Mike Diamond

Unless you’re a total hater, it’s just a natural reaction that we are pleased when our friends accomplish some creative endeavor or another.  So, with new singles from two of Las Vegas’ favorite transplants, you might well imagine that I’m in hog heaven. 

Known to viewers of Sex and the City as the sexy Aussie doorman at NY hotspot Bungalow 8, Mike Diamond now oversees the goings-on at Las Vegas’ only semi-private members-only lounge, Savile Row.  Invariably clad in some multi-layered black-on-black rocker ensemble with his expressive almond eyes and precisely shaped facial hair, Diamond is a throwback to another era.  Equal parts Mudd Club and Max’s Kansas City, he’s the living embodiment of John Varvatos’ Bowery-concept.

Yes, that's adult film siren, Tera Patrick, on the cover of Diamond's debut single, "Angie"

Now, Diamond (whose slightly sinister Dick Dastardly-esque look belies the open kindness for which his countrymen are known) has released “Angie” – his first single.  Released last month, “Angie” is a rock song that transports the listener back to Seattle, circa 1991.  The inescapable influences of Soundgarden and Mother Love Bone are apparent, but so too is the shadow of ‘70s era Rolling Stones and even a bit of Bowie (it’s a guitar thing, man…).  What the hell does this mean?  It means that anyone who ever bought the soundtrack to Singles needs to download “Angie” (like, now).

As anyone who’s ever been to PEEPSHOW can tell you, a guy’s gotta have a mighty powerful instrument to hold his own on stage with those miles and miles of beautiful smiles, and Josh Strickland’s got it in spades.  I swear, as adorable as Josh looks on E! Entertainment’s Holly’s World, where he lives life, in front of the camera, as Holly Madison's "Boy BFF," he’s actually better looking in person.  Adding perceived insult to totally imagined injury, he just refuses to take a bad photo.  I’d have to hate him if I didn’t love him so damned much… 

But where Strickland really comes alive is when he’s wired for sound.  And if that sound happens to be one of contemporary vocal House music, so much the better.   There’s no mistaking the White Party apropos of Strickland’s music (is there any doubt that a dozen years ago, Strickland was wearing-out the cassette single to “Waiting for Tonight” as he sang over Jennifer Lopez, driving around Charleston, in his first car?), and it’s fun to hear.

Meanwhile, they say it’s hard out there for a pimp…  Well, lemme tell you, it ain’t easy being a male vocalist in the gay club music genre (surprisingly).  Let’s face it – the mens like to look at each other, but for the most part would rather listen to the sultry sounds of a sassy soul sister.  So the fact that Strickland has delivered a pair of fun, upbeat, deliriously dizzying singles – “Report to the Floor” and “Last Dance” – that can be played alongside the likes of Ultra Naté, Wynter Gordon, Sky Ferreira and Jocelyn Brown; well, I say “Hit it!”

Music by Mike Diamond and Josh Strickland
Available now, on i-Tunes

Get into it!