I’m slacking off
jamie on August 4th, 2005
It’s been another week since my last blog entry, I know- I’m a lazy bum. Not that there isn’t music to write about- there’s enough of that (there could always be MORE), but I’ve been wrapped up in other projects.
Anyone been watching RockStar:INXS? I typically loathe reality shows, but when the show is about more than putting a group of beautiful people with opposing personalities in a box to see who gets sleeps together first, I’ll watch. And this Rockstar gig is good. So far, each of the contestants has had their highlights and owlights, except for this Jordis Unger. Every time she takes the stage, I get chills. If she doesn’t end up in the band, I can’t wait to hear what she does next- if I had a label, I’d be waiting outside the studio every night trying to sign her.
Anyways, on to people who have actually released albums this week:
Tristan Prettyman - T W E N T Y T H R E E
I don’t knwo what the significance of the extra spaces in the album title are, but they’re a pain in the ass to type. So, 23 is the debut album from San Diego surfer and songstress Tristan Prettyman, who’s been on tour with now-boyfriend Jason Mraz for the past year. Her gentle folk-pop music is simple: an acoustic guitar, some steel guitar, and her smokey, gentle voice highlight the album. There is a warmth in this combo, lending itself to Prettyman’s earnest lyrics in their Ani DeFranco-like phrasings. She teams with Mraz on the album as well, producing the track Shy That Way, which shows of their compatible vocal stylings. Hopefully, this compatibility works in life as well as it does on the album. THe lead-off single Love Love Love is the most radio-ready on the album, infusing a little funk rhythm into her style. Album highlights are Breathe, Shy That Way, Love Love Love, and Smoke, though the entire album is excellent.
Michael Penn - Mr. Hollywood, Jr., 1947
Michael Penn’s music lies just left of Triple-A pop. In other words, Penn is a fantastic songwriter with a unique voice, but his music only lacks that little bit of super-catchy pop hooks and teenie-bopper lyricism that would make him a hit on the radio. Yes, he had a hit, once, in the 80’s (a song I still love). But today, he continues ot put out his music, sticing to his own style, and not trying to appease the masses (see Liz Phair, below). Mr. Hollywood is a collage of musical entries that ramble from jangle-pop, Beatles-styled Walter Reed to the almost Appalacian folk styled Mary Lynn. In all, the album shows off Penn’s artistry in a mostly-wonderful collection of musical entries. I say “mostly” because I could relaly do without some of the transitional pieces inserted throughout the album (The Transistor, 18 September) that while I’m sure serve some kind of theatrical purpose, don’t really entertain my ears.
Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten
This may be straight-up top-of-the-pops production, but it’s just infectious. The little sister of club fav Daniel Bedingfield has already sold over 1.5 million copies of Unwritten all over the world, and the single These Words is a chart-topper in at least a dozen countries. So now she’s set to take over America too, and I really don’t mind. It could come from someone far less sincere in her words, with a less appealing voice, and certainly couldn’t look as good. The album really hits with the singles- These Words has a simply irresistable groove and infectious hook, Single is fiercely independant like Pink and well-produced, and Unwritten is another solid radio-friendly track- but the rest of the album is pretty off-target. The slow R&B-styles I Bruise Easily just doesn’t do jsutice to the way she can sing it acoustically (I have that version, and am absolutely in love with it). The other album tracks attempt to bridge various styles, from reggae to grunge-rock to R&B unsuccesfully. Perhaps it’s just a freshman error of letting labels and producers have too much influence, and a sophomore effort will produce a more congruent result. My recommendation: download the singles, leave the rest on the CD store shelves.
Singles and stuff:
Liz Phair - Everything To Me
Phair hits the sweetspot again with Everything To Me, that is, IF you’re looking for a track to support the next L. Lo soundtrack, complete with strings for that dramatic “she’s leaving him, but her heart knows it’s the wrong choice” moment. “Dance-party-USA-teeny-bopper type of shit, right?” - that’s right, Warren (his name’s not Warren?). I don’t want the 90’s back, Liz, just some rock-n-roll music, thanks.
The Rolling Stones - Back Of My Hand & Rough Justice
I swear cryogenics is involved here, but I just can’t figure how. No matter, the Stones are coming out with new music. The first new music from them in Back Of My Hand is a classic example of Brit Blues, complete with steel guitar and harmonica. Rough Justice revives the classic Stones sound. 50-plus years of rockin’, and they can still pull out a rocker like this. This track reminds me so much of Brown Sugar, I found myself substituting lyrics. I’m sure this will be all over the radio airwaves this summer.
The Veronicas - 4Ever
Warren probably wouldn’t like the Veronicas either- but then again, what adolescent boy wouldn’t appreciate twin sisters that can rock? I can hear the potential in this song, but it stears to close to Avril-wannabe status to convice me. Being only 20, I’ll give them time to mature into the quality musicians I think they can be though.
Eric Clapton - One Track Mind
Wow, summer’s here, and all the classics want a revival. The thing about classics is that they need no revival- they’re CLASSIC. Anyways, Clapton puts forth another single from his upcoming release, and this one is as good as anythign the man creates. Bluesy as ever, with Clapton’s unique, smooth, soothing vocals, this track blends the experience of another 50 year career.
Craig David - All The Way
Smooth as ever, Brit crooner Carig David pumps out another smooth jam. All the Way falls into a beat pocket that stays just funky enough, to make it the perfect for cruising top-down. Now that the Brits have perfected imitating American R&B, when will we pick up Garage and Two-Step? Really, when?
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