Currently obsessed with this song and video:
It takes a lot of guts to perform on a teeter-tottering piano. I would find it impossible to concentrate on my fingering. Also, I would immediately lose my breakfast.
As an aside, this singer, Katie Melua, who I’ve never heard of, has been around forever – and quite successful – in the UK. Hey Internets, let’s not take so long next time, k? Holding out on me…
Showing posts with label MVD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MVD. Show all posts
Monday, July 19, 2010
Thursday, March 12, 2009
MVD 3-12-09 Melinda Doolittle / It’s Your Love
It’s been almost two years since Melinda Doolittle shrugged her way into my heart during her great run on the sixth season of American Idol. She was always my secret favorite, even though I knew she didn’t have much of a chance against Jordin Sparks’s indomitable cuteness or Blake Lewis’s bubble-butt. Still, third place ain’t bad and a month or so ago her solo album was finally released. Entitled Coming Back to You, it’s a charming collection of diverse covers (from standards from the 30’s to Celine Dion), all of which show off Melinda’s brilliant interpretational skills and amazing vocals.
For those not paying attention, the music world is in the midst of a spectacular R&B/soul/doo-wop revival, especially in the UK (Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Adele, Estelle, and many more), and Melinda is the latest American artist to participate in the trend. These artists not only revel in the old styles, they also revel in recording the songs with as little production as possible, perhaps to capture the live feeling of so many of the great albums from the past. Melinda’s arrangements, when they aren’t appropriately sparse, are full of big-band brass and whispering strings, and the vocals, obviously, are absolutely pristine.
Since Melinda Doolittle famously got her start as a back-up singer, it’s no wonder that many of the songs on the album feature exuberant backing vocals, a quality that probably catches Melinda’s immediate attention. Nowhere is this more obvious than on her first single, It’s Your Love. Personally, the back-up vocals are the hook to this song – I tend to sing along with them more often than the melody…
Here’s the video:
For those not paying attention, the music world is in the midst of a spectacular R&B/soul/doo-wop revival, especially in the UK (Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Adele, Estelle, and many more), and Melinda is the latest American artist to participate in the trend. These artists not only revel in the old styles, they also revel in recording the songs with as little production as possible, perhaps to capture the live feeling of so many of the great albums from the past. Melinda’s arrangements, when they aren’t appropriately sparse, are full of big-band brass and whispering strings, and the vocals, obviously, are absolutely pristine.
Since Melinda Doolittle famously got her start as a back-up singer, it’s no wonder that many of the songs on the album feature exuberant backing vocals, a quality that probably catches Melinda’s immediate attention. Nowhere is this more obvious than on her first single, It’s Your Love. Personally, the back-up vocals are the hook to this song – I tend to sing along with them more often than the melody…
Here’s the video:
Thursday, February 19, 2009
MVD 2-19-09 The Bird and the Bee / Love Letter to Japan
How dumb is it that I’m calling this a Music Video of the Day when I haven’t posted an MVD since last June? That’ll learn me to start things I have no intention of finishing.
Anyway – I’m obsessed with this song. It’s off The Bird and the Bee’s second album, entitled Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future. If you haven’t heard of The Bird and the Bee, it’s a pair of indie pop artists named Greg Kurstin and Inara George. Inara is the vocalist and her stylings are breathy and seductive and sweet, qualities which are very appropriate for the retro, throwback vibe they’re going for, but also ironic and satirical when she sings songs with lyrics like, “Would you be my f*cking boyfriend?”
Most of their stuff is a kind of mélange of retro styles (lounge, psychedelia, folk, jazz) infused with electro-pop and dance. In other words: heaven. Today’s selection, however, falls into the pure pop category.
I’ve been humming and singing and caterwauling the chorus around the office for the past week or so, and my co-workers are none too pleased. I think they’re having flashbacks of the Womanizer era, a time when not even the hounds of hell could stop me from constantly chanting the chorus of Britney’s first single from Circus. After a brief, yet exhaustive meeting (we meet about everything, don’t you know?), they decided that although this new phase was annoying, it was infinitely better than before, because at least this song has a few more words besides ‘womanizer’ and ‘oh, oh, oh’. While they credit me for my personal growth, I was warned that this junk would most definitely be coming up on my evaluations. I wonder: is it illegal to discriminate against one’s pop music preferences?
Anyway – I’m obsessed with this song. It’s off The Bird and the Bee’s second album, entitled Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future. If you haven’t heard of The Bird and the Bee, it’s a pair of indie pop artists named Greg Kurstin and Inara George. Inara is the vocalist and her stylings are breathy and seductive and sweet, qualities which are very appropriate for the retro, throwback vibe they’re going for, but also ironic and satirical when she sings songs with lyrics like, “Would you be my f*cking boyfriend?”
Most of their stuff is a kind of mélange of retro styles (lounge, psychedelia, folk, jazz) infused with electro-pop and dance. In other words: heaven. Today’s selection, however, falls into the pure pop category.
I’ve been humming and singing and caterwauling the chorus around the office for the past week or so, and my co-workers are none too pleased. I think they’re having flashbacks of the Womanizer era, a time when not even the hounds of hell could stop me from constantly chanting the chorus of Britney’s first single from Circus. After a brief, yet exhaustive meeting (we meet about everything, don’t you know?), they decided that although this new phase was annoying, it was infinitely better than before, because at least this song has a few more words besides ‘womanizer’ and ‘oh, oh, oh’. While they credit me for my personal growth, I was warned that this junk would most definitely be coming up on my evaluations. I wonder: is it illegal to discriminate against one’s pop music preferences?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
MVD 6-19-08 Cyndi Lauper / Into the Nightlife...
I’ve never been a huge Cyndi Lauper fan, which is weird because I was most certainly a child of the 80’s. And of course I love Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (I have the ringtone!). I guess I just didn’t know much about her.
When her new album, Bring Ya to the Brink came out a week or two ago, I bought it on a whim because Amazon described as a dance/pop/club album, and I’m such a sucker for dance music. Ya’ll – best. Impulse. Purchazzie. EVER!
My favorite song on the album (and the first single) is called Into the Nightlife. Plug in the earphones, turn up the volume, close your eyes…
You can ask any of my friends – I don’t do clubs, but if the music is always like this, I would definitely like them more.
And seriously, I love that lyric:
Shirtless wonders wreck my sight… I’m now officially a Fan!
BONUS!
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
MVD 6-4-08: We Break the Dawn...
Michelle Williams: We Break the Dawn, from Unexpected
I literally mourned when Destiny’s Child broke up a few years ago, and then they rubbed salt in my wounds when they kinda sorta reunited and then broke up again. A part of me blames Beyonce, because you know she just wanted to have the spotlight to herself (my anger towards her doesn’t stop me from loving her and buying her albums, though). It’s nice to see the other two girls working it out in the industry, or at least trying to. Kelly Rowland has released two albums, both of which did fairly well (her second has been a disappointment sales-wise, but trust me when I say it’s really good (and I think her success in the UK is proof – the Brits have better taste when it comes to pop music). And Michelle Williams, who we all know and love as “that other girl” who isn’t Beyonce or Kelly, has had a decent career on Broadway. She even released a gospel album shortly after the break-up. Good news: Michelle is going to give the pop scene a try, and if her first single is any indication, it’s gonna be awesome. She debuted the album’s first single a few weeks back exclusively for People Mag, with a brief write-up about her venture into pop music. I think because of her Gospel album and her role as third fiddle in the trio of Destiny’s Child, she developed a reputation for being a “good girl”, which is nice, I suppose, but totally bad for a career in pop music. That explains the name of her new album, Unexpected, slated for release in September of this year. She isn’t as innocent as we think, ya’ll. She likes to stay out late partying, she wears REALLY high heels, and enjoys the boys (don’t we all?). She’s bringing attitude, sex appeal, and some thumping club tunes for us, and if I’m reading into her new video correctly, she’s aiming for the gay demographic as well. So much for being a “good girl” huh? I love it!
Hold back the sun, Don't let it come, ain't stoppin' for no one.
I literally mourned when Destiny’s Child broke up a few years ago, and then they rubbed salt in my wounds when they kinda sorta reunited and then broke up again. A part of me blames Beyonce, because you know she just wanted to have the spotlight to herself (my anger towards her doesn’t stop me from loving her and buying her albums, though). It’s nice to see the other two girls working it out in the industry, or at least trying to. Kelly Rowland has released two albums, both of which did fairly well (her second has been a disappointment sales-wise, but trust me when I say it’s really good (and I think her success in the UK is proof – the Brits have better taste when it comes to pop music). And Michelle Williams, who we all know and love as “that other girl” who isn’t Beyonce or Kelly, has had a decent career on Broadway. She even released a gospel album shortly after the break-up. Good news: Michelle is going to give the pop scene a try, and if her first single is any indication, it’s gonna be awesome. She debuted the album’s first single a few weeks back exclusively for People Mag, with a brief write-up about her venture into pop music. I think because of her Gospel album and her role as third fiddle in the trio of Destiny’s Child, she developed a reputation for being a “good girl”, which is nice, I suppose, but totally bad for a career in pop music. That explains the name of her new album, Unexpected, slated for release in September of this year. She isn’t as innocent as we think, ya’ll. She likes to stay out late partying, she wears REALLY high heels, and enjoys the boys (don’t we all?). She’s bringing attitude, sex appeal, and some thumping club tunes for us, and if I’m reading into her new video correctly, she’s aiming for the gay demographic as well. So much for being a “good girl” huh? I love it!
Hold back the sun, Don't let it come, ain't stoppin' for no one.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
MVD 6-3-08... Love Remains the Same...
Gavin Rossdale: Love Remains the Same, from Wanderlust
So Gwen Stefani’s husband has an album coming out today. Did you know?
I wasn’t a huge fan of Bush back in the day, but I think everyone liked Black Hole Sun, especially that nightmarish video with the crazy, expanding mouths. The first single off the new album, Love Remains the Same, is a great ballad. I was surprised he went with a ballad, considering his past in hard rock, grunge, and alternative music, but I’m digging the softer side. The song is a little cheesy, I’m not going to lie, but it’s got a great melody, and Gavin’s voice has always been one of my favorites. Oh, and he takes a shower in the video, which… bonus.
One day, I'll figure out how to get rid of this stupid jump page if I don't need it. 'Til then... nothing to see here. Nothing to see.
So Gwen Stefani’s husband has an album coming out today. Did you know?
I wasn’t a huge fan of Bush back in the day, but I think everyone liked Black Hole Sun, especially that nightmarish video with the crazy, expanding mouths. The first single off the new album, Love Remains the Same, is a great ballad. I was surprised he went with a ballad, considering his past in hard rock, grunge, and alternative music, but I’m digging the softer side. The song is a little cheesy, I’m not going to lie, but it’s got a great melody, and Gavin’s voice has always been one of my favorites. Oh, and he takes a shower in the video, which… bonus.
One day, I'll figure out how to get rid of this stupid jump page if I don't need it. 'Til then... nothing to see here. Nothing to see.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
MVD 6-1-08... Summertime...
Jesca Hoop, Summertime, from Kismet
VH1 is more than just bad celebrity-driven Reality TV. Every now and then, the network pushes forth a new and exciting artist who I wouldn’t have heard of otherwise, so… thanks for that. One such artist is Jesca Hoop, a quirky, dippity-do, hippy from California. There isn’t much out there about her, other than she used to be a nanny for the brood of Tom Waits, and her new album, Kismet, hasn’t received a lot of buzz. But the single, well, I love it. It’s called Summertime, and it’s so evocative, both lyrically and musically. It’s perfect for today, because today feels like the first official day of summer here in the Kackalack – the heat is suffocating, the air smells like melting black-top, and I turned on the air conditioning for the first time. I would love to be wherever she is, where summertime means playing in the rye and swimming in the lake at night. That sounds better than what I’m dealing with, which is all about the sweat making my underwear ride up. Not fun.
An "unplugged" version after the jump...
VH1 is more than just bad celebrity-driven Reality TV. Every now and then, the network pushes forth a new and exciting artist who I wouldn’t have heard of otherwise, so… thanks for that. One such artist is Jesca Hoop, a quirky, dippity-do, hippy from California. There isn’t much out there about her, other than she used to be a nanny for the brood of Tom Waits, and her new album, Kismet, hasn’t received a lot of buzz. But the single, well, I love it. It’s called Summertime, and it’s so evocative, both lyrically and musically. It’s perfect for today, because today feels like the first official day of summer here in the Kackalack – the heat is suffocating, the air smells like melting black-top, and I turned on the air conditioning for the first time. I would love to be wherever she is, where summertime means playing in the rye and swimming in the lake at night. That sounds better than what I’m dealing with, which is all about the sweat making my underwear ride up. Not fun.
An "unplugged" version after the jump...
Monday, May 05, 2008
MVD 5-5-08 Robyn / Who's That Girl...
Since Madonna’s new album came out last week, I’ve been listening to it non-stop, which… predictable. But another amazing album dropped that very same day, and I would be remiss not to mention it.
Does anyone remember Robyn, of Show Me Love fame? Neither did I. That’s not quite true… I remember the song – it was the deal for about ten seconds in high school, but I didn’t connect it to the blonde, asymmetrical hair-stylings of the Robyn of whom I speak. A lot of the blogs I follow have been screaming at me about her, though. Starting on April 1, mentions of Robyn and her Swedish-Dance-Pop-Fabulousity have been interspersed with the Madonna hype, so I was almost (I said, almost) as excited to pick up Robyn’s new album as Madonna’s.
This song is why:
Hey, all you band dorks? 50 princess points if you can name the instrument Robyn bangs on during the interludes! I can’t help but feel like her outfit is a shout out to bank dorks everywhere. Do they have marching bands in Sweden? I’m not being silly, I really want to know. Are there Swedish Marching Bands?
God, that’s good stuff right there. For me, Robyn represents everything that is missing from America’s Dance-Pop scene. She’s sexy without being… you know, all about sex. She’s sassy and edgy without being completely unapproachable. She’s got a girl-power vibe, but she isn’t obnoxious about it. And the music isn’t bad, either.
I could be wrong, but unlike a lot of the “pop” coming out in the states, this music seems like it could be enjoyed by people besides girls under the age of 15 and gay guys. It’s pop for the people, ya’ll.
I’ve only listened to her album once since buying it, you know… because of Madonna, but I will say that it’s incredible and I can’t wait to bond with it further. When that will be totally depends on Madonna, so… who knows, right?
Does anyone remember Robyn, of Show Me Love fame? Neither did I. That’s not quite true… I remember the song – it was the deal for about ten seconds in high school, but I didn’t connect it to the blonde, asymmetrical hair-stylings of the Robyn of whom I speak. A lot of the blogs I follow have been screaming at me about her, though. Starting on April 1, mentions of Robyn and her Swedish-Dance-Pop-Fabulousity have been interspersed with the Madonna hype, so I was almost (I said, almost) as excited to pick up Robyn’s new album as Madonna’s.
This song is why:
Hey, all you band dorks? 50 princess points if you can name the instrument Robyn bangs on during the interludes! I can’t help but feel like her outfit is a shout out to bank dorks everywhere. Do they have marching bands in Sweden? I’m not being silly, I really want to know. Are there Swedish Marching Bands?
God, that’s good stuff right there. For me, Robyn represents everything that is missing from America’s Dance-Pop scene. She’s sexy without being… you know, all about sex. She’s sassy and edgy without being completely unapproachable. She’s got a girl-power vibe, but she isn’t obnoxious about it. And the music isn’t bad, either.
I could be wrong, but unlike a lot of the “pop” coming out in the states, this music seems like it could be enjoyed by people besides girls under the age of 15 and gay guys. It’s pop for the people, ya’ll.
I’ve only listened to her album once since buying it, you know… because of Madonna, but I will say that it’s incredible and I can’t wait to bond with it further. When that will be totally depends on Madonna, so… who knows, right?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
MVD 4-23-08
First of all: SPIRIT FINGERS!!!
I can’t stop watching this frikkin’ video. I especially like the break-it-down section in the middle.
A part of the enjoyment for me is the music. I would totally buy that CD.
I think Laddy Bunny (Link NSFW) sums it up perfectly, though. She called it Japanese Formation Vogueing, which is really funny, but I wish I knew more about it. Most of the text on the YouTube page is in Japanese, so I can’t get any background. Anyone got some knowledge to share?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
MVD 4-22-08 "No Ayuh"
I really am a pushover.
I told myself I wouldn’t buy Jordin Sparks’s new album. I’m not sure why I felt so strongly about it – maybe because I felt screwed over by the last few American Idol Alum albums I’d purchased (ahem… Katherine McPhee…) (oh, and Blake Lewis). I haven’t been completely satisfied with an American Idol since Kelly Clarkson, and I’m thinking it’s going to stay that way. (And for the record, Carrie Underwood is great, but her music isn’t really my thing. I appreciate her, but I don’t love her. Does that make sense?)
The first single off Jordin’s album, Tattoo, is not at all bad, really. It wasn’t my favorite, but it grew on me. And then, I heard No Air, which, against all of my better judgment, became an obsession. Finally, I found out Li’l Sis also loved it, which was all the enabling I needed to head to the nearest record store and purchazzie. Crazily enough, the whole album is actually very good… I was pleasantly surprised. Snaps to Jordan for not making a crappy debut album like so many Idols before her.
And now: a lesson is phonics:
I particularly love how the word air has become: ayuh. So, for future reference, this song will be called No Ayuh.
And the word supposed, which is sort of complicated to say if you think about it, what with all the hard consonants – it’s one of those words that is technically two syllables, but sounds like more – has been changed to spost for the purposes of this song. As in, “Tell me how’m I spost to breathe with no Ayuh.”
And finally, the word me, a simple, humble pronoun, will be pronounced meh… or, if the note must be sustained for a long period of time, meyuh. As in, “How you gonna breathe without meyuh.”
And now: news:
Jordin Sparks has pulled out of several upcoming gigs, citing an ‘acute vocal hemorrhage.’ According to the websites I’ve read, that is a tearing in the lining of the vocal cords, which just sounds painful. Yesterday, some of the news outlets were calling her vocal injury a potentially career-ending problem, but today, things have calmed down, and it looks like she’ll just miss a few performances and be on vocal rest for a week or so. I’ve spent my fair share of time around singers, and let me tell you… Vocal Rest is serious business. Jordin will be communicating with awkward hand gestures and legal tablets for the next few days, and I feel for her. Get well soon, girl.
I told myself I wouldn’t buy Jordin Sparks’s new album. I’m not sure why I felt so strongly about it – maybe because I felt screwed over by the last few American Idol Alum albums I’d purchased (ahem… Katherine McPhee…) (oh, and Blake Lewis). I haven’t been completely satisfied with an American Idol since Kelly Clarkson, and I’m thinking it’s going to stay that way. (And for the record, Carrie Underwood is great, but her music isn’t really my thing. I appreciate her, but I don’t love her. Does that make sense?)
The first single off Jordin’s album, Tattoo, is not at all bad, really. It wasn’t my favorite, but it grew on me. And then, I heard No Air, which, against all of my better judgment, became an obsession. Finally, I found out Li’l Sis also loved it, which was all the enabling I needed to head to the nearest record store and purchazzie. Crazily enough, the whole album is actually very good… I was pleasantly surprised. Snaps to Jordan for not making a crappy debut album like so many Idols before her.
And now: a lesson is phonics:
I particularly love how the word air has become: ayuh. So, for future reference, this song will be called No Ayuh.
And the word supposed, which is sort of complicated to say if you think about it, what with all the hard consonants – it’s one of those words that is technically two syllables, but sounds like more – has been changed to spost for the purposes of this song. As in, “Tell me how’m I spost to breathe with no Ayuh.”
And finally, the word me, a simple, humble pronoun, will be pronounced meh… or, if the note must be sustained for a long period of time, meyuh. As in, “How you gonna breathe without meyuh.”
And now: news:
Jordin Sparks has pulled out of several upcoming gigs, citing an ‘acute vocal hemorrhage.’ According to the websites I’ve read, that is a tearing in the lining of the vocal cords, which just sounds painful. Yesterday, some of the news outlets were calling her vocal injury a potentially career-ending problem, but today, things have calmed down, and it looks like she’ll just miss a few performances and be on vocal rest for a week or so. I’ve spent my fair share of time around singers, and let me tell you… Vocal Rest is serious business. Jordin will be communicating with awkward hand gestures and legal tablets for the next few days, and I feel for her. Get well soon, girl.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
MVD 4-9-08
Word has it Kylie Minogue's new album, X, isn't selling so well here in the States. WHAT IS WITH THIS COUNTRY!?!
So, with today's Music Video of the Day, I thought I would do my part to convince my readers (all three of you ;-) ) to listen and LOVE one of the singles off the album. I'm sorry Americans are slow to come around, Kylie. I'm doing my best!
The song is called "WOW" and I love it!
Monday, March 24, 2008
MVD 3-24-08
Today's Music Video of the Day is brought to you by George Michael and... that guy... who so graciously entertained us all those years ago with their mullets, unfortunate day-glo short shorts, and terrific pop songs.
Don't ask me to recount the random steps that brought me to post this video - you shouldn't ask such important questions, anyway. Just CHOOSE LIFE and do the jitterbug like George Michael says and move on, mk?
That guy is actually Andrew Ridgely, who is married to Keren Woodward, of Bananarama.
Don't ask me to recount the random steps that brought me to post this video - you shouldn't ask such important questions, anyway. Just CHOOSE LIFE and do the jitterbug like George Michael says and move on, mk?
That guy is actually Andrew Ridgely, who is married to Keren Woodward, of Bananarama.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Music Video of the Day, or MVD
I was browsing through the music video inventory at Yahoo, and I stumbled upon this little nugget, most likely due to the fact that I've been listening to Sarah Brightman's new album non-stop for almost a week, liking it immensely and hating myself for it simultaneously. Anyway, I searched for La Brightman and BEHOLD!
Ok, clearly, the Phantom isn't being played by Michael Crawford in this video. Instead, we're stuck with some guy who sounds like he's choking on his own oxygen supply. Funny story... I'm not even a huge Crawford fan, but he's the only Phantom I've ever been able to tolerate. Gerard Butler was sexy and creepy and strong in the movie version, but they forgot the whole singing thing during the audition process. And I've seen the show on stage, like, three times... and every Phantom has been atrocious. What's the deal? Is there some sort of Tenor shortage in musical theatre? Have the opera houses staged an embargo? Work it out because I can't take it anymore.
Anyway, this video made my laugh, because it's so bad. I think La Brightman as Christine is divine, but everything else is terrifying.
Ok, clearly, the Phantom isn't being played by Michael Crawford in this video. Instead, we're stuck with some guy who sounds like he's choking on his own oxygen supply. Funny story... I'm not even a huge Crawford fan, but he's the only Phantom I've ever been able to tolerate. Gerard Butler was sexy and creepy and strong in the movie version, but they forgot the whole singing thing during the audition process. And I've seen the show on stage, like, three times... and every Phantom has been atrocious. What's the deal? Is there some sort of Tenor shortage in musical theatre? Have the opera houses staged an embargo? Work it out because I can't take it anymore.
Anyway, this video made my laugh, because it's so bad. I think La Brightman as Christine is divine, but everything else is terrifying.
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