The Very Layered Gaga Image Precision

Well, well, well. The performer/singer I have formerly referred to as Lady Gag-Gag is sliding her way into a slightly higher rank of credibility in mine eyes, thus I will now crown her in this blog as Lady Hah-Hah! It has a lilting feel to it. And, as the Lady has been proving to one and all over the past year in particular, she has talent beyond belting long clear notes that many call singing. She can act a bit (witness male alter ego), become a carrier of the gay torch with her charitable activities and hit "Born This Way."

And now she's gone and done something new and terribly respectable - put together, be the singing focus, and warm the jaded hearts of millions everywhere with her A Very Gaga Thanksgiving TV special. Not only did she look amazingly respectable in most numbers where candlelight glowed in every scenic background, she sat with Katie Couric for an interview looking prim, proper - hands in or by her lap, then, while standing, skillfully held behind her back in a gentrified manner. Wow. All she needed to do next was open a book, place horn rim glasses over her eyes, and begin taking notes.

She's good, this Lady Hah-Hah. She has to be happy and laughing now more than ever. The PR is going (and has been all year) in a beautifully focused campaign to send her not only INTO the mainstream audience to broaden her appeal and earning power, but also as a showcase for her performance versatility beyond what she's been doing for years in the shock value in her choice of clothing/costumes (or wearable food - take your pick).

However, I don't understand why Tony Bennett, who not only recorded a duet with her on his Duets II CD, but also drew her in the nude (Tony likes to draw) for Vanity Fair, said this about Ms. Gaga:  "She's a theatrical genius...she might become America's Picasso." Ahem. Liked the nude sketching session much, Tony? Hey, she's good I'm beginning to realize, but c'mon, Tony. Picasso? Time to stop hangin' with the band after late gigs, if you know what I mean, Mr. Bennett.

Once a mere extension of what Madonna set in motion that Marlene Dietrich brought to the world somewhat inspired by drag shows in 20-40's Paris and Berlin in particular, the Lady is carrying on a tradition that, with each generation, becomes more extreme, more intense, more shocking than their predosessers' inventions.

And so it is that on November 24, 2011, yet another parent-banned performer becomes part of the Americana landscape...on Thanksgiving night with hair so fair and dressed in white...once or twice.

Flogging against Lady Hah-Hah at this stage would be utterly untimely and swimming too deep in a rushing tide.

Who IS this girl, anyway?