Houses of the Holy 40th Anniversary

  Released on March 23,1973 by Atlantic Records Houses of the Holy is the fifth studio album from Led Zeppelin. The album's title is from Led Zeppelin to their fans who appeared at venues that they dubbed "Houses of the Holy" . This album became the first one to contain completely original music by the band and marks a musical turning point in the band.

Stargroves

Much of Houses of the Holy was recorded at The Rolling Stones frontman, Mick Jagger's former Berkshire County  home, Stargroves, in the Spring of 1972. There was an earlier attempted recording  of the album at Headly Grange.

At the recently installed personal studios of Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones many of the songs were produced as demos. Also because of the installment of the studios in their homes, they were able to complete the arrangements that had been laid down earlier. In particular, Page was able to furnish complete arrangements of 'The Rain Song' and 'Over the Hills and Far Away' , while Jones developed 'No Quarter' .

Olympic Studios - London

There was another round of recordings in May of 1972 at Olympic Studios and during Led Zeppelin's 1972 North American tour there was additional recording sessions at Electric Lady Studios in New York.

 Some songs that were recorded at these various sessions, but did not make Houses of the Holy were, 'Black Country Woman', 'The Rover' and the title-track 'Houses of the Holy'. But these songs were kept and released on their subsequent album.

John Paul Jones

Houses of the Holy was a turning point in the style of Led Zeppelin music and in the band's lifespan. Jimmy Page layered his guitar riffs in his production techniques and moved away from the blues influence of previous albums. With 'The Song Remains the Same' and it's intricate companion, 'The Rain Song' , Robert Plant's voice matured to a less open form of mysticism and fantasy as with the previous albums. Also on Houses of the Holy there were music styles that had not been heard on the other Led Zeppelin albums. 'D'yer Maker', for example is reggae-based and takes it's name from an old music hall joke: 'My wife went to the West Indies.' 'Jamaica?' 'No she went on her own accord.'; No Quarter has John Paul Jones' acoustic piano solo and atmospheric keyboard sounds featured; 'The Crunk is actually an attempted funk tribute to James Brown; and 'The Rain Song' is embellished by Jones on his newly owned mellotron. The albums final song, 'The Ocean', is dedicated to "the ocean" of fans who had amassed to Led Zeppelin concerts at this time of their career.

The cover of the album was inspired by Arthur C. Clark end of the novel 'Childhood's End'. It is a collage of over thirty different photographs, that eventually became eleven, taken by Aubrey Powell at the Giants Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland and the two children who modeled for the album cover were siblings, Stefan and Samantha Gates. The album cover was meant to be a full-color shoot by taking advantage of the morning and evening sun, but this was never achieved because of the miserable weather. So the pictures of the two children were shot in black and white instead of color and were multi-printed to create the effect of eleven individuals on the cover. 
The inside photo was that of the ancient real-life Celtic Dunluce Castle nearby.
In 1974 Houses of the Holy was nominated for a Grammy for in the category Best Album Package. In 2003 VH-1 ranked Houses of the Holy at # 6 on their VH-1's 50 Greatest Album Covers.
 

Houses of the Holy should have actually been released in August of 1972, but because of problems with the mix and artwork  it was pushed back to January of 1973. This gave Led Zeppelin time to finish their Japanese tour and a 25 date tour of the UK, which would be the last time the band would ever tour their home country. But even with this pushed back date of January there were still snags in finishing the final product until Houses of the Holy was finally released on March 23, 1973.

Bonzo looking oh so thrilled about having his picture taken at the recording of Houses of the Holy

Reviews for the album were mixed with much of the criticism being directed toward 'The Crunge' and 'D'yer Maker' . According to some 'The Grunge' was totally unnecessary because Zeppelin had proven that it had a funk abundance the moment John Bonham's hand[grenade drums exploded over the intro to 'Good Times Bad Times' and had repeatedly demonstrated that "white rock musicians could do things with black funk music nobody else had even thought of." * 

 Houses of the Holy became the band's third album to top the British charts, entering at #1, making it Zeppelin's third album to top the charts there. But this only lasted for thirteen weeks before being replaced by it's predecessor, Led Zeppelin IV. While in America it was on the American charts for 39 weeks, 2 of the weeks at #1.

* From the book 'Led Zeppelin: When Giants Walked the Earth' 

The 40th Anniversary of Elvis Presley's 'Aloha Form Hawaii via Satellite"

  Fate has seemed to deem it necessary that I write about Elvis' performance in Hawaii. The thing is I didn't know that this was the 40th anniversary until a few minutes ago. But there are two women, who are no longer with me on Earth, who would most definitely know : my Mother and my Mom (step-mother who raised me). I have a feeling that one or both of them  made it so that I would find the video of the performance.

My Mother, bless her heart, tried everything she could while she was alive to get me to go completely bat crap over Elvis like her. She all but worshiped the ground he walked on, but it wasn't until I got older did I develop a bit of an appreciation of Elvis music other than his gospel. And as it turns out 'Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite' was what could be deemed an early birthday present for her because it was a few days later.

  As for my Mom, well she said she wasn't that big of a fan of Elvis but yet she saw him three times in concert and two of the times were in Hawaii. Plus my Mom got three scarves from Elvis. One from each concert. So all of this leads me to believe that she really liked Elvis more than what she let on and just did not want to admit it.

  So with that bit of background here is my piece on the 40th Anniversary of Elvis ' 'Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite' plus the video that was posted on youtube last year.

  Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite was an Elvis Presley concert that was broadcast from Honolulu, Hawaii January 14,1973 from the Honolulu International Center (now known as the Neil S. Blaisdell Center) and was aired to over 40 countries across Europe and Asia, who saw it the next day, but it was also shown to them in primetime . But despite the satellite innovation, the concert was not aired in the United States until Wednesday April 4, 1973 (Happy Birthday to me ) because the concert took place on the same day as Super Bowl VII. Viewing figures have been estimated to have been over 1 billion viewers worldwide. It was also the most expensive entertainment show at the time, costing $2.5 million.

  Elvis manager Colonel Tom Parker became inspired by President Richard M. Nixon's recent trip to China announced on July 8,1972 that there would be a worldwide satellite broadcast from Hawaii to allow the entire world a chance to see an Elvis Presley concert "since it is impossible for us to play in every major city." It was initially stated that the concert would take place in October or November of 1972 but after MGM studios voiced concern over the possible clashing with the release of their documentary 'Elvis on Tour' the concert date was changed to early 1973. As this show was already planned before this upset, the original shows, now set for November, would still go ahead without being filmed.

  On September 4, 1972 Colonel Parker held another news conference from Las Vegas that the concert, now titled Aloha from Hawaii would be broadcast January 14, 1973. Then the press were told that an audience of 1 billion was expected to watch the "first entertainment special to be broadcast around the world", even though Parker had not taken into consideration that many countries, including parts of America and Europe,would not see the broadcast live because of the time of the broadcast.

  Two weeks after the news conference Colonel Parker received a letter from Honolulu Advertiser columnist, Eddie Sherman. Mr. Sherman had read news accounts that admittance to  the concert was to be free and instead a donation for charity was required. He then suggested to Colonel Parker, that as Elvis Presley had recorded and was still performing the song 'I'll Remember You' written by Hawaiian singer-songwriter Kui Lee, the donations should go to the Kui Lee Cancer Fund that had been established in 1966 following his death. Seeing this as another chance to again  publicize Elvis' charitable side, Parker eagerly agreed.

  Producer-director Marty Pasetta had gone to an Elvis concert in Long Beach, California in mid-November, and found it to be "boring" and lacking in physical excitement. He went to Colonel Parker with ideas for the broadcast, including a runway that led out from the stage and into the audience. Parker thought that the idea was ridiculous and that Elvis would agree with him and have no part of it. To Colonel Parker's chagrin Pasetta went to Elvis with the ideas and Elvis agreed with Pasetta, to Mr. Pasetta's surprise. This only proved to be another example in the growing rift between Elvis Presley and Colonel Parker.

 
On November 17 and 18, Elvis performed in Honolulu as originally planned for the satellite concert. Then on November 20 Elvis gave a press conference to promote the special. He also officially announced that it now be in aid to the Kui Lee Cancer Fund.

  Before arriving to Hawaii on January 9,1972 for rehearsals, Elvis lost 25 pounds ( too bad he couldn't keep it off ) and was confident after news that his record sales were increasing and that Elvis on Tour had been nominated for a Golden Globe. Rehearsals were held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village while the main set was being constructed.

Elvis attending a sound check

  As a fail-safe, Elvis taped the January 12 rehearsal concert just in case anything went wrong with the satellite during the actual broadcast, but of course nothing went wrong with the actual January 14 broadcast. For both of his shows Elvis wore Bill Belew's white "American Eagle" jumpsuit. Marty Pasetta, who by this time was in charge of directing the Oscars, directed the broadcast.

There was no price on audience tickets for both the January 14 concert and the January 12 pre-broadcast rehearsal. Each member of the audience was asked to give whatever they could afford. The concert and its merchandise raised $75,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund in Hawaii.


  Elvis performed a variety of new and old songs including 'Steamroller Blues', CArl Perkins' 'Blue Sued Shoes', ' Suspicious Minds', 'Hound Dog', The Beatles' 'Something','See See Rider', 'Welcome to My World' and others. After the concert was done and the audience left Elvis went back on stage and recorded five songs for the show that was to be aired in America.

The Christmas Guest - Grandpa Jones

I have loved this 'The Christmas Guest'since I was about nine or ten years old. Then it would give me goosebumps now I just cry. I don't know why but I have seemed to have gotten more weepy as the years have gone by. Oh well, it's a good release. Anyway, the song is by Grandpa ones and all I really know of him is that he was on the American television show 'Hee-Haw' with Buck Owens and Roy Clark and this is the only song I ever remember hearing from him. Anyway, the story of 'The Christmas Guest' is that of a man whose family has died and he is all alone on Christmas until the Lord speaks to him and tells the man to  expect Him as on Christmas. So the man tells his friends and makes his house ready for his special Christmas Guest. He waits all day and three times his door is knocked upon by strangers in need of help, in which the man does help them, but the Lord does not show up. At the end of the day the man kneels and asks the Lord why He did not visit like he had promised... I do not want to spoil the end of it for you so I'll let you watch the video. But you may have it already figured out. But just in case you haven't :

The Christmas Guest

It happened one day near December's end

two neighbors called on an old friend

And they found his shop so meager and lame

Made gay with a thousand bows of green

And Conrad was sitting eith his face ashined

When he suddenly stopped his stitch a twine

And he said "Oh friends at dawn today 

When the cock was crowin the night away

The Lord appeared in a dream to me

And said 'I'm comin' your guest to be.'

So I've been busy with my feet astir

And strewn my shop with branches of fir

The table is spread and the kettle is shined

And over the rafters the holly is twined

Now I'll wait for my Lord to appear

And listen closely so I will hear His step

As he nears my humble place

And I'll open the door and look on His face"

So his friends went home and left Conrad alone

For this was the happiest day he'd  known

For long since his family had passed away

And Conrad spent many a sad Christmas day

But he knew with the Lord as his Christmas guest

This Christmas would be dearest and best

So he listened with only joy in his heart

And with every sound he would rise with a start

And look for the Lord to be at his door

Like the vision he'd had a few hours before

So he rant o the window after hearin' a sound

But all he could see on the snow-covered ground

Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn

And all his clothes were ragged and worn

But Conrad was touched and went to the door

And he said "You know, your feet must be frozen and sore

I have some shoes in my shop for you

And a coat that'll keep you warmer too"

So with a grateful heart the man went away

But Conrad noticed the time of day

And wondeed what made the Lord so late

And wondered how much longer he'd have to wait

When he heard a knock he ran to the door

But it was only a stranger once more

A bent ol' lady with a shawl of black

With a bundle of kindlin' piled on her back

She asked only for a place to rest

But that was reserved for Conrad's great guest

But her voice seemed to plead "Don't send me away

Let me rest awhile on Christmas day"

So Conrad brewed her a steamin' cup

And told her to sit at the table and sup

But after she left he was filled with dismay

For he saw that the hours were slippin' away

And the Lord hadn't come as He said He would

And Conrad felt sure he'd misunderstood

When out of the stillness he heard a cry

"Please help me, and tell me whre am I!"

So again he opened his friendly door

And stood disappointed as twice before

It was only a child who'd wandered away

And was lost form her family on Christmas day

Again, Conrad's heart was heavy and sad

But he knew he should make the little girl glad

So he called her ina nd wiped her tears

And quieted all her childish fears

Then he led her back to her home once more

But as he entered his own darkened door 

He knew the Lord was not comin' today

For the hours of Christmas had passed away

So he went to his room and he knealt to pray

And said "Dear Lord why did You delay?

What kept You from callin' on me?

For I wanted so much Your face to see"

When soft in the silence, a voice he heard

"Lift up your head for I kept My word

Three times my shadow crossed your floor

And three times I came to your lonely door

I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet

And the woman you gave somethin' to eat

I was the child on the homeless street.

Three times I knocked and three times I came in

And each time I found the warmth of a friend

Of all the gifts love is the best

And I was honored to be your Christmas guest."

Nativity by Fra. Angelico

35 Years without Lynard Skynard

  On a flight on October 20,1977 after a concert in Greenville, South Carolina the great Southern rock band Lynard Skynard, became a legend. For this is when their chartered Convair CV-300 ran out of fuel and despite the valiant efforts of the pilots to make an emergency landing on a small airstrip, the plane went down in Gilsburg, Mississippi in Amite ( pronounced A-mitt) County, 10 minutes from the next  Lynard Skynard tour stop,Baton Rouge,Louisiana. Just three days after the release of the band's fifth studio album Street Survivors and five days into their most successful headlining tour. Lead singer, Ronnie Van Zant was killed on impact when a piece luggage flew out of the above head compartment and struck him snapping his neck. Also killed in the crash was guitarist Steve Gaines, his sister backup singer Cassie Gaines as was assistant road manager Dean Kirkpatrick, pilot William McCreary and co-pilot William Gray; the other band members Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Leon Wilkeson, Billy Powell,Artimus,Pyle and background singer Leslie Hawkins and road crew suffered serious injuries.

Following the crash and the immediate press, Street Survivors became the band's last album to have original members of Lynard Skynard, Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins on it and is also the only studio recording to have Steve Gaines on it. It is also the second platinum album for the band reaching number5 on the U.S. album charts. With the single "What's Your Name" reaching number 13 on the singles charts in January of 1978. The original cover of Street Survivors had flames in the background but because of the death of band members and pilots the flames were discontinued and a black background was put in its place behind the band.

What's Your Name 

Well, it's 8 o'clock in Boise, Idaho

I'll find my limo driver 

Mister, take us to the show

I done made some plans for later on tonight;

 I'll find a little queen

And I know I can treat her right.

What's your name, little girl?

What's your name?

Shootin' you straight, little girl?

Won't you do the same?

Back at the hotel, Lord, we got such a mess

It seems that one of the crew had ago with one of the guest, oh yes.

Well the police said we can't drink in the bar

What a shame

Won't you come upstairs girl

and have a drink of champagne

What's your name, little girl?

What's your name? 

Shootin' you straight, little girl?

For there ain't no shame

What's your name, little girl?

What's your name?

Shootin' you straight, little girl?

Won't you do the same?

What's your name, little girl?

What;s your name?

Shootin' you straight, little girl? 

Won't you do the same?

9 o'clock the next day

And I'm ready to go

I got six hundred miles to ride

To do one more show, oh no

Can I get you a taxi home

It sure was grand

When I come back here next year

I wanna see you again

What's your name, little girl?

What's your name?

Shootin' you straight, little girl?

Well, there ain't no shame

What's your name, litle girl?

What's your name?

 Shootin' you straight, little girl?

Won't you do the same?

Lynard Skynard disbanded after the crash, reuniting just once in January of 1979 to perform an instrumental version of "Free Bird" at Charlie Daniels' Volunteer Jam V. Collins, Rossington, Pyle and Powell performed the song with Charlie Daniels and members of his band. Even though he was still undergoing physical therapy for his left arm, Leon Wilkeson was at the performance as was Ronnie Van Zant's widow, Judy; Chris Gaines' widow, Teresa; JoJo Billingsley, backing vocalist for the band and Leslie Hawkins.

Even though the end of the original band is tragic as were some times for the survivors after it Lynard Skynard has survived the years of break-ups, replacements, deaths to finally getting it right with again with Ronnie's kid brother, Johnny Van Zant. 

On May 2, 2012 Lynard Skynard the upcoming release of a studio album entitled Last of a Dyin' Breed along with a North American and European concert tours. On August 21,2012 Last of a Dyin' Breed was released. To celebrate the album's release, the band had four autograph signing tour throughout the southeast.

On September 9, 2012 while on the Piers Morgan show on CNN the band stated that it had discontinued the use of the Confederate flag in their concerts because they did not want to be associated with racist who had adopted the flag. After fans protested they revised the decision, noting that it is part of Southern heritage and states rights.

 MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

The Lemon Song - Led Zeppelin

  ' The Lemon Song' is of course by Led Zeppelin and is on their 1969 album Led Zeppelin II. It was recorded in Hollywood, California at Mystic Studios while the band was on their second tour of America. 'The Lemon Song' was released October 22, 1969.


  With sexual innuendo laced through 'The Lemon Song' also featured some of Zeppelin's most blues influenced playing. 'Lemon' was practically recorded live in studio. There was no electrical devices used to create Robert Plant's vocal. It was made purely with Plant's voice and the acoustics of a 16x16 foot room with wooden walls in Mystic Studios.And of course with the heavily funk influenced complex bass performance of John Paul Jones.

  'The Lemon Song' was performed on Zeppelin's first three tours of the U.S. ( on the first tour as 'Killing Floor'), before it was dropped from their live line-up in late 1969. But the "squeeze my lemon" continued to be inserted in 'A Whole Lotta Love' medley and ad libbed elsewhere.

'The Lemon Song' borrows (maybe a little too heavily) from Howlin' Wolf's 'Killing Floor, which Led Zeppelin would often incorporate into their live set list during their first tour of America.For the second and third North American tours it evolved into 'The Lemon Song', with Robert Plant often improvising lyrics on stage.

  Other lyrics, notably "squeeze (my lemon) 'til the juice runs down my leg', can be traced back to Robert Johnson's song ' Travelling Riverside Blues' ( sometimes also called 'Mudbone' or Mud Bone'). It's also likely that Robert Johnson borrowed this song himself from another 1937 Arthur McKay song called 'She Squeezed My Lemon'. The song also borrowed from Albert King's 1966 song 'Cross-Cut Saw'.

On the early 1970's British re-release of Led Zeppelin II, does the label list 'The Lemon Song' as 'Killing Floor' as the third song and credited it to Chester Burnett (Howlin' Wolf's given name), while the liner notes list the song as 'The Lemon Song' and give Led Zeppelin credit. So, in December of 1972, Led Zeppelin was sued by Arc Music, owners of the publishing rights to Howlin' Wolf songs, for copyright infringement. The suit was settled out of court. Even though the terms of the settlement were not released, soon after Howlin' Wolf received a check from Arc Music for $45,123 and co-writing credit on further releases of the song.

THE LEMON SONG 

I should have quit you baby, long time ago

I should have quit you baby long time ago

I wouldn't be here, my children down, on the killin' floor

I should have listened, baby, to my second mind

I should have listened, baby, to my second mind

Every time I go away and leave you, darling, you send me the blues way down the line.

Said, people worry I can't keep you satisfied.

Let me tell you baby, you ain't nothin' but a two-bit, no good jive.

Went to sleep last night, worked as hard as I can, Bring home my money, you take it, give it to another man.

I should quit you, baby, such along time ago. 

I wouldn't be here with all my troubles, on the killing floor.

Squeeze me baby, 'til the juice runs down my leg.

Squeeze me baby, 'til the juice runs down my leg.

The way you squeeze my lemon, I'm gonna fall right out of bed.

I'm going to leave my children right on this killing floor.

The Met Costume Institue Gala 2012

  What is known as the 'Oscars of the East Cost', the Costume Institute Gala aka the Met Ball, was held on May 7, 2012. The reason for this fee is to celebrate the annual opening of the Metropolitan Museum's exhibit at the Costume Institute. Celebrities come to the red-carpet event dressed to impress each other and their fans that will see their photos online and in magazines. And some really fall flat on their face on trying to make a good fashion impression.

Sarah Jessica Parker, where the Hell do I start with her? I have heard her dress referred to from wallpaper to a bedspread to drapes, but personally I think she is wearing a granny nightgown minus the ruffles at the cuffs and neck. This one I am tying for my #1 Falling Flat on Your Face Fashion Award.

Dakota Fanning in Louis Vuitton. I don't know maybe in another color or to be more precise ANY  color would do. I mean, this poor child is so pale as is her dress that it just washes her out. I feel like she is afraid of color.

Tebowmania has hit the Gala. Tim Looks very dashing in his tux.

Another Granny Fashion Alert! This time it is Mary Kate Olsen. She looks like she is in mourning from the Edwardian Era. Except they dressed better, even the lower-class. No! I KNOW! Mary Kate is a fan of Downton Abbey and she is paying homage to O'Brien. Or is that an insult to O'Brien? Mary Kate is tied with Sarah Jessica Parker for #1 Fall Flat on Your Face Fashion Award.

Beyonce is wearing a black lace with a purple feather train Givenchy gown. I'm not all too certain about the gown. I don't know if it's a bit too sheer for my taste or that the train reminds me of a feather duster. I can't hate it but I'm not that particularly fond of it. Sorry but I'm giving it a 2/3 Fall Flat on Your Face Fashion  Award. I hate doing that.

The back view of Beyonce's dress. Obviously.

Ah, the happy couple, Justin Timberlake with his fiancee, Jessica Biel. Jessica is wearing a lovely Prada dress that, unfortunately, seems to say late afternoon not night. But i do like it. Her hair looks like she held a ruler to her forehead and cut her own bangs. Unless Jessica is auditioning for a Chrissie Hynde biopic... no... can't like it. I don't see how she can even see where she is walking with those bangs. Now Justin is wearing a Tom Ford tuxedo.And what can be said about that? It's a tux.

Elizabeth Banks in a hideous creation by Mary Kantrantzou. It looks like it was made at the very last possible second with whatever fabric scraps were leftover because somebody forgot to buy enough fabric bolts to make a descent dress. Plus the side view of Elizabeth makes her look like she just replaced Jessica Simpson as the longest pregnant woman in America. Yep, this wreck is also now tied with Sarah Jessica and Mary Kate for #1 Fall Flat on Your Face Fashion Award.

Holy Crap! Jessica Alba shows how to do it right. Beautiful! Gorgeous! Stunning. Classy. Jessica is wear this wonderful gold pleated number from Michael Kors.  Definately a Goddess Award winner.

Scotsman Gerard Butler looking tamed in this Alexander McQueen tux. A good combination one of my favorite designers and one of my favourite actors to drool over. Yummy.

Model Karli Kloss and designer Jason Wu. Sad, she 6'1" and still has to wear heels to get close to my height. So this is going to be called " The Long and the Short of It' or maybe just 'Mutt & Jeff'.

Emma Stone looks precious and lovely in her thin strapped red Lavin dress. And if you will notice in the background, Kristen Wiig seems to be wearing the grown up version of Emma's dress.

Here's Kristen Wiig in a 1950's inspired Stella McCartney dress. I hate her shoes. They look like they are made from material that is used to make canvas boat shoes. And maybe her hair should've been put in a soft updo.

Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen. Overall I like the dress, feathers and all, but I think it would have been better with a thinner sleeve or maybe strapless.

 Florence + the Machine's Florence Welch showed up in another Alexander McQueen number and I'm not feeling it. I swear she looks like a flocked Christmas tree. Hate doing this to her because I like her music but, Florence also is a dubious winner of the Fall Flat on Your Face Fashion Award.

January Jones is offering a sunny alternative to Florence Welch's fiasco in this beautiful yellow Versace gown with Cartier jewelry. Stunning! Goddess Award.

Amy Adams wows us with her one-shoulder cream Giambattista Valli gown with a gold belt that helps showoff her waist. Goddess Award.

Coco Rocha, here is your Fall Flat on Your Face Fashion Award.I don't care if it is a vintage Givenchy outfit that was once owned by Elizabeth Taylor. Maybe it looked better on Dame Elizabeth or maybe it's that gaudy pink top that seems more appropriate for a tutu. Yes it IS the pink top it's so loud that it takes away from the outfit, I mean that is all I see is the pink top and hair. Forgot about the hair, that's not good thing either.

Scarlett Johansson in a lovely Dolce & Gabbana.

Gwyneth Paltrow, in her silver metallic Prada dress that looks like a glorified apron, is a winner of the Fall Flat on Your Fashion Face Award. Now her husband Chris Martin may enjoy this dress when they are alone because that is all about it is good for.

Vogue editor, Anna Wintour, wears a Prada gown with a lobster motif and a fur capelet. To me the only place for a lobster is on a plate with lemon butter on the side. I am going to give her a Goddess Award just for banning Kim Kardashian from the Met Gala. This fete is for A-listers only and Miss Wintour knows this and kept it classy.

Speaking of classy, Rihanna looks VERY classy in her Tom Ford gown. A marked improvement over her Saturday Night Live appearance. Goddess Award.

For us 'Downton Abbey' fans Michelle Dockery ( Lady Mary Crawley) and Laura Carmichael ( Lady Edith Crawley) graced the red carpet.

Michelle is wearing a stunning black dress with a gold corset and long black opera gloves would have looked better than the short ones for a funeral. But, hey she wore gloves. Wonder if she borrowed them from the set?

Laura, Laura, Laura. Are you really wearing leggings under that dress? Tsk. Tsk. She could have done so much better if the dress was fitted to her her body. Someone online said that she looks like Meryl Streep's daughter, that 's because Laura raided Meryl's closet.

Brook Shield and her date, a cane walk the red carpet May 7 in a J. Mendel gown and a torn meniscus. Ouch! She apparently did that while performing on Broadway in The Addams Family.

 Melania Trump, wife of Donald Trump, at the Gala. All I can say is that Alexis Carrington wants her dress back. Or was that Crystal Carrington? Anyway, give the dress back to the 1980's, Melania. That was not a good fashion decade.

Heidi Klum in her gun metal grey Escada mini dress with a sheer lace overlay. But the Lorraine Schwartz choker is too much. Heidi should have kept her jewelry simple.