VMAs-Gaga, Flo, Taylor, Linkin Park

Compared to the fireworks of last year, this year's VMAs were a bit of a snooze. 

As for my favorite performances, I thought Usher gave quite the show, and Florence's "Dog Days Are Over" was a definite highlight. A great way to launch her to a broader US audience. Can't find a clip that hasn't been blocked...will look more later.

Otherwise, Chelsea Handler was typically funny. But ENOUGH with the Jersey Shore promos! On the Taylor/Kanye front, Taylor's song was surprisingly decent...but good Lord, does she really take herself that seriously? Yawn. (Can't dog her look though...very Madonna "Live To Tell"). And Kanye's bad behavior of last year was...rewarded with the plumb closing slot? Didn't mind the song though. Which seemed to be a toast to....himself. I think sadly, the biggest surprise of the show for me was that I may actually like a Linkin Park song. Performing at LA's Griffith Observatory was a nice touch. Rather mid-90s techno, no?

Gaga seemed to really be pushing for some humanity and sincerity. Being accompanied by soldiers discharged by the US military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy was a nice touch. Not sure about the meat dress.

Great to see Cher again! She looks so...well-preserved. (This Burlesque movie looks like SUCH a rip-off of Chicago though.)

She also announced that her new album would be called Born This Way. She performed a snippet of the new track...but for a second I was hoping it was a reference to this under-appreciated gay anthem from the Mid-70s. Now THAT would have been fun.

Carl Bean - "I Was Born This Way" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDiRSv2wFi4