Tunes Du Jour Presents k.d. lang

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Few artists have carved out a career as distinctive and genre-defying as k.d. lang. From her early days performing alternative country music to her evolution into a sophisticated pop vocalist, lang has consistently demonstrated both remarkable vocal prowess and a fearless approach to artistic expression. Her signature song “Constant Craving” serves as just one highlight in a career spanning multiple decades and musical styles.

The versatility in lang’s artistry is evident throughout her discography. Her collaborations range from a memorable duet with Roy Orbison on “Crying” to more recent work with indie darlings Neko Case and Laura Veirs on “Atomic Number.” Her ability to move effortlessly between country classics like “Rose Garden” with The Reclines and sophisticated pop numbers like “Miss Chatelaine” showcases an artist who refuses to be confined by genre expectations.

What sets lang apart is not just her four-octave vocal range, but her ability to infuse every performance with genuine emotional depth. This is particularly evident in her interpretations of classics, including Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and Cole Porter’s “So in Love.” Her country roots shine through in collaborations like the “Honky Tonk Angels’ Medley” with legends Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, and Kitty Wells, while tracks like “Summerfling” and “Sexuality” demonstrate her comfort with more contemporary pop arrangements.

Throughout her career, lang has maintained an unwavering commitment to artistic authenticity. From early country numbers like “Big Boned Gal” and “Trail of Broken Hearts” to more experimental works like “Just Keep Me Moving” and “Lifted By Love,” she has consistently pushed musical boundaries while staying true to her artistic vision. Her cover of The Beatles’ “Golden Slumbers/The End” further illustrates her talent for reinterpreting familiar material through her unique lens.

In examining lang’s body of work, what emerges is a portrait of an artist who has consistently prioritized musical excellence over commercial trends. Whether performing torch songs, country classics, or contemporary pop, she brings a level of sophistication and emotional authenticity that has earned her both critical acclaim and a devoted following. Her influence extends beyond any single genre, cementing her legacy as one of the most versatile and compelling vocalists of her generation.

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Tunes Du Jour Celebrates PRIDE!

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Music has long been a powerful force for self-expression and building community for LGBTQ+ artists and listeners alike. This Pride playlist celebrates the incredible diversity within the LGBTQ+ community through a wide range of styles, eras, and voices.

From enduring anthems like Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” and Queen’s defiant “I Want To Break Free” to recent hits from Lil Nas X, Janelle Monae, and Troye Sivan, the songs seamlessly blend messages of pride, self-acceptance, and living authentically. Legendary artists like Elton John, George Michael, and Melissa Etheridge stand alongside bold new voices like Rina Sawayama and Perfume Genius, showing how LGBTQ+ musicians have blazed trails across decades.

The playlist pays tribute to tracks that turned the spotlight on LGBTQ+ experiences through storytelling, like The Kinks’ “Lola,” Pet Shop Boys’ “It’s a Sin,” and Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy.” It also uplifts joyful, celebratory bops, such as “I’m Still Standing,” “Go West,” and the iconic “It’s Raining Men.” 

With a mix of pop smashes, singer-songwriter confessionals, rock anthems, and hip-hop ground-breakers, the eclectic playlist reflects how LGBTQ+ artists have fruitfully influenced every corner of the musical landscape. From Carl Bean’s pioneering disco hit “I Was Born This Way” to Gossip’s “Standing in the Way of Control,” these songs unite in championing self-love, equality, and the fundamental human rights that the LGBTQ+ community continues fighting for.

Ultimately, this playlist invites listeners of all identities and backgrounds to share in the uplifting spirit of Pride. It’s a vibrant, multi-dimensional celebration of the perseverance, creativity, and unshakeable truth at the heart of the LGBTQ+ experience.

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