Musicality - No Doubt, Cher Lloyd, Mika & Esperanza Spalding

Mika
The Origin of Love
(Casablanca/Universal)
The very first thing I noticed about Mika is his beautiful voice. The light harmonies are well-balanced and remind me a bit of the vocals of the band Fun. Though I wouldn’t quite describe it as funk, some of the songs do have a nice soft bounce to them. The music is soothing and surprisingly delightful, but it’s not the kind that puts you to sleep. This whole album would be really good to study or read to and I highly recommend it. The entire album is amazing. I didn’t see this one coming, because I didn’t have any previous experience with this artist, even though this is his third album. Now I’m going to have to check out the first two. My favorite song is “Lola,” which is no surprise because it was inspired by Fleetwood Mac. But all the songs should be given a chance. Another couple of favorites are “Underwater,” because of the piano, and “Love You When I’m Drunk,” which is all sorts of Ben Folds-style hilarious.
No Doubt
Push and Shove
(Interscope)
They’re back with the stuff that makes your heart thump, and Gwen Stefani is back with the people who helped make her famous. No Doubt has returned after 11 years since their last album. It’s been too long. Although Stefani has had no trouble coming out with hits as a solo artist, some people, like yours truly, are beyond excited about the reunion. In No Doubt’s early years, it was primarily a ska band, but its sound has evolved over 26 years into more pop-heavy and reggae styles. They go a little more out of the box on this one, and a lot of their songs are slower and mellow, often with some of the best and most powerful upbeat breakdowns that I’ve heard in a long time. The song “Settle Down” has already been circulating the airwaves, but my absolute favorite is “Sparkle,” because it is wonderfully timed and has a really nice, catchy rhythm. A few others that I really enjoy are “Push and Shove” and “Easy.” Although my cat has not been appreciative of my own recent renditions of No Doubt songs, I’m going to have this CD on repeat for a while.
Cher Lloyd
Sticks & Stones
(Epic)
If you’ve had the radio on, you’ve already heard Cher Lloyd’s “Want U Back.” Fans of pop should check her out. The album is fun and extremely catchy. It has several dance songs and many radio-ready songs. The musical style reminds me of a combination of Jessie J, Karmin and Katy Perry, and the vocals have a hint of Rihanna to them. The lyrics are optimistic and simple, but effective and much in the style of pop anthems, particularly in “Behind the Music.” If you are a fan of all things pop, check her out. The music is well-produced and would fit in any party mix. My favorite songs are “Beautiful People” and “Oath.”
Esperanza Spalding
Radio Music Society
(Heads Up International)
Though this CD came out a few months ago, I only recently was introduced to this impressively soulful artist. Esperanza Spalding is an amazing blues musician. She is a bassist and a singer. She is far from simple. She is all the best parts of jazz and blues rolled up into one charismatic blend of experimental funk-tinged music that is all too easy on the ears. Jazz lovers shouldn’t ignore this one; in 2011 she won Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards. Her unique lyrics have depth, she is no doubt creative and I’m excited to see how her music will evolve. I’ll be keeping an eye on this one. My favorite songs are “Radio Song,” “Crowned and Kissed,” and “City of Roses.”

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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