a woman of her age. She is over 45 and does not need to wear a dude see-through bodysuit (same goes for you, Ms. Britney). It was obvious that there was a track for some of the songs. I understand that, fair enough. Mariah could have chosen to lip sync along to every song (since the venue was cold, dark and outdoors). But instead she picked and chose what she wanted to sing. When she couldn't keep up with the music, she just closed her mouth and tried to make conversation with the crowd. "(Emotions) went to #1...." It was also obvious that she was such a diva that she  didn't show up for rehearsal or sound check. The stage choreography was also pretty bad, as evidenced by the lazy dove-feather fans fans spinning around and the dancers wincing while trying to lasciviously hold her leg while she leaned back. Maybe this was a blessing in disguise, 2016 went out on a low point, which a lot  of people sympathized with via social media.

     Have no fear, Miss Mimi is not the first diva to flop on a live stage. She is not the first person to start making weird comments on New Year's Eve. That honor goes straight to co-host Jenny McCarthy, who seems drunk from the moment the broadcast goes on. This will certainly not be the last time.Here are 2 of my favorite worst live performances on live TV.

Meghan Trainor falls on The Tonight Show
     This summer, Ms. Trainor wiped out after finishing a choreography-challenging performance of her song, NO.  I was pretty worried during the song that she was attempting to dance in 5-inch heels. I almost thought my worry was for nothing.  She rolled her ankle when moving back to the microphone stand and dropped to the floor, spreading out like a snow angel. This overall wasn't too bad. MS. Trainor did make it through the song.

Ashlee Simpson lip syncs on SNL
     I was reminiscing with my friends a few weeks about about Ashlee's tragic debut on Saturday Night Live in 2004. It seems like just yesterday, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz-Ross had a famous sister, an MTV biopic show, Ryan Cabrera on her arm, and a lot of acid reflux. (I can relate to the girl, stomach acid can really mess you up.)So, a wise decision was made for Ms. Simpson to lip sync to her debut single Pieces of Me on the live show. What she didn't count on was the track malfunctioning the second it started. A back beat and her vocals began, and Ashlee immediately knew the show had to go on. What did she do? She began dancing a jig like a pirate. When the band finally caught up with the music, she waltzed offstage. That being said, my friends and I jumped into a circle and clapped our hands as Ashlee's LOVE rocked out at a wedding. Time can heal all wounds.

She's A Dominatrix Supermodel Beauty Queen

     Just over 16 years ago, boy band O-Town brought out one of their most remembered hits, Liquid Dreams. This song was a bouncing ditty about the "perfect woman," made up of the best physical characteristics (and Halle Berry's personality). At a teenager's listening, it's a catchy pop song. At an adult woman's listening the song is kinda offensive, reducing us down to our physical appearances. The song lyrics follow below. I assembled images from magazines to create this woman, and I am revealing it to the world now. I think all of these parts would make one very odd looking woman. Ideal maybe, but not real. Let's all take 2017 to appreciate our own unique beauty. Let me know what you think of her look...

Posters of (Jennifer) Love surrounding me, lost in the world of fantasy.
Every night she comes to me and gives me all the love I need.
Now this hot girl, she's not your average girl
She's a morpharotic dream from a magazine.
And she's so fine, designed to blow your mind.
She's a dominatrix supermodel beauty queen!

I dream about a girl who's a mix of Destiny's Child,
Just a little touch Madonna's wild style,
With Janet Jackson's smile. Throw in a body like Jennifer's,
You've got the star of my liquid dreams.

Angelina Jolie's lips to kiss in the dark,
Underneath Cindy C's beauty mark.
When it comes to the test, well Tyra's the best.
And Salma Hayek brings the rest.

Now this hot girl, she's not your average girl.
She's a morpharotic dream from a magazine.
And she's so fine, designed to blow your mind.
She's a dominatrix supermodel beauty queen!

I dream about a girl who's a mix of Destiny's Child,
Just a little touch Madonna's wild style,
With Janet Jackson's smile. Throw in a body like Jennifer's,
You've got the star of my liquid dreams.

Looks ain't everything, she's got the sweetest personality,
Like Halle B.
My mama thinks I'm lazy, my friend all think I'm crazy,
But in my mind, I leave the world behind... every night I dream.

Liquid Dreams, my Liquid Dreams
Waterfall and streams, these liquid dreams...

I dream about a girl who's a mix of Destiny's Child,
Just a little touch Madonna's wild style,
With Janet Jackson's smile. Throw in a body like Jennifer's,
You've got the star of my liquid dreams, my liquid dreams.