Quote of the Day: Robert Christgau
So who is the Lady Gaga you needn't be a monster to enjoy? Impulsive and willing to make mistakes, she uses her big ego and bigger emotions for good -- to work herself hard and make waves. She campaigned outspokenly against don't-ask-don't-tell and shovels money to homeless LGBT youth. She never appears in public out of character and she never acts the diva offstage. She spends more on her shows and videos than a shrewd capitalist would. She's funnier than her putative peers, with an absurdist streak that reflects her downtown history. And none of this would mean a thing if she hadn't learned how to deploy her hook sense and vocal muscle in mammoth anthems that began with one called "Just Dance" and never stopped coming.