Normally, answering this would take a measure of thought since I rarely buy cds anymore*... but for Christmas I was gifted $50 and since my bills are actually getting paid this month, I was able to do something frivolous - I bought cds!

My choice to post this entry actually has an ulterior motive: while I was in State College a couple weeks ago, I was talking to a friend of mine.  The conversation moved to the topic of our favorite divas (go figure) and while I knew his was Stevie Nicks, he had no idea who mine was!  Really, this wouldn't be such a big deal except that I've been interested in the same singer since I was in middle school** and I pride myself on being very well-studied on the particulars of her life and career.  I expect people to know I'm a fan! 

So let me tell you about the two most recent cds I've purchased and my favorite singer - all in one post: Everything is Everything and Last Time I Saw Him*** - both by Diana Ross.

Everything is Everything is Diana's second solo album and was released last year for the first time on cd in the US.  It's got a mix of some of her best vocals and it features her smash hit "I'm Still Waiting." (Though I confess my favorite track is the long winded "Doobedood'ndoobe, Doobedood'ndoobe, Doobedood'ndoo.")

Last Time I Saw Him was originally released in 1973 but mostly got lost amidst her previous album, Touch Me in the Morning, and her growing film career.  The best-known track from this album is the title track, though I particularly enjoy Sleepin', but what makes this cd extra great is the second disc filled with unreleased tracks from the recording sessions for this album.

Finally, the diva herself: Miss Ross.  My infatuation actually began when my brother was getting into oldies - particularly the Beach Boys.  We spent a lot of time listening to cassettes that we could by for a couple dollars at the local grocery store featuring the top hits of the 50s and 60s.  On those cassettes I first realized my love of Motown, and specifically the girl groups.  On a shopping trip to Meijer one day, I bought three cassettes (one Marvelettes and two Supremes) based on the group names and having no idea about the music they contained.  I locked myself in my bedroom and played those tapes over and over again until I knew every word - and I fell in love.

My first love (in music) has been and always will be the Supremes, and it's a natural segue to appreciating Diana's solo work as well.  I've seen her in concert twice, and while I regret that I wasn't able to see the Supremes' "Return to Love" tour of 1999, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the "real" Supremes will one day take the stage again - and you can be sure I'll do what I can to be there!