Before: Ut oh. I don't think this is gonna be good. Prove me wrong, Rolling Stone, please...
After: So I'm two minutes into the opening song, "Woman", and call me an optimist, but this isn't as bad as I was expecting. I'd heard some deeply frightening admonitions about this band- so bad I almost chickened out and did 463 first. But the predictable confluence of big, heavy drum beats and 80s guitar licks isn't scary. Groan-worthy, yes, but nothing to procrastinate.
I could totally do zumba to "Rocket". A great variety of rhythms that invite many kinds of moves to bounce along to.
The alliteration and cliches are flowing like resentment for Trump (if I read this in 10 years, Trump is a frontrunner for the 2016 election... eek!!). But unlike that bozo, they're sort of tasting like that first shot or two of the night and then going down easier after a few. Grateful for acclimation!
Maybe I spoke too soon. "Love Bites" is painful. "Pour Some Sugar On Me" is not what you'd hear at my kind of bar (although yes to pool tables!)
The diamond in the rough lies in "Armageddon It": the chords of "give me all of your loving" feel so good. Honestly a little frustrated with myself that I'm admitting slight deference to Def Leppard. Let's move on ASAP...
I do give these guys credit for releasing music that involves some very outlandish, primal sounds. I'd be too embarrassed.
The last song gave me the vision of being stuck at a dive bar in rural Nebraska: Animal head trophies adorning the 70s wood panel walls, lights down low, cigarette smoke wafting through the ubiquitous beer bottles held in hands of country music-belting blue-collar workers. It's good fun, just not for me. I think I'd have one of those miniature emotional meltdowns like when it's 4 am and you feel like you're the only one awake and the world feels off-kilter. Very lonesome with a generous dash of discombobulation. Needless to say, I immediately switched on some Brandi Carlile to get the taste of Def Leppard of out my mouth the second it finished.
However, I'm glad I gave it a listen. Hopefully not much more in my life will I hear them again, but it's been real, #464!
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Thursday, December 10, 2015
465: The Magnetic Fields, "69 Love Songs"
Before: Zero recognition.
After: Oh my goodness. This album (or rather, compilation of three) and its ingenuity is a compelling reminder of why I began this project. For some odd and sad reason, I never found the Magnetic Fields until recently, but how thankful that I finally have!
Volume 1:
"Absolutely Cukoo": Transcendent. Wow. Blew my mind too much to eke out a coherent, complex assessment.
(Some wine and speakers are definitely influencing this bliss.)
"All My Little Words": That bajo. Those chords. I'm hooked.
"Chicken... Head": It's like he slipped that phrase inside the lyrics effortlessly- didn't center the song around a conspicuously fun lyric. Bravo. It sounds like someone woke up this guy at 4 am and he nobly agreed to sing for the track and, like everything this [imagined persona] does, it effortlessly results in being fantastic.
"Reno Dakota": The word play is UNBELIEVABLE.
This whole album has me shaking my head!
What are these sounds?
Why are the songs beginning seemingly halfway in?
How did these people write SIXTY NINE distinct yet all unbelievably unique songs!?
Why have I never heard of them (The Magnetic Fields) before?!
These similarities are peculiar and so lovable.
"A Pretty Girl is Like": YES.
Volume 2:
"Roses" is very erratic and unstable and random and unsettling. Just like love.
"Time Enough For Rocking When We're Old" has quite a funny factor. Some lyrics:
The quick sounds in the background of "If You Don't Cry" are incredibly salient. They're affecting my other senses... it sounds like a rubber ball bouncing, so I imagine engaging in that endlessly satisfying act of squeezing a rubber yoyo like I used to carry around with me everywhere as a young'n...
Volume 3:
I listened to this while cooking a deconstructed stuffed cabbage casserole. So, while not able to recommend specific songs, I will say that the album opened spectacularly, as predicted, and towards the end, took on a few witches' hats and other eerie costume pieces. This is not to say the musical quality decreased, but it just took a turn I wasn't entirely enamored with. However, let me reiterate how absolutely wonderful the first 2/3 of that album is: packed with love songs that, if I had to teach what "variety" meant, would be the PERFECT exhibit A.
After: Oh my goodness. This album (or rather, compilation of three) and its ingenuity is a compelling reminder of why I began this project. For some odd and sad reason, I never found the Magnetic Fields until recently, but how thankful that I finally have!
Volume 1:
"Absolutely Cukoo": Transcendent. Wow. Blew my mind too much to eke out a coherent, complex assessment.
(Some wine and speakers are definitely influencing this bliss.)
"All My Little Words": That bajo. Those chords. I'm hooked.
"Chicken... Head": It's like he slipped that phrase inside the lyrics effortlessly- didn't center the song around a conspicuously fun lyric. Bravo. It sounds like someone woke up this guy at 4 am and he nobly agreed to sing for the track and, like everything this [imagined persona] does, it effortlessly results in being fantastic.
"Reno Dakota": The word play is UNBELIEVABLE.
This whole album has me shaking my head!
What are these sounds?
Why are the songs beginning seemingly halfway in?
How did these people write SIXTY NINE distinct yet all unbelievably unique songs!?
Why have I never heard of them (The Magnetic Fields) before?!
These similarities are peculiar and so lovable.
"A Pretty Girl is Like": YES.
Volume 2:
"Roses" is very erratic and unstable and random and unsettling. Just like love.
"Time Enough For Rocking When We're Old" has quite a funny factor. Some lyrics:
There'll be time enough for rocking when we're old
We can rock all day in rocking chairs of gold
but tonight I think I'd rather just go dancing
There'll be time enough for rocking when we're old...
There'll be time enough for talk in the nursing home
Darling, time enough to write an epic poem...
There'll be time for sex and drugs in HeavenHow original is that?!
when our pheromones are turned up to 11
but tonight I think I'd rather just go dancing
There'll be time enough for sex and drugs in Heaven, my love
and time enough for rocking when we're old
The quick sounds in the background of "If You Don't Cry" are incredibly salient. They're affecting my other senses... it sounds like a rubber ball bouncing, so I imagine engaging in that endlessly satisfying act of squeezing a rubber yoyo like I used to carry around with me everywhere as a young'n...
 |
| Hours of amusement, right there. |
I listened to this while cooking a deconstructed stuffed cabbage casserole. So, while not able to recommend specific songs, I will say that the album opened spectacularly, as predicted, and towards the end, took on a few witches' hats and other eerie costume pieces. This is not to say the musical quality decreased, but it just took a turn I wasn't entirely enamored with. However, let me reiterate how absolutely wonderful the first 2/3 of that album is: packed with love songs that, if I had to teach what "variety" meant, would be the PERFECT exhibit A.
"My Only Friend" has some chords that cut through life's static like a hot knife and grasps your attention.
These songs have rhymes that make you think twice. By this I mean that, yes, some rhyme like they were fraternal twins. But other word pairs shun this traditional scheme but RHYME ANYWAY. Like, they just FIT even though they don't sound alike at all! I don't want to write the lyric I'm referencing because it'd dull it down considerably. But it is in the same stanza as "If someone told me I'd succumb" in the song "Long-Forgotten Fairytale".
The Magnetic Fields doesn't seem to have a lead singer, but instead a great spread of equally strong voices with unique personalities and stories. The music is so witty in its lyrics, auditory landscapes, and whole sound. Real pioneers.
The sixty-nine songs tackle love in all sorts of contexts. Family love, romantic love, lack of love, old love, sad love, self-love... these three albums are an exploration of all the shades of love, a permutation of all the emotions and actions and words one can associate with love.
What an experience!
"The Way You Say Goodnight": The singer insists that he could write an entire song about the way his eye's apple says goodnight. Adorable. He follows through in the best way.
The last song, "I Shatter", sounds like a Dalek straight out of Doctor Who. A little strange, but because it's The Magnetic Fields, it works.
Magnetic Fields, what a supergroup you are! 9.5/10, easily!
This Pitchfork review says much of my thoughts. IT'S WORTH THE READ.
Some excerpts:
"Each song contains its own small epiphany... this is truly an album you can get lost in."
"The album never feels like a ponderous, pretentious artistic statement (unlike most multi-CD releases). Stephin Merritt and company sound like they approached this ridiculously ambitious project with the most casual of airs, idly plucking melody after divine melody out of the air like low-hanging fruit from a tree. It's how pop music should sound, really: so natural and feather-light that you never notice the amount of effort that went into it."
"The songs themselves? Well, I could write a thesis dissecting each and every song on this album, but that would take months. As a prism refracts light into a spectrum of colors, 69 Love Songs not only refracts love into a spectrum of emotions, but also refracts the love song itself into a spectrum of musical forms."
#465 is probably my strongest reinforcement for beginning this project. Unbelievably grateful for having heard this masterpiece.
These songs have rhymes that make you think twice. By this I mean that, yes, some rhyme like they were fraternal twins. But other word pairs shun this traditional scheme but RHYME ANYWAY. Like, they just FIT even though they don't sound alike at all! I don't want to write the lyric I'm referencing because it'd dull it down considerably. But it is in the same stanza as "If someone told me I'd succumb" in the song "Long-Forgotten Fairytale".
The Magnetic Fields doesn't seem to have a lead singer, but instead a great spread of equally strong voices with unique personalities and stories. The music is so witty in its lyrics, auditory landscapes, and whole sound. Real pioneers.
The sixty-nine songs tackle love in all sorts of contexts. Family love, romantic love, lack of love, old love, sad love, self-love... these three albums are an exploration of all the shades of love, a permutation of all the emotions and actions and words one can associate with love.
What an experience!
"The Way You Say Goodnight": The singer insists that he could write an entire song about the way his eye's apple says goodnight. Adorable. He follows through in the best way.
The last song, "I Shatter", sounds like a Dalek straight out of Doctor Who. A little strange, but because it's The Magnetic Fields, it works.
Magnetic Fields, what a supergroup you are! 9.5/10, easily!
This Pitchfork review says much of my thoughts. IT'S WORTH THE READ.
Some excerpts:
"Each song contains its own small epiphany... this is truly an album you can get lost in."
"The album never feels like a ponderous, pretentious artistic statement (unlike most multi-CD releases). Stephin Merritt and company sound like they approached this ridiculously ambitious project with the most casual of airs, idly plucking melody after divine melody out of the air like low-hanging fruit from a tree. It's how pop music should sound, really: so natural and feather-light that you never notice the amount of effort that went into it."
"The songs themselves? Well, I could write a thesis dissecting each and every song on this album, but that would take months. As a prism refracts light into a spectrum of colors, 69 Love Songs not only refracts love into a spectrum of emotions, but also refracts the love song itself into a spectrum of musical forms."
#465 is probably my strongest reinforcement for beginning this project. Unbelievably grateful for having heard this masterpiece.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
466: Coldplay, "Rush of Blood to the Head"
Before: Well, I've probably listened to this album tens of times. Coldplay used to be all-time favorite band (now they're in the company of many others.) I saw them live and sobbed with joy. Especially in high school, their music spoke volumes to my exceedingly frustrated teenage mind. They consoled me with their multidimensional songs made of sad sounds, introspective lyrics, and hopeful messages. Just what I needed at a time where I was ready to jump out my math class window and sit under a tree because it obviously provided a richer learning library than pre-calculus (still believe that's true.)
Also let's take note of the fact that I gave blood today and almost fainted twice. I wish I'd gotten two rushes of blood to the head at those times!!
After: It's been a while since I've heard a ton of Coldplay at once, so my perspective is fresh.
I'm recognizing the appeal of "In My Place": an underdog feeling where Chris sings about being beaten down, scared, passive, frustrated. This music is sort of like a dark green/teal color. It's definitely got beauty but it's a heavy type that's very far from innocent. It's of someone who's been to low depths and has experienced very trying times. There's moments of recalling the bright moments in the past, such as being rescued, but that can't outshine the pressing sadness.
Enjoying "The Scientist" feels like masochism.
They sound somewhat masculine. A lot of bittersweetness.
These songs are all pulling at my heart through one way or another. Sometimes it's the tone of voice and the raw desperation I feel; sometimes it's the driving beats that seem to push the band through quagmires of pain. Sometimes it's all too tightly bound to extricate reasons why.
"Green Eyes" has been my least favorite song on the album for years. However, tonight I'm being pummeled by its beauty... the harmonies, the allusions to love (those are widespread throughout all their music though)... and there's this literary movement that I can't name but it has to do with producing something that, while not intrinsically meaningful, refers to an external concept that is, so it sort of adopts its beauty in itself. That's like this song. It sounds raspy and jangly and rough. But all that it's referring the listener to imagine or feel outside of itself is what's extraordinary. (The signifier and the signified?)
"Warning Sign" is so powerful that it imbues me with longing when Chris fervently asserts, "and the truth is, I miss you." Sidenote: While there are things I'm longing for in my life, they cannot compare to the depth of longing Chris instills in me. My chocolate craving just broke infinity (you get my gist.)
This album has solidified the belief that a listen from top to bottom of all songs, in order, has exponentially greater value than when you pluck songs out of order from one cd. One reason is that it inundates you with the band's sound long enough for you to settle in and adjust, thus noticing more details and a unique spectrum of emotions. While I can't say enough about my devotion for the band, I only have a few songs on my iPod because I wish to preserve this phenomenon and not diminish the songs' value.
Upon some researching, it's clear that this is the album that put Coldplay on the map and out of the dozens of similarly-themed bands of the time.
Also let's take note of the fact that I gave blood today and almost fainted twice. I wish I'd gotten two rushes of blood to the head at those times!!
After: It's been a while since I've heard a ton of Coldplay at once, so my perspective is fresh.
I'm recognizing the appeal of "In My Place": an underdog feeling where Chris sings about being beaten down, scared, passive, frustrated. This music is sort of like a dark green/teal color. It's definitely got beauty but it's a heavy type that's very far from innocent. It's of someone who's been to low depths and has experienced very trying times. There's moments of recalling the bright moments in the past, such as being rescued, but that can't outshine the pressing sadness.
Enjoying "The Scientist" feels like masochism.
They sound somewhat masculine. A lot of bittersweetness.
These songs are all pulling at my heart through one way or another. Sometimes it's the tone of voice and the raw desperation I feel; sometimes it's the driving beats that seem to push the band through quagmires of pain. Sometimes it's all too tightly bound to extricate reasons why.
"Green Eyes" has been my least favorite song on the album for years. However, tonight I'm being pummeled by its beauty... the harmonies, the allusions to love (those are widespread throughout all their music though)... and there's this literary movement that I can't name but it has to do with producing something that, while not intrinsically meaningful, refers to an external concept that is, so it sort of adopts its beauty in itself. That's like this song. It sounds raspy and jangly and rough. But all that it's referring the listener to imagine or feel outside of itself is what's extraordinary. (The signifier and the signified?)
"Warning Sign" is so powerful that it imbues me with longing when Chris fervently asserts, "and the truth is, I miss you." Sidenote: While there are things I'm longing for in my life, they cannot compare to the depth of longing Chris instills in me. My chocolate craving just broke infinity (you get my gist.)
This album has solidified the belief that a listen from top to bottom of all songs, in order, has exponentially greater value than when you pluck songs out of order from one cd. One reason is that it inundates you with the band's sound long enough for you to settle in and adjust, thus noticing more details and a unique spectrum of emotions. While I can't say enough about my devotion for the band, I only have a few songs on my iPod because I wish to preserve this phenomenon and not diminish the songs' value.
Upon some researching, it's clear that this is the album that put Coldplay on the map and out of the dozens of similarly-themed bands of the time.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
467: Bruce Springsteen, "Tunnel of Love"
Before: Oh man. My parents adore Bruce. Adore adore ADORE, as in my dad has seen him in concert over SIXTY TIMES. I suppose my rebellious phase peaked early when I was little because I remember whenever a Bruce song snuck onto our oldies radio station (98.3: the one radio station I listened to for a solid 14+ years when driving with my dad), I'd kick the back of his seat until he changed it. What a little brat, I know! And the crazy thing is that I'm still trying to iron out the kink of being too proud to concede that Bruce is actually okay/enjoyable that I've upheld for so long. Here's hoping that this record can reform this one.
(This ethereal cover by The Staves came very close.)
After: Oh man. I'm hooked from the very first song. His unique voice: tremble/wavering, accent, bold delivery is infectious.
You can hear such passion in his voice. The chords, the lyrics, the intonation. It's impossible to not feel when you listen to him.
It feels very 80's, with those notoriously soft thunder claps and twangy beats.
SO MANY FEELINGS
So many tempos, sub-genres, styles... he does it all.
It's not my favorite album, but it has definitely whetted my appetite for more Bruce. Part of me can't believe I'm admitting that. The other half is shouting "get over your childhood ego already and soak up the greatness that's waiting!!"
After reading about it, I now understand that it's a concept album about the evolution of love. It was a stray away from Bruce's name-brand high energy music. I'd have to listen to this a few more times to really soak up the genius of it all, but for now, just one listen-- a little eavesdropping on a full conversation-- is enough to have hooked me. There you have it, parents. Well done.
(This ethereal cover by The Staves came very close.)
After: Oh man. I'm hooked from the very first song. His unique voice: tremble/wavering, accent, bold delivery is infectious.
You can hear such passion in his voice. The chords, the lyrics, the intonation. It's impossible to not feel when you listen to him.
It feels very 80's, with those notoriously soft thunder claps and twangy beats.
SO MANY FEELINGS
So many tempos, sub-genres, styles... he does it all.
It's not my favorite album, but it has definitely whetted my appetite for more Bruce. Part of me can't believe I'm admitting that. The other half is shouting "get over your childhood ego already and soak up the greatness that's waiting!!"
After reading about it, I now understand that it's a concept album about the evolution of love. It was a stray away from Bruce's name-brand high energy music. I'd have to listen to this a few more times to really soak up the genius of it all, but for now, just one listen-- a little eavesdropping on a full conversation-- is enough to have hooked me. There you have it, parents. Well done.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
468: The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, "The Paul Butterfield Blues Band"
Before: I've got nothing. Sort of dreading another blues album...
After: The first song, "Born in Chicago", has a good beat! Lively! The singer's voice is the distinct kind that doesn't have amazing vibrato but the range and tone, which sounds conversational, is glorious.
"Shake Your Moneymaker": What kind of blues is this?! These songs are 100% danceable!
"I Got My Mojo Working" is a joy. SUCH a good party song.
"Mystery Train" has some grand train sounds and rhythms that will transport you to a better mood :)
All in all, a quick album. Jovial, with touches of more somber feelings. It was like eating a salad with lots of piquant toppings that, while contrasting, blended into a superb meal. Light, fresh, enjoyable.
It seems like they're on the list because they had a greatly underestimated impact on musicians, both bluesy and non-bluesy. Rolling Stone says that this album inspired white kids to play the blues. All I know is that the harmonica was killer.
After: The first song, "Born in Chicago", has a good beat! Lively! The singer's voice is the distinct kind that doesn't have amazing vibrato but the range and tone, which sounds conversational, is glorious.
"Shake Your Moneymaker": What kind of blues is this?! These songs are 100% danceable!
"I Got My Mojo Working" is a joy. SUCH a good party song.
"Mystery Train" has some grand train sounds and rhythms that will transport you to a better mood :)
All in all, a quick album. Jovial, with touches of more somber feelings. It was like eating a salad with lots of piquant toppings that, while contrasting, blended into a superb meal. Light, fresh, enjoyable.
It seems like they're on the list because they had a greatly underestimated impact on musicians, both bluesy and non-bluesy. Rolling Stone says that this album inspired white kids to play the blues. All I know is that the harmonica was killer.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
469: Fugees, "The Score"
Before: Aren't they funk? Or at least Motown? I like one of their songs but can't remember which!
After: Wow, this is not what I remember. I hear a lot of swearing and intense conversation at the beginning of the album. Oh wait (upon some googling, I found that) its members include Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill! Cool!
"Ready or Not" has an awesome hook.
Wow, I had no idea how amazing The Fugees are. Their funk sound, lyrics, tone of their voices, and how it all blends together... truly art. (The Mask is the track that inspired that realization.)
The conversation at the end of "The Beast" seems to walk the line between surreal and too real.
"No Woman, No Cry" is such a joy to just sit back and let swirl around my ears.
The conversation at the end of "Manifesto/Outro" is also of so much value. Plus I love how they vocalize the credits! "Get outta here! Get outta HEEEERE!"
I admit that I have very little knowledge of rappers. Having said that, this album truly seemed unique in that its lyrics were of such poetic value and its foundational funk was right on target. A spin of this album while relaxing would definitely put me in a relaxed state and fine mood.
Reading about its influence, I now understand that it highlighted political issues and showed off Lauryn Hill's incredible voice. Plus, it went platinum SIX times!
After: Wow, this is not what I remember. I hear a lot of swearing and intense conversation at the beginning of the album. Oh wait (upon some googling, I found that) its members include Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill! Cool!
"Ready or Not" has an awesome hook.
Wow, I had no idea how amazing The Fugees are. Their funk sound, lyrics, tone of their voices, and how it all blends together... truly art. (The Mask is the track that inspired that realization.)
The conversation at the end of "The Beast" seems to walk the line between surreal and too real.
"No Woman, No Cry" is such a joy to just sit back and let swirl around my ears.
The conversation at the end of "Manifesto/Outro" is also of so much value. Plus I love how they vocalize the credits! "Get outta here! Get outta HEEEERE!"
I admit that I have very little knowledge of rappers. Having said that, this album truly seemed unique in that its lyrics were of such poetic value and its foundational funk was right on target. A spin of this album while relaxing would definitely put me in a relaxed state and fine mood.
Reading about its influence, I now understand that it highlighted political issues and showed off Lauryn Hill's incredible voice. Plus, it went platinum SIX times!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
470: LL Cool J, "Radio"
Before: I know next to nothing about LL. One thing I learned recently is that he received an honorary degree from Northeastern.
After: Wow, this feels so 80's! He has really distinct articulation. It has those background sounds that are reminiscent of lasers.
Man, "You Can't Dance" is really bringing me down... sheesh, he knows how to take someone down a level! Don't listen to this song unless you can take the heat!
He's got some good rhymes!
"Rock the Bells" is a ton of fun.
The rest of the album continued with the same enthusiasm, fresh rhymes, and beats that don't quit. However, in that vein, many songs sounded similar.
Upon researching him, I learned that he's unique in that he's lasted an exceptionally long time as a hip hop artist. Most have short-lived careers, but not him. He also made the album very young at 17, and his work helped establish the Def Jam label.
All in all, I liked listening to the first 15 minutes. The rest of the album wasn't unenjoyable, but not very memorable. Still, nice job LL!
After: Wow, this feels so 80's! He has really distinct articulation. It has those background sounds that are reminiscent of lasers.
Man, "You Can't Dance" is really bringing me down... sheesh, he knows how to take someone down a level! Don't listen to this song unless you can take the heat!
He's got some good rhymes!
"Rock the Bells" is a ton of fun.
The rest of the album continued with the same enthusiasm, fresh rhymes, and beats that don't quit. However, in that vein, many songs sounded similar.
Upon researching him, I learned that he's unique in that he's lasted an exceptionally long time as a hip hop artist. Most have short-lived careers, but not him. He also made the album very young at 17, and his work helped establish the Def Jam label.
All in all, I liked listening to the first 15 minutes. The rest of the album wasn't unenjoyable, but not very memorable. Still, nice job LL!
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
472: George Michael, "Faith"
**EXTRA SPECIAL MOMENT!****
My brilliant, eloquent, and "Just Dance"-master (see end of post for pic) friend Kristi graciously agreed to do a guest post for this album as well, so you get a double-whammy! Enjoy!GUEST POST by Kristi Krulcik
Before: Whenever 80s music comes on in the car, it’s an unspoken rule that I have to guess the song title and artist. It’s been like this between my dad and I since I was in elementary school. I can credit this little tradition to my knowledge of Wham! (George Michael’s original group before going solo). Not only is Wham! known for it’s Christmas classic, “Last Christmas,” but it’s also known for the jumpy, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” But I never knew about the album, Faith.
After: The first song, “Faith,” reminds me of sitting in church. The first 30 seconds consist of organ music, so yes, very church-y. But, it also allows the listener to just sit and listen for thirty seconds without interruption. Just like how church causes my mind to wander and ponder my current life intricacies, this song gives me time to think (with a powerful organ as the soundtrack). Perhaps George wanted us to reflect on faith? Is it the religious kind of faith, or faith in your abilities to tackle life each day? …But wait! After 30 seconds, this song gets dance-y! Very, very dance-y! There are guitars, a tambourine, and I find my shoulders moving with George’s breathy lyrics. And, if you find men’s butts cute, check out the music video. So maybe we’re meant to sit and think, then stand and dance. There’s a choir in the second song, “Father Figure,” which reminds me of church yet again…maybe it’s a theme related to “faith.” I’d assume so! Next for the famous “I Want Your Sex – Pts. 1 & 2!” The track is nearly ten minutes long, and the two parts together form a rhythmic amalgam of trumpets and jazzy sounds. I imagine someone in a club/bar strutting up to a foxy guy/lady that’s currently relaxing against the bar. They go to the dance floor and dance together until the “I Want Your Sex” point is made. Perfect song for seduction. “One More Try” and “Hand to Mouth” are both empowering ballads, and “Monkey” isn’t too far behind. The song’s music is filled with about as much discomfort as the message of the song is (whether it be about drugs or a cheating partner, as fans seem to think). The song is tough to dance to, but it can still generate a little shoulder wiggle. I can now say that I’ve found a whole album that I really enjoy, that I could dance to and also ponder. Look out, Dad. Your trivia maven is armed with new knowledge!
And some of my own ponderings:
Before: Isn't he that cumbersome guy who sounds sentimental and like he has something lodged in his throat? White hair? Sings Christmas songs?
After: OMG THIS IS SO MUCH FUN!
A song like "Faith" is sure to get me up and making pumpkin bread, like I've been meaning to at noon on a Sunday! It's zippy and full of syncopation (LOOOOOOOOOOVE THAT) and never quite gives in by giving you that explosion we all wait for (i.e. let the beat drop.) Instead, he lowers the energy by whispering "gotta have faith." Then he brings it back and gets us all going again. Cool strategy.
His music perfectly masters syncopation. The snaps come in at the JUICIEST moments, creating a beat that's almost impossible to simultaneously cringe at and groove to.
Not really sure why it looks like he's checkin' out his pits on the cover. Huh.
This music is very clear and clean. Polished.
Again, when the female guest artist adds her soulful, marked duet to "Hard Day', the syncopation goes through the roof! Just can't get enough of it!
Lovin' those monkey sounds during "Monkey". Very original. (Being sarcastic but not.)
Overall, it was an okay album. I understand, after reading his biography, that George Michael was a very respectable and famous artist of the 80's. I think that I'd probably enjoy his music most at a moment such as on a Sunday afternoon with my dancey mother or friends.
 |
| we love just dance! and dancing to "Faith"! |
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