Tunes and junk

[quesarah]

The long-overdue music post has arrived. I haven't listened to much new stuff that's got me all hot and bothered but it can't hurt to mention it.

So first, I am Timbaland's bitch. Totally, unreservedly his beeyotch. I love the non-Western rhythms, the off-kilter beats, and the bizarre sounds he samples. I just realized that he reminds me of some of the electronic/industrial bands of the 80's and 90's in that way; he has a tremendous talent for finding the musicality in random sounds. Put simply, he fucking rocks.

The new Brandy track he produced is great, very classic Timbaland stuff that's a little reminiscent of his work with Aaliyah without repeating himself. Brandy is no Aaliyah (and vice versa) and Tim brings an earthier sound to complement her rougher, more visceral tone. The track for "Who Is She To U" is old-school 70's R&B roughed up with modern hip-hop beats; the end result is a pop-dance song with the kind of passion and soul that lifts it above the crowd.

Also, I hate to admit this but I am hooked on Christina Aguilera's cover of "Carwash" with Missy Elliot. Yes, please hit me. With the exception of Missy's rap, it's an almost note-for-note remake of the Rose Royce original. The thing is, much of the instrumental parts from the original are doubled (or replaced) by vocals. The first time I heard it, I decided that Christina must be a fucking mutant. There are plenty of talented, skilled, trained singers in this world who will never be able to sing the kind of crisp, perfectly intonated runs and fills she consistently delivers. It's just insane. Very cool, but insane.

To reiterate, Christina Aguilera = Mutant.

Lastly, Pure Pop Perfection from AnneTenna. Halo.

Comments

[king-ghidorah.livejournal.com]

Oddly, I have to admit that I think Ms. Aguilera has the potential to be significant. Underneath the bad vocal tricks and the worse outfits and makeup is a sort of power and potential that she has hardly touched. Give her a good producer and some direction and less bs image, and she has a chance.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

When she matures, if she forgets about image and all that shit and just digs into her own talent I think she'll have a major influence on pop music.

[among-the-waves.livejournal.com]

If her vocal cords survive another five years, that is. She had to cancel some shows due to voice strain. Aside from that, I agree with you.

I haven't heard Timbaland yet - I'll have to borrow the CD from you or hunt and peck on the Internet. Sounds interesting.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Yep, but you know girlfriend should know better. She's had enough training in her life to realize when she's pulling a Joe Elliot and fucking up her cords. I think she has an ego about the fact that she can sing in chest voice across almost her entire range, or at least that she can cleverly disguise her breaks, and so she always sings in chest voice.

She should just stop wearing stupid costumes that restrict her breathing and get her damned diaphragm working.

[nightxade.livejournal.com]

I heartilly agree with you and think that every time I see her. It's gotta mean something when a skinny lil blonde white girl is the opening act at the BET awards. She has soul. She has a powerful voice that covers so much. She can be a true Diva in a class with women like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle - IF she wakes up and starts focusing on her voice instead of her tits and ass.

Last I heard, she was changing her image. Cleaning up a bit. So maybe she's awaken? Won't burn herself into oblivion. Cuz really, 30 years from now, I can totally see Christina concerts still selling out. But Britany? Jessica? Sit down please, little girls.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

It's gotta mean something when a skinny lil blonde white girl is the opening act at the BET awards. She has soul.

Too true. Aside from her talent, it's clearly her soul that lifts her out of the tepid pool of skinny blonde "singers."

I heard an interview with her this summer in which she spoke about her renewed interest in jazz, blues, 70's soul, that sort of thing. I was cheered by that comment since clearly she'll be better off in the long run if she takes time to study and learn from some of those musicians. Contrary to popular belief, Whitney Houston is not the be-all and end-all of North American singers. When Christina talked about listening to Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald I cheered.

[nightxade.livejournal.com]

Oh that gives me hope. We love you Christina. Be who you are. Put your panties back on!

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

*LOL* And by that, we mean "put on more than just your panties. Thanks."

[nightxade.livejournal.com]

You haven't seen the Maxim spread, have you?

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Um, no. I assume the term "spread" can be taken in several ways.

[nightxade.livejournal.com]

Indeed.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Oh dear.

[woe2you.livejournal.com]

Cute slutty mutant. Is good.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

That's a Joss Whedon show waiting to be filmed.