SONG OF THE DAY: September 15th

Lady Gaga, “Paparazzi”

Lady Gaga is probably the new Madonna. I’m 95 percent sure about this. Consider the facts: She’s neither especially pretty nor ugly, but still possesses a vibrant sexuality that makes some uncomfortable; She simultaneously wears some of the most groundbreaking and ridiculous fashions; She is a master of self-promotion and re-invention; And she makes really addictive dance-pop. I can’t decide whether or not these are good or bad things, but I do know they’re somehow important. Lady Gaga may be the living embodiment of our 21st Century pop culture, where fame is no longer a means to any specific end, but the end itself.

No matter what you think about Lady Gaga, you can’t take your eyes off her. You always want to know what she will do and/or wear next. In modern America, this is probably the most salient power a celebrity can have. Madonna parlayed it into a legendary career and now sits as a distinguished elder states(wo)man of the music industry. Is Lady Gaga destined for similar success or is she merely the first in an inevitable line of flashes in our Twitter-fied pan? Obviously only time will tell, but there is something to be said for her unique ability to suck you and hold you there for no reason whatsoever.

Embedded below is a clip of Lady Gaga’s performance of “Paparazzi” at Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards. While everyone was busy feigning outrage over Kanye West being a jerk (again), she turned in one of the few memorable performances in a night full of drab, forgettable schlock. As I’ve said before, I’m not entirely sure if this is good or bad, but it’s certainly engrossing. I had listened to only one and a half of the woman’s songs before viewing the performance, but I have now become (quite obviously) enthralled with the very idea that she exists, regardless of artistic merit. I suppose this is probably her gift. Lady Gaga’s performance is either absolutely brilliant or completely bizarre. I’m beginning to think it’s probably a bit of both. Color me puzzled. Watch the video and let me know your thoughts on Lady Gaga in the comment space below.

(Warning: The embedded video contains somewhat mature themes and may not be suitable for all viewers. Please use your discretion.)