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Out's October issue features our first ever top 100 Greatest, Gayest Albums of All Time. There's no way we could have pulled off a feat like that without a little help from our friends.
To celebrate this momentous queer achievement, all month long Popnography will be bringing you some of our favorite top 10 lists from some of our favorite respondents. Kicking it off is Cyndi Lauper, who spent this summer promoting the relentlessly thumpy dance tracks found on Bring Ya To the Brink -- her first album of new material in 12 years -- alongside The B-52s, Tegan and Sara, The Cliks and others on the romping gayapalooza known as the True Colors tour, which she masterminded and launched in 2007.
Cyndi Lauper's top 10 Greatest, Gayest Albums of All Time:
10. The B-52s, Wild Planet: I was lucky enough to have them for this year's True Colors tour. Their second album is my favorite. It’s got "Give Me Back My Man" and "Strobelight" on it. Usually sophomore albums are tough. Obviously they outdid themselves and still do.
9. Cher, Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves: Aside from the title song, there was another little ditty, "The Way of Love,": "When ya meet a boy / that ya like a lot" -- definitely a gay anthem. There is only ONE Cher. Often imitated but never duplicated.
8. Rich Morel, Death of the Paperboy: I couldn’t make this list without mentioning one of my own collaborators from Brink Ya to the Brink. I don’t like to tag people as queer musicians or artists. Rich and his talents go beyond any box or label. He has had success in the gay market with Pink Noise. His new record is the shit and he is a star in his own right.
7. Lady Gaga, The Fame: I hung with Gaga recently at LOGO's New Now Next awards show. She is a woman on a mission. If you haven't seen her perform yet, well you really should. She is special.
6. The Gossip, Standing in the Way of Control: They have conquered the world and are poised for U.S domination. I’m honored they were part of the True Colors tour last year. I can't wait for the new record. Beth is -- well -- Beth. No explanations needed.
5. Sylvester, Living Proof: This record has "You Make Me Feel,” “You Are My Friend,” and “Dance Disco Heat” on it. He’s one person that I wish I could have worked with and sadly didn't get the opportunity to do so. The high note I hold in one of my new songs, "Same Ol’ Story," is an homage and tribute to Sylvester and his unique vocal ability.
4. Erasure, The Innocent: "Chains of Love,” “A Little Respect" -- 'nuff said. Andy and Vince's masterpiece.
3. Goldfrapp, Seventh Tree: I have stated in recent interviews how much of an influence this album had on me when I was in the process of creating Brink Ya to the Brink. Alison and Co. are very gifted.
2. Human League, Dare: Without a doubt this record changed the landscape. It not only had us all singing "Don't You Want Me Baby," but without the genius of Martin Rushentand, pop music would have never moved forward with the technology that we now have. It was groundbreaking and the music was fierce.
1. Laura Nyro and Patti Labelle, Gonna take a Miracle: It was a collaborative album between Laura and Patti. It is still a masterpiece. Patti is a given for gay icons, but "the kids" need to go back and learn what Laura was all about -- a true artist -- who is sadly no longer with us.
Previously > Cyndi hits the showers
Oh, man, it is SO NICE to see Human League getting some love, esp from Cyndi! "The Things That Dreams Are Made Of" is definitely an anthem for me.
Posted by: Megan | September 04, 2008 at 01:54 PM