I'm not satisfied with much of the current pop dreck, so if anyone wants to share some under-rated music that I may not be familiar with, it would be much appreciated.
An amazing Swedish artist I listen to on repeat...
She might not be underrated, given that she's in Girls Aloud, but I'm a big fan of Nicola Roberts' new song (and video) "Beat of My Drum." Very typical Diplo (he produced it), but lots of fun.
Saw Janelle Monet on the Grammy's and her look interested me and I liked the song she did. I went out and bought her ArchAndroid CD and can't stop listening to it. I don't hear her music around anywhere but this CD is really good. It kind of runs the gammut in styles. Really glad I picked the CD up and am going to get her first one, "Metropolis-The Chase Suite".
I don't post much on her, but I had to chime in about Janelle Monae. Uncageg is right, her CD is fantastic. She's so much more than a singer...she's an artist. I was lucky enough to see her in concert last month and she's stunning live. What a visionary!
Thanks for the suggestions - particularly that first one from FindingNamo, Bearstronaut....it hit the spot nicely, I listened to it twice in ten minutes, a slow burner that doesn't wear out it's welcome too soon.
I've been meaning to check out Janelle Monae for a while now too - I like my pop singers to have a spark of personality and a strong sense of image, and Janelle seems to certainly fit that bill!
Beyoncé is not an ally. Actions speak louder than words, Mrs. Carter. #Dubai #$$$
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
~ Muhammad Ali
Just found out Janelle Monae will be appearing on Katy Perry's tour as support - I guess I'll be seeing her! Also looked up Tightrope on youtube...I knew the song already, just as "whether I'm high or low"!
And yes, I guess a lot of you may see Katy Perry as the "pop dreck" I referred to earlier...
Beyoncé is not an ally. Actions speak louder than words, Mrs. Carter. #Dubai #$$$
I have been trying to find this song for over a year. I heard it somewhere last year, but all I could remember was the "this house is falling apart" lyric. (Actually I think I remembered it as "this house is falling down on us".)
When I googled it I could never find it.
Thank you!
My avatar is a reminder to myself. I need lots of reminders...
Ok, so this probably isn't what you're looking for, but I have to give a little shout-out to one of my favorite schlocky bubble-gum pop groups...STEPS. I discovered them on my first trip to London in 1999 and was immediately obsessed. They were a British product of the mass produced boy-band/girl-band craze providing a mix of 2 males and 3 females. Their one major hook was providing a guide of dance steps in their CD singles so you could dance along with their music videos. Apparently, the hook worked well as they were hugely successful in the UK, Australia and Japan. They never caught on in the US (having little marketing other than their successful cover of "Tragedy" and a live concert broadcast on The Disney Channel) with about half their material not appearing on the US album releases. I overlook the schmaltzy lyrics to most of their original material due to the infectious melodies and the beautiful blending of their voices. These are some of my favorites...
One of my favorite songs of theirs is "If You Believe", a sappy power-ballad a ala "My Heart Will Go On" never released in the US co-written by Cyndi Lauper.
PS - Both boys appeared in the West End in the past few years as replacements in Grease and Joseph.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
Jay, I suggest listening to Janelle Monae's CD from beginning to end in one sitting for the first time you listen to it. I just like the flow of the cd. I have had it for a few weeks and have listened to it all the way through each time I have listened. I am just now picking out tracks to put on my Zune.
One of my favorite current bands, Against Me, recently cut ties with Sire records. Some diehard fans thought the Sire move was their big sell-out as New Wave was a mainstream success, yet White Crosses practically came and went with no real crossover. I would argue though that some of their best songs came under the Sire label, thanks in part to the production led by Butch Vig. It may not be like their older sound but that does not make it a lesser sound. "Spanish Moss" is arguably the best of the Sire period, the true hidden gem of White Crosses and really should have gotten more recognition during its 2010 release. So catchy and always puts a smile on my face.
More great suggestions, thanks guys. My schlock threshold is pretty high, Mister Matt - you may have guessed from my Le Kid link, which is actually not too dissimilar to the Steps links you posted.
I'll do that uncageg - Janelle seems like a pretty high-concept artist, so I'll be sure to experience her properly. The more I look into her the more I like her!
Beyoncé is not an ally. Actions speak louder than words, Mrs. Carter. #Dubai #$$$