Is this the digital songs chart? Interesting that JB's new jam did so much better on that one that on most of the others (looks like it's up to 17 on the Hot 100).
The Maroon 5 song is so egregious. Seriously, this song makes me wish for the days of Matchbox 20 and I hate Matchbox 20. And what's with the rap in the middle? It seems like he literally phoned it in. Like without hearing any of the song.
This is absolutely sublime. "The beats remind me of the Glitter Band's thick, clap-intensive slaps, and the melody has a Joe Jackson circa 1979 spunkiness. Shockingly, I can't hate." + the full "Back In Time" assessment + "But above all, it's the line about the woman sending friends to his pad to collect her records that really stings. Naked vulnerability sells, abundantly." So much deeply informed critical goodness. More, more! (Unless it would inevitably torture you to death, Dave.)
I'm sorry, but I like Payphone. I also like that he's, um, trying to call her ON a payphone in 2012. And when I read Levine proclaim "Look, we're not f*%$ing Arcade Fire" I felt *okay* liking (not loving)his music. He knows his limitations. Unlike say, Rob Thomas, (who needs to be removed from this planet). Sue me.
Awesome post! Thanks so much. And it is true. I have a 10 year old car radio station flipper. And while driving round town we love ALL these tracks ('Cept trax 7 & 4 as we both detest the Biebster). It's most encouraging. Also thanks for the balls to say fuck you to all the folks who might scoff at your feature. I believe we are turning a corner in Pop Music. So, again, big thanks for the groovy post. We totally concur ...
This is an **awesome (and super-ballsy) feature, Dave. Thank you so much!! My 10-year-old and I cruise around running errands and they take control of the car radio station dial. We both adore (and sing word-perfect rather loudly!)each of these tracks listed (save numbers 7 and 4 -- we both detest the Biebster!) Gotye is utterly sublime! Just happy that all this great pop stuff is happening now as my little one hones a personal identity with this timely Zeitgeist. She really DOES know that "Starships were meant to fly ... Hands up and touch the sky!" Happy Pride Weekend 2012!
#5: No this isn't a joke. The Stranger writers are complete douches that love this type of disposable crap. These artists and their songs are just awful. The writers are possibly even more awful (except for Gotye).
@9/10 Gotye's actually pretty overrated and underwhelming live. In general, the stranger music staff come off as pretentious with their focus on indie/niche music. I don't mind a fun look at pop music once in a while. Also, perspective from a middle-aged man on the current hits is nice. Presumably he once liked the pop tunes, and drawing lines back to borrowed pop cliches is fun.
Dan Segal is a sorry excuse for a music writer if he considers this drivel anything but a shit show. There was a time not long ago where musical artists wrote the lyrics they sing and recorded and performed the music that was played. The only exception I can think of in recent times (other than the boy band Maroon 5) is Adele who actually writes her own lyrics and is a fantastic talent.
Good music is a matter of personal opinion, but when it's test tube created by record companies, I have no respect for it. I would think a musical writer would tend to agree with that...
What's next, Mickey Spillane, describing the various colloquialisms of how one takes a shit?
But that Maroon 5? Ya, spot on, fuck those guys. I would rather have a gravity singularity shoved up my pee hole than have to listen to that commercial soul selling.
Anyway, I look forward to your novelization of working st The Stranger. It will be this times Post Office.
Good music is a matter of personal opinion, but when it's test tube created by record companies, I have no respect for it. I would think a musical writer would tend to agree with that...
SHOULD BE
"Adding insult to injury, fun. lowercases its name, conferring upon itself a false sense of modesty..."
But that Maroon 5? Ya, spot on, fuck those guys. I would rather have a gravity singularity shoved up my pee hole than have to listen to that commercial soul selling.
Anyway, I look forward to your novelization of working st The Stranger. It will be this times Post Office.