Musicality - Dido, Alessia Cara, Logic, Lana Del Rey

Dido

“Friends,” “Give You Up” and “Hurricanes” singles (BMG)

Dido helped lead us through the turn of the century – her debut album, No Angel, was released in 1999. Now she’s back when we need her the most. Her previous studio album, released in 2013, was Girl Who Got Away. Some people may know her from when Eminem featured her song “Thank You” on his rap song “Stan.” Dido sounds nothing like most popular vocalists that we hear now. She doesn’t belt it out. Her voice is unmistakable, impossible to imitate, and hauntingly sweet and sad. She sounds like an angel leading you through the gates of heaven or an alien life form taking you to an ethereal plane. These three singles couldn’t be more different. When I first heard “Friends” and “Give You Up,” I thought, “Yes, Dido is back.” Then I heard “Hurricanes” and was completely floored at the tonal change that occurs halfway through. It’s my favorite song so far this year. Dido has gotten better, without her style changing drastically. I can’t wait for more. Her new album, Still on My Mind, comes out March 8.

Alessia Cara

The Pains of Growing

(Def Jam/UMG)

Alessia Cara is the powerhouse voice behind the mega-hits “Scars to Your Beautiful,” “Stay” with Zedd and “1-800-273-8255” (the National Suicide Prevention Helpline number) with Logic and Khalid. Cara’s voice sounds traditionally R&B and pop, but stands out more than most. The way she transitions between notes is what sets her apart. It seems effortless and beautiful. I can pick her out of any song. This great album features tracks like “I Don’t Want To,” which is stripped down to a simple guitar rhythm and Cara’s vocals – a sweet song that’s one of my favorites. Many of these songs feature guitar, which shouldn’t be surprising because Cara started her musical career by producing acoustic covers of popular songs. My only complaint is that even though the songs are over three minutes long, they sound short. But the album has 15 great tracks to choose from. My favorites are “7 Days,” “Trust My Lonely,” and “Nintendo Game.”

Logic 

“Keanu Reeves” single 

(Def Jam/UMG)

Logic creates some of the greatest rap melodies I’ve heard in years. In this one, the backing melody is haunting, like in “I Got 5 On It” by Luniz. Many newer rap artists have been shaped by that 1990s song. “Keanu Reeves” shows how self-aware Logic is. I like how he doesn’t ignore criticisms of him and his work. It’s almost as if it fuels his greatest songs. He’s well-aware of the memes created by him and his music. They make fun of his referring to his biracial heritage and he turns that into stellar lyrics. He’s famous for his song about depression, “1-800-273-8255,” and this song alludes to the fact that moms driving on the street with their children will stop him because they know that song. In a sea of popular mumble-rappers, I hope Logic is a muse to the future of rap.

Lana Del Rey

“Hope Is a Dangerous Thing For a Woman Like Me to Have – But I Have It” single

(Polydor/Interscope)

Lana Del Rey always has that winter mood, even when it’s a bright, overwhelmingly warm, sunny day. Right now, though, it’s all too fitting. The tone of the song is cold, bitter and sad. I love this song, but I don’t suggest listening to it if you’re not willing to hear something that makes you look inside of yourself. It’s a serious one. A piano accompaniment follows her like a musical angel. This single is beautiful, and the emotions it evokes are difficult. It is worth it, though. I kept it on repeat because it fit my mood perfectly.

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

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by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

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Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

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