Best of the Decade

lauravand: RT @Julz422: "I wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy..." Who doesn't?

Ah, Twitter. It has quickly become a mainstay in our blip-enduced culture. I figured I would include that reference so that you would

a) Follow us on twitter. We're the up and coming commentary on pop, I can feel it.

b) because I did, in fact, wake up feeling like P. Diddy this morning. I braved the snow-pocalypse last night to go Julia's Christmas party (the bond amongst pop bloggers is a strong one) and woke up in my party clothes. I imagine this is the way P. Diddy feels on a regular basis. (However, unlike P. Diddy I don't have a G-5 at my beck and call. Shoutout here to amazing friends who helped dig my car out of the snow.)

and

c) It's symbolic and stuff. You'll see.

Upon reading Julia's albums of the decade, I was having difficulty writing my own. Singles of the decade, I could do. Emerging artists of the decade? Yes.

There have been several articles that have debated about what to call this decade of the (200_'s) Among names suggested are the Oughts, the Noughts, the Oh's, the Two Thousands, and more cutesy ones like the "Oughties" or the "Noughties".

The one I especially liked was a suggestion called the Singles. Not just the single digit years, but also a commentary on our music scene as well. With the availability of iTunes, Shazaam, Pandora, and song-tagging, it's become much easier to pick and choose single tracks. What was the last album that you bought a hard copy of? How often do you actually open the CD case and put in a whole CD? Why not just plug in someone's iPod? We're a culture that skims, no longer reads. We've been Twitter-fied.

Are you still with me?

On the occasion that you DO buy an album, it feels intimate. It's a commitment. You are hearing the unreleased songs, the songs that 96% of the public is not hearing. And if the artist writes their own material, it's an almost voyeuristic look into what has happened to them, the way that they think, the way they put things into words.

And so, as we near the end of this decade, I think it's only right to pay tribute to the albums. It's not clear for how much longer they will be our chosen format.

In no particular order...

1. Eminem- The Eminem Show.

Eminem AKA Slim Shady AKA Marshall Mathers quickly established a public persona that was rebellious and vulgar in the late nineties. But reading through the lyrics on this album, it was evident that he took all of his issues and poured them with a vengeance into his songs. They are masterfully crafted, and powerfully executed. Dealing with everything from his messy relationship with his wife, to the pressures of the spotlight, to his evident abouding love for his daughter, this album paints a picture of a complex, self-aware artist that keeps his business very close to the surface. There's the gangster that will shoot you. There is the jilted, bitter lover. The doting father. Not only did I find myself thinking of him as a good guy who's gone through a lot, but his lyrical prowess is unmistakeable.

Although not from the same album, it should also be mentioned that the song "Lose Yourself" went on to become the longest-running rap single. So awesome to see an underdog master the artform and become the new standard. They study his lyrics in songwriting classes at Berklee. The man is a genius.

2. John Mayer - Room For Squares

Who can forget "No Such Thing" - (Shoutout to Dylan Galvin and Steve Colvin here) or "Your Body is a Wonderland"? His breathy voice and sweet lyrics made ladies swoon the world over. Little did we realize he was just putting us on with this album, and is actually an accomplished blues guitarist - don't even get me started on him. It also must be mentioned that Dylan and I (come see him open for the Understudies on March 3 at Wonderland Ballroom! #ShamelessPlug) covered every single song on this album, every week one summer at a bar we were too young to get into. Viva the Bad Fish Bar on the pier of Solomon's Island.

3. The Drumline Soundtrack

No really. This is a GREAT ALBUM. I did not purchase it, but I did borrow it. And it never left my player from the day I got it to the day I returned it. Nick Cannon, JC Chasez, Alicia Keys, the Jackson 5, and more. Great dance album. Also, the drum-battle arrangements make marching band seem like the most badass thing ever. Hmm... looks like I have a little iTunes credit left...

4. Parachutes by Coldplay

This album put them on the map with "Yellow." With songs like "We Never Change", "Trouble", "Don't Panic", "Shiver", and "Parachutes", this album is still my favorite one they've done. It's a quieter version of their now stadium-rock, but with everything we love about them still intact.

5. Little Voice - Sara Bareilles (Yep, Julia, You called this one.)

My initial impression of her was bubble-gum pop. "Love Song" was played on every radio station and the opening piano chords are instantly recognizeable. Liking her voice a lot, I looked at 30 second clips on iTunes and gravitated towards the song "City", which was sparse and thoughtful. I decided to purchase the whole album, which was THE best decision of the decade. Her accompaniment is complex, thoughtful, and masterful, yet never overpowers her text.

Have you ever come across a songwriter that is saying things you completely identify with? I actually stopped writing songs for a while after hearing this album. I felt she'd already said everything I wanted to say. Only she did it far more eloquently. And sexy to boot.

6. Mr. A-Z by Jason Mraz

Although by no means his biggest album, this one has some gems on it. Besides the singles of "Wordplay" and "Geek In The Pink", it was obvious he was writing this at a time when he was in love with singer-songwriter Tristan Prettyman. (Also one of my favorites.) And it seemed all of the songs looked at different sides of being in love. He explored the transcendent and spiritual in "Plane". The urgent and sexual in "O. Lover". The lonely and yearning in "Mr. Curiosity". Although they never hit the airwaves, these songs remain some of my favorites of his.

You should check out Jason and Tristan's duet "Shy That Way" - (off of Tristan's album twentythree.) It's easy to see how they're styles complemented/influenced one another's. Sadly, they are no longer dating. Not so sadly, this might be because he is destined to marry me.

7. Anna Nalick- Wreck of the Day

You remember "Breathe(2 A.M.)" But the rest of this girl's album was pretty darn good. Her voice, while not always polished, was always honest. And back in the days of AIM away messages that are pink and have cryptic song lyrics (oh-HO yes, 2005) her lyrics seemed to particularly echo my own mentalities. The whole album had a theme of "I haven't gotten it right yet, but by George, I'm trying." It was self-deprecating and optimistic at the same time. Although she never had anything else hit the radio, this album didn't leave my CD player for a long, long time.

8. Regina Spektor: Begin to Hope

"Fidelity"! Ahh! "Samson"! Mmmmm. "Apres Moi"! Oooo. This girl is all about making noises with her voice. Forget prettifying anything. Her piano accompaniments are sometimes epic, sometimes scant, but always make her point. I feel connected to her and proud when her avant-guarde material hits the public eye on talk shows and movie soundtracks. She's got a lifelong fan in me.

9. Amy Winehouse - Back to Black.

Have you ever heard the saying "You've gotta suffer to sing the blues"? I think Amy Winehouse epitomizes that. She's got a lot going on (and if you read all of her lyrics about alcohol, cheating, etc., you probably weren't surprised). But she pours all of it into this voice that is unmistakeably soulful. Her somewhat nasal placement is balanced by her deep open throatiness to give us a voice that cannot be stopped and hearkens back to Motown. Listening to this album granted me the epiphany that I didn't have to try to "prettify" my voice or my songs. I can very clearly tell whether songs I've written are pre- or post-Winehouse.

10. Alicia Keys - Songs in A Minor.

I don't even need to explain this one. A win for classically-trained, singing-songwriting, piano-playing girls everywhere. I hope she continues to go big, big places.


Every time I think about this post, I get stressed out that I'm missing something huge. I loved Justified by Justin Timberlake. And Jimmy Eat World's Bleed American. Zach Braff's Garden State Soundtrack introduced me to some new favorites like the Shins, and Colin Hay, which I have yet to fully catch up on. (Come to think of it, what was I thinking putting the Drumline Soundtrack on this list?? There, you see how stressful this is?) I discovered several albums IN this past decade that were actually recorded earlier, like some by Lauryn Hill and Alice in Chains. I'm enamored with Gaga, Kate Nash, and the Fray, but I confess I don't have their albums. So I'm stopping here, wishing everyone a happy 2010 (How do we say it? Two thousand ten? Twenty-ten?) and hoping for several more amazing albums to come.

Now as for the singles?

"Easy" by Paula DeAnda is my #1, top-played guilty pleasure iTunes purchase of the decade. I'm not ashamed. #SongsIHaveNoReasonToLike

Now, let me go tweet this link.

Lists

It's the middle of December which means Christmas carols, shopping, cookies, New Year's Plans, etc.

IT IS ALSO THE END OF THE DECADE. I KNOW. WHAT?! Who saw that coming??

And so, it is also the time for COMPILING LISTS. Lists of 'the best of this' and 'the best of that'.

And so, the Pop Blog brings you: Julia's Best of Lists (Hopefully, to be followed by Laura's ;)

This list is NOT extensive, but they are the FIRST albums that came to my head when I thought back on the music that got me through a decade.

*I feel I should also make a disclaimer that though this is a "pop blog", my secrets will soon be revealed- I really only spend my $$ on indie rock! That said, I'm sure you will also find some pop albums as well.

JULIA'S ALBUMS OF THE DECADE THAT SAW HER THROUGH COLLEGE AND POST-COLLEGE YEARS
20. Britney- Britney Spears- I can just picture that sweet, innocent pre-K. Fed girl on the album cover now...

19.Little Voice- Sara Bareilles- This album got me through 2007-2008 for sure, and I know is something Laura will agree with me on!

18.- Hot Fuss- The Killers- will forever remind me of my 2005 trip to Spain, England, and France- they were playing it there too!

17.- Room For Squares- John Mayer- which college student didn't play this album out?

16.- Give UP- Postal Service- Again, which college student didn't play this album out??

15.- Is This It?- The Strokes- This album introduced me to my love/hate relationship with hipsters...

14.- Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground- Bright Eyes- this album is crazy and I love it.

13.- In Rainbows- Radiohead- Thom Yorke does it again. I don't know how a band can re-invent themselves so many times...

12.-The Boxer- The National- pretty sure one of my best purchases of 2007.

11.- Breakaway- Kelly Clarkson- I prentened to BE Kelly every morning in 2004-05, I think...

10- FutureSex/Love Sounds- Justin Timberlake- my boyfriend came out with an album all his own, and it didn't suck! I was so proud

9.- Songs About Jane- Maroon 5- I still play this album out

8.- Picaresque- The Decemberists- this album introduced me to this band and I am so grateful.

7.- Funeral- Arcade Fire- I can't say enough good things about this album

6.- Plans- Death Cab for Cutie- #2 fav Death Cab Album...

5. The Fame- Lady Gaga- I know girlfriend just came out with this late in the decade, but she has earned her spot here in my book.

4. The Crane Wife- The Decemberists- I didn't think it could get better than Picaresque. Then it did.

3- No Strings Attached- NSYNC- an album that started a relationship with 5 singing, dancing men and me in my head....wait, what??

2.- Transatlanticism- Death Cab for Cutie- Best. Album. Ever.

1.- I couldn't pick just one album from this band, so I pick all three:
Oh, Inverted World, Chutes Too Narrow, Phantom Limb- The Shins. My band of the decade, apparently!


ALBUMS OF 2009- Again, sorry, not alot of pop here...

10. Merriweather Post Pavillion- Animal Collective
9. Fearless- Taylor Swift
8. I and Love and You- The Avett Brothers
7. It's Blitz- Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs
6. The Hazards of Love- The Decemberists
5. Hold Time- M. Ward
4. Dark Was the Night- Various Artists
3. Monsters of Folk- Monsters of Folk
2. Fame Monster- Lady Gaga
1. Middle Cyclone- Neko Case

And Julia's Top Downloaded Singles of 2009...here are where the guilty pleasures lie. I don't always drop for the album, but the singles may or may not be download worthy...

5. Heads Will Roll- Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs
4. Chillin'- Wale feat. Lady Gaga
3. The Climb- Miley Cyrus (I shutter to write the name...note, I only downloaded this after I heard the Kelly Clarkson version with her back-up singers)
2. Bad Romance- Lady Gaga
1. I Gotta Feeling- Black Eyed Peas

There, you have it, folks! My 'lists'! Also, items for honorable (or dishonorable) mention:

2008 albums that still made their way into my life-soundtrack in '09:
5. I am Sasha Fierce- Beyonce
4. Paper Trail- T.I.
3. 808 and Heartbreaks- Kanye West
2. Circus- Britney
1. Only By the Night- Kings of Leon

And albums that didn't make it to my 'best of decade' but may or may not have gotten stuck on repeat in my cd player...

3. Autobiography- Ashlee Simpson (pre-SNL appearance, of course)
2. Take it All Away- Ryan Cabrera- poor guy. He's actually talented, but since he dated the aforementioned Simpson, I don't think he gets credit. And that hair...
1. Celebrity- Nsync- To be clear- I AM NOT ASHAMED OF MY OBSESSION WITH NSYNC OR BOY BANDS. But this just wasn't their best...

Phew! That's a lot of music for one post! I could go on and on, but I do want to enjoy the rest of this decade, so bye, bye, bye for now! ha! It never gets old..

Peace,
Julia

Grammy Poetry, Part II

Julia, you are a genius.

I was so excited about the possibilities when Julia suggested we write our Grammy posts in poetry form. I'm a songwriter. I love words. I am ALL ABOUT more poetry posts.

Consider yourselves warned. All six of you.

Wanting to be informed pop-blogger (That just rolls off the tounge, doesn't it?), I headed over to Grammy.com to educate myself. To clarify the difference between Record of the Year and Song of the Year, while they are both about singles, is a difference in perspective. "Record of the Year" is an engineering award having to do with the recording, mixing, and mastering itself. The award "Song of the Year" goes to those who wrote the song. So even if you see a lot of crossover between those two categories of nominees, (PokerFace, Use Somebody, and You Belong With Me are all nominated for both) keep that difference in mind.

Not feeling equipped to judge Record of the Year, naturally I'm focusing my poetry on the Best Song category.

BEST SONG - a Limmerick

There's a song by the band Kings of Leon
So oft played many think it should be gone
But I risk losing friends
(Relationships mend.)
I turn it up and sing loudly along.

BEST SONG - Haiku

Caleb Followill's
voice turns a key in my core
Use THIS somebody.

(Kudos to Julia for the "use this somebody" reference in one of her earlier posts. It's perfect and it had five syllables.)

Dear Miss Taylor Swift
Your songs make me think that I'm
A high school freshman.

Read my poker face
Fashion and piano playing
Are always in vogue.

The Single Ladies
Know when that song is playing
Kurt from 'Glee' can score.

Now how about this "Pretty Wings" by Maxwell business? I'm ashamed to admit when I saw it on the list, I didn't recognize it, or him. Upon further research (read: Wikipedia) of him, I found out that the man is a 12-time Grammy nominee, but he's never won a single one. His history with his labels involves his projects being shelved, his album release dates being delayed, or releasing fewer tracks than originally planned. This year's album marks Maxwell's return from a long hiatus from the music industry, and it has collected six nominations. I wish you well, dude.

I headed on over to YouTube to check him out. The man can sing, but I don't think this song is a contender against the other nominees. Keep your chin up, Maxwell. And watch out for levitating women.

To finish, my roommate asked me what I was doing. I replied "Working on my Grammy haikus." Knowing Julia's and my infatuation with Lady Gaga, he spontanesouly replied (counting syllables on fingers, no doubt):

"Oh Lady Gaga...
How Your Shows Are So Crazy
I Love You... A Lot."

Well said, Johnny D. Well said.

Grammy Haikus Part I

Okay, so I am not only an avid blogger, but I'm also a blog reader. And have recently noticed the trend of poetry to express view points like on this blog and my friends El and Lo's fabulous blog

So I can take a hint. I like to be hip to the trend, my friends.

Laura and I wanted to talk about the Grammy nominations anyways, so no time like the present. And so, we bring you:

GRAMMY HAIKUS AND CINQUAINS (okay maybe just Cinquains for now because I don't like counting syllables)

RECORD OF THE YEAR

Gaga
Poker Face
Not your best.
I feel you may
Lose.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Fergie
If You
Win then there
can not be a
God.

(I know cannot is one word, but I take artistic liberties, okay?)

SONG OF THE YEAR

Taylor
Imma let
you finish but
Kings had the best
song.

Laura, I pass the ball to you!

Things I Am Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Sorry we have taken a hiatus of late. I have been traveling and I know Laura was choreographing a show. I just wanted to stop by, though, and say some things I am grateful for since it is that great American feast day that we call Thanksgiving.

1.) First and foremost this year I am thankful for...Twiiter. As you saw from one of my recent posts- It All Started With a Tweet- that ingenious social networking tool keeps me in touch with co-blogger Laura, Rachel Zoe celeb stylist to the stars, and oh so many more. It also keeps my wit quick in 140 characters or less.

2.) My Google Reader. I would not be the pop blogger I am today if I did not have such a tool which allows me to read 300+ blog posts a day about Lady Gaga, her outfits, and other various pop culture events and stars of my choosing. It also makes slow work days a little more tolerable, and for that I am VERY grateful.

3.) I thank the good Lord for Lady Gaga and her fantastical artistry on a daily basis. Did you see that AMA performance??

4.) I am also thankful for my parents whom, when I was discussing Lady Gaga's performance with them this week a.) new who she was 2.) had seen the performance on youtube (though when my mom went to tell me she had looked it up on You Tube mistakenly said 'innertube', but whatevs. A win either way)

5.) I am very grateful for SNL as of late and their clever sketches involving my favorite pop artists, many whom we've mentioned on this blog. This latest one is great. Love Jason Mraz, even when he is played by Joseph Gordon whatshisface

6.) I am grateful for friends and fellow blog readers who keep me up to date on music and pop culture. Thanks to Pokey who sent us this video which I am currently obsessed with. Love Rivers Cuomo and Sara Bareilles. Anywhere. All the Time.

I think that's about it. It's been a good year. Can't wait to wrap up the year in Pop Music with Laura in the next few weeks! And actually, it's been called to my attention that we are starting a new DECADE. WHAT?! When did that happen?!! So may have to recap the last 10 YEARS as well! In the meantime, this may be of interest

Now for the turkey and cranberry sauce...let's be honest, all I care about is the pie.

Peace,
Julia

Songs I DO Have Reason to Like

It occurs to me that I, we, perhaps have been a little negative on this blog in recent posts. Other than our love for Lady Gaga and a few cute boys, I feel like I haven't given pop songs that do stand the test of time their due, especially those from recent years. Clearly Michael Jackson, Madonna, and the like have past the test, but as my dad once asked me, 'Whom do you think will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame from your generation?' Hmmm...good question. Certainly not the Black Eyed Peas (Boom, Boom, OW...eh?)

Again- picture it. Me. In my car. Listening to the radio. "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis from 2007 (?) ish comes on. I think to myself, 'this is a good song'. A song I have reasons to like:

1.) the beginning reminds me of the organ intro to "Faith" by George Michael. An amazing song that everyone likes. I don't know anyone who does not like that song. If you don't, whether you have a soul may be in question.

2.) Leona has the chops of Mariah or Beyonce and totally uses it in this song. Some of her more recent songs are somewhat forgettable. Eh, not somewhat. I really can't remember the names of her more recent songs. But she sounds re-uhl good on this one.

3.) It makes for a great So You Think You Can Dance routine :)

4.) Apparently it was/is written by Jesse McCartney? which is reason alone to like it because that boy's songs aren't generally good. 'Beautiful Soul' I will give him, but 'Leaving' and 'Body Language' of late you can literally sing on top of one another, pretty sure, and every note is the same.

So that's my love fest for that song. Another song I want to love all over is...

"Use Somebody" Kings of Leon.
1.) I loved this song from the first second I heard it. And then I heard it again. And again. Which leads me to say: I WISH IT WERE NOT SO OVERPLAYED. I first heard this song on a rock station and I was shocked to hear it recently on pop and slow jam stations. But I guess that it is proof that it is likeable, though.

2.) Dude's voice makes me swoon like my 'Soul-ja Boys' from previous posts. He can use this somebody. Just saying.

3.) This song is very different than "Sex on Fire" and some of the other songs on their album that are more hardcore rock. Love the diversity.

Which leads me to think of another over played song that I loved from first listen with driving beats....

"Viva La Vida" Coldplay
1.) It's just a good song. Coldplay is one of the bands I told my dad may make it to the Rock Hall from 'my generation'. They are consistant and inventive, yet mainstream (other bands I hope to see inducted in the Rock Hall when their time comes include: Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Coldplay, Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, Jay Z, T.I., Justin Timberlake,Lady Gaga...wishful thinking?? What are your thoughts?)

2.) The instrumentation is undeniably unique and good. From the bass drum beats to the bells- it's just unique and makes you tap your toes at the same time.

3.) Coldplay wore costumes to honor the anniversary of Sgt. Pepper. And I heart the Beatles. Done.

Well, I don't know about you, but all this love-festing is making me almost nauseous. This blog post is getting borderline Despereaux cute now, right? We're going to be making a Pixar movie before we know it, so imma gonna stop. Feel free to leave posts of some more recent songs we have reason to like. I challenge you to find something decent from 2009...it's been a tough year...barring my girl Gaga (Viva la Vida de Gaga! ;)

Peace,
Julia

Mini-Blog: Songs I Would've Declined

This is a short list of songs, that, had I been the recording artist being pitched them, I would have said no to. Yet, still became huge hits. Shows what I know.

Not that I don't love them. Because I do.

1. Shakira's "She-wolf": Imagine this: You're a sexy, internationally-known pop star who's been on the radar for a while. Your management approaches you and pitches you a song that requires you to howl like a wolf. What would YOU do?

2. Rihanna's "Umbrella": The mundane subject of this song was saved only by repeating the last two syllables of it. Well done, Rihanna. Never would've called it.

3. Beyonce's "Bootylicious": We can all get behind (heh) the girl-power message of celebrating a curvaceous womanly figure. But referring to your extra poundage as "jelly"? No, B. I'm not ready for it.

4. Britney Spears' "Circus": Song about commanding the room with your presence using the metaphor of being a circus ringleader. I get it. It's cute. Clever, even. But the line 'I'm like a performer/the dance floor is my stage'? Uh, Brit? Last time I checked, you ARE a performer. And you are, in fact, dancing on a stage.

5. Fergie's "My Humps": ... 'nuff said.

-llv

It All Started With a Tweet or #songsihavenoreasontolike

That's right folks, it all started with a tweet. This blog, in fact, was spawned from a direct message. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

I was listening to radio one day, as I often do, and suddenly this fun, vibrant, repitious song came on with a catchy beat and lots of synthsizers. And now I have just described about every pop song ever in existence.

I've already proclaimed my love for pop music that started with songs that fit the description above. Some songs fall into this category but they still have those one or two things that make them stand out (see my post: 'Ode to Hall and Oates' below). Some , however, will never be that special. They just sound like every other pop song. And for these songs I've come up with the category:

"Songs I have no reason to like" or, as I've created a trending topic on twitter: #songsihavenoreasontolike (make it catch on, people! Trend it now!)

These songs really have NOTHING that make them stand out, they just sound like every other pop song out there, and yet....I still find myself loving them, though I know I shouldn't. I will now make a case for three such current tunes:

"Down"- by Jay Sean.
This song is actually the one I was listening to when I began thinking about all this nonsense. I had to tweet Laura to ask: Why do I like this song? She mentioned that it is catchy. But is that enough, popbloggers? Is that enough?

If you've read my recent post on Colbie Callait, I rip the poor girl's lyrics apart. But yet, I find it justifiable for a man, who probably hasn't written a sentence, let alone a song, in his life to rhyme "down with down" and "only with lonely".

I know it's not fair. But the truth is, you just can't butterfly to "Realize". That's all I got.

"She-Wolf"- Shakira
The first time I heard this song, I think I literally laughed. I mean, the woman HOWLS IN THE SONG. I've got issues with Shakira anyways. The woman's voice just bothers me. I've been told it sounds better in other languages, and that also kind of bothers me about myself that I need her to sound 'more American' but political correctness isn't a fun topic for this blog, so Imma gonna stop.

There are some justifiable things in the song, though, that DO set it apart from other pop songs, I will say. The funky guitar riffs for one. No, they aren't remarkable. But they are funky. FUN-ky, ergo, FUN.

Also, unlike our friends Jay Sean and Colbie, Shakira happens to be a GREAT lyricist. And by GREAT, I mean RIDICULOUS. And I quote:
"Darling, this is no joke, this is lycanthropy" What the hell is lycanthropy? I don't know either, so this leads me to believe she must be a genius. (lycanthropy definition= a deluision in which one imagines oneself to be a wolf or other wild animal. No really, dictionary.com it)

"I'm starting to feel a little abused like a coffee machine in an office." YES. WIN. I love coffee! People in an office drink ALOT of coffee. Thank you, Shakira. You are painting a vivid picture for me here.

So I think Shakira wins based on the lycanthropy lyric alone, how about you?

"Good Girls Go Bad"- Cobra Starship feat. Leighton Meester
UGH. I did NOT want to like this song when I heard it. I mean, their name is Cobra Starship, which makes me think of the 80's which I know you are saying, 'but Julia, you love the 80's!" And the thing is, I DO. But having some kind of teen emo band (I don't know if they are really emo or even teens, but they sound teeny-bopperish to me) name themselves something that makes the 80's seem RETRO, I am NOT okay with. I am NOT ready for the 80's to be RETRO!!! Humph.

And don't even get me started on Leighton Meester. I know Gossip Girl is like the new 90210 or something, but I just don't care.

But, all that said, I turn this song up everytime. And I can't even justify it. I don't know what it is. And for that, it's a song I TRULY have no reason to like.

Can you help me? What are your current #songsihavenoreasontolike ? I know Laura recently tried to persuade me with '3' by Britney, but I can't get behind that. No pun intended.

Feel free to comment. Meanwhile I'll be singing, "Baby are you down, down, down, down, down- DOWN!" (for no reason).

Peace,
Julia

An Open Letter to Mariah Carey

Dear Mariah Carey,

It's hard for me to say this to you, but things between us have changed. You can't just waltz back into my life after having left for such a long time and expect us to pick up where we left off, as if nothing ever happened.

Don't get me wrong, Mariah. What we had between us was life-changing. You were there for me at my first middle school dance. You were singing "One Sweet Day" with Boyz II Men, as Ryan Ihnacik approached me and asked me if I would dance with him. Nevermind that I was four foot five and he was six-two, having to hunch down to put his hands on my waist. Your sweeping improvisations sat perfectly atop soulful harmonies and you made everything in the room suddenly graceful. Nevermind that at age 11, I was weirded out by boyfriend stuff. Please, the rhythm of "One Sweet Day" is perfectly designed to keep slow-dance amateurs in rhythm, with or without chemistry. (Step...touch. Step...touch.) Did it matter that technically it's a song about death? Don't be silly, Mariah. I had you, and that's all that mattered.

You were there for me in the backseat of my parents' minivan in the form of my chic tech-savvy Discman on long family trips. Mariah, I read the lyrics and liner notes of "Daydream" from cover to cover. I still remember listening to "Always Be My Baby", reading the lyrics and thinking: "Where is the melody?? WHERE IS THE MELODY?" You so tastefully toed the line between virtuosic and excessive, Mariah. It's why I love you, and your five octave range. I'll never forget what we had.

Lately though, Mariah, things have changed. First, you go away and leave me to the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, and the winners of American Idol. And I loved them too, Mariah, but I continued to feel this emptiness. Do any of them have a "whistle range" in which they can access super high pitches known only to a rare handful of opera singers? Do any of them move their hands to the exact nuances of their vocal riffs? Are any of them the top-selling pop female vocalist of all time? Let me check: nope.

Next thing I know, you've come back, but it's not the same. Take "Obsessed" for example. I detected the distinctive smell of AutoTune on you. How DARE you do this to me, Mariah? Might I remind you that this electronic device is designed for people who CANNOT sing? It's akin to asking Monet to paint-by-numbers. Or giving training wheels to Evel Kenieval. Or enlisting Baryshnikov in beginners' ballet. You get the point, Mariah.

I understand that AutoTune is in vogue right now. And that you are trying to stay current. It's a wise move considering you've never really strayed from your "purple-sparkly-butterfly-14 year old girl" concept. I get it.

But you are disrespecting your art, and your very ability. Your voice naturally moves from one pitch to the next. Human voices aren't synthesizers; there is an infinite number of pitches in between one note and the next and voices are more like trombones than pianos in that it's possible to slide all around. But all great singers work towards that accuracy and clarity. I don't have to tell YOU this, Mariah. You know better. You were accurate and swift while maintaining the illusion of effortless fluidity. All of this while accessing a wide range of pitches with enviable technique.

I won't lie. I've always been very, very jealous of you. But now, I'm downright angry.

Love,
Laura

P.S. - Nick doesn't deserve you. And I never even SAW "Glitter." So take that.

If you just Realize what I just Realized...

Then you'll see Colbie Caillat brings out the inner 12 year old school girl in me.

I really am indifferent about Caillat's music, though I may talk myself into a opinion through the course of this blogpost. It happens. The whole stream of consciousness thing. I open up a laptop and/or my mouth and words just come out. Works better when you have a delete button, though.

Is it weird that I remember the first time I heard 'Bubbly'? Well, there actually are probably a lot of things weird about the whole scenario (CONVENT. cough, cough. Wait, what?? yeah, you can read more about that here . Shameless Plug. See what I did there?)

Anyways, I was in a movie theater in St. Louis about 2 years ago and it was one of the songs they kept playing while we were waiting for the film to start and answering those 'Pop Quiz' questions (ie- what music video did Courtney Cox star in before she was a star in Friends? Then the answer is all jumbled up and you have to unscramble it: ANCDGNINIETHRKDA a: 'DANCING IN THE DARK') Weird that I know that too, right?

I remember kind of liking the song and thinking to myself she would probably be the next thing. Then I found out the name of the song was 'Bubbly'. It was kind of downhill for me from there.

Caillat isn't the best lyricist, nor really complex songwriter in my mind. Now, I may be a musician, but I am NOT a songwriter. The guys in the band that I was in in high school/college will tell you that. They mocked any attempt I made. It's a completely different gift. So that being said, I do have respect for Caillat that she writes music. That is, I think she writes her own stuff. They all sound the same, so I'm guessing it's her pattern...

But I'll be darned if the lyrics she does write, even if not the greatests rhyme schemes ('starts in my nose, toes, goes, know'...yeah, we get it. You also just rhymed 'realize' with 'realize'. congrats.), bring out the inner 12 year old Julia who was secretly pining about the boy next door or her best guy friend (the Friend Zone is a TERRIBLE place, my friends!) and Colbie Caillat seems to know this as well.

It's like she's writing my feelings from that junior high era. Except probably how as I would write them as an actual 12 year old which means, not well. I may even have written more creatively at 12.

Also, the whole me not being a songwriter thing, even given that, I still probably could have composed her new one- what is it, 'Falling For You'? Yeah. Basic chord progressions. Same 12 year old crush theme...there's a pattern.

Again, great respect for songwriting. Great respect. And she obviously taps into something that I do 'realize' for myself... But when 'Can You Count Me In?' is probably the most clever part of the Bubbly song??

Sorry to burst your inner school girl bubble.

Guess I have gone ahead and formed an opinion, haven't I? I knew it would happen!
Peace,
Julia

Gaga for...er, well...Lady Gaga.

Okay, now that we've heard from Laura and we have covered our love for nerdy white boys who mix it up with R&B (Mr. A-Z, call us!) as well as awesomely bad 80's pop...NOW...NOW, my friends, it is time to talk about the ONE, THE ONLY:

Lady Gaga.

Shhhh...Stop. Just stop. We know what you are going to say. She is crazy. But you have made an opinion because she wears things like this

and this


She wears masks and poker faces, and we'll give that to you. She's a little scary.

BUT if you just CLOSE YOUR EYES and LISTEN you will HEAR why we heart her.

The girl can SING. And she can sing LIVE. And this is quite a feat for popstars today. Most pop "artists" record something and get it all T-Pained-afied so that their pitch can sound perfect, and then they get up on stage in a little outfit and SMASH IT (but NOT in a GOOD way, Fergie. Miley, I'm looking at you).

And, yes, her brilliance may be chemically induced at times, and I'm NOT advocating that. And yes, her outfits DO distract from her God-given vocal chords. And YES, she DOES write lyrics about DISCO STICKS and uses words like 'Fantastical', but what do you want from the girl?!! She is not about 'the Fame', she is about her art. (Which explains the whole VMA performance debacle- it was a performance art piece on the dangers of Fame, people. Didn't you get that?? ;)

So just go ahead. Close your eyes. Pretend she isn't wearing that Orb around her body, and listen. We think you'll agree.

Plus, she can make fun of herself!

I will leave Laura to once again elaborate, which she did so well last time with her words on Jason Mraz! Took the words right out of my mouth, Duze!

Peace,
Julia

Lucky I'm In Love with a Pop Star

Hello, all 3 of you readers! This is Laura checking in for her first post. I used to write quite a bit, but I have to admit I'm a little apprehensive to start my first post, being that Julia is an amazing writer.

I also would be remiss if I didn't thank a fellow pop culture addict and roommate John Dellaporta who suggested we start this blog.

Inspired by Julia's last post about pop boys with soul, I felt the need to further elaborate on Jason Mraz. Here are some reasons you should love him:

Reason #1 (and a selfish reason at that): He was a music theatre major. For those of you who don't know me, I was too. It's evident in his singing and in his writing, and I have to say as a fellow former MT major and songwriter, I have been majorly influenced by his always honest and fresh, sometimes snarky writing style. And the man has a crystal clear tenor voice, despite his efforts to "grit it up" with his smoking habit. Alas, I can relate. Can't you just picture the dear boy singing "On the Street Where You Live" in a workshop setting? "Okay, Jason, that was really nice. Now I think you need to up your stakes in the second verse and just pay attention to your phrasing."

Reason #2: He listens to a diverse pool of music and manages to effectively incorporate it into his material in unexpected ways. Can't tell he used to be into freestyle rapping? Listen to the lyrics to "Curbside Prophet" or "Geek in the Pink", to name just a couple. Can't tell he was classically trained? Listen to "Mr. Curiosity". Can't hear the reggae influence? Listen to "I'm Yours" for crying out loud. Hellooooo syncopated rhythm guitar. Jazz? "Bella Luna." Trust me, I could keep going, but you'd be bored by my musical geekdom.

Reason #3: He's a surprisingly good guitarist for someone whose "trump card" is his voice. In a world where we're all just trying to get what's ours, he could have easily made it on his pipes and his writing. His dedication to his instrument belies an honest respect for his art. Check out the album "Live at Java Joe's" to hear him hold his own in a live setting backed only by percussionist Toca Rivera.

Reason #4: He just broke the record for the single that spent the longest time on the charts for "I'm Yours", off of the album "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things". (Previously holding that record? Leann Rimes' "How Do I Live".)

Reason #5: He gets increasingly more successful - no one-hit wonder here. His debut album had marginal success. His next got better. Most recently he's making history (see reason #4). He could easily have rested on his laurels (aka "The Remedy") and done a bunch of Burger King commercials, but he's still out there working hard. Once again, the man loves what he does.

That's all for now. There are many, many, more reasons to love him, but I don't want to be accused of gushing. Did I mention he's into everything organic and eco-friendly? Did I mention that we'd probably make beautiful music (and babies) together? Okay, I'm stopping now.

Soul-ja Boy Tell 'Em

Okay, so Laura's busy working on some play or opera or something musical and theatresque, and I bide my time between a not-so-challenging job and paper-writing procrastination, so I will be writing the blogs, it seems. Hooray!

I also had twelve + hours to think this week when driving through the great state of Ohio for my high school reunion (btw, music from 1999 SUCKS. We tried to download songs for our 10 year, and while I am a lover of Nsync, let it be said, 'Tearing Up My Heart' was not their best work) which meant lots of time to think and listen to music!

And a pop culture/pop music side note, did you know that the term 'Rock and Roll' was first used in Cleveland? And this is why it is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Cleveland may be 'the mistake on the lake', but if you are a music buff, it may be worth the risk to see the Hall one day. Anyways...

This post is not a tribute to the young rapper gracing the pop charts as it's title may suggest (though, I did at one point find 'Kiss Me Through the Phone' rather endearing before it was overplayed) but rather, a tribute to all those pop boys who gots SOUL.

So think more a la The Killers circa 2005: 'I got Soul, but I'm not a Soul-ja'. Mmmm...why yes, DO think about Brandon Flowers, for I believe he qualifies. He's a little more indie than pop, and not quite the mash up of pop and soul I was going for, but he's quite attractive, so he'll do :).

Speaking of Mash-Ups, how great was that episode of Glee?? I'm constantly thinking of songs I want to see done on that show. 'Again' by Janet Jackson? Anyone? But I digress...

I'm talking boys by the likes of Jason Mraz, Eric Hutchinson, Adam Levine from Maroon 5, and why yes, my boy Justin Timberlake. Pop boys with soul.

They mix up the typical Pop/Rock beats with their borderline whines (only for lack of a better word). They make you want to jam and sway, while the rock is still rockin'. And their voices generally make me melt. There's something about a tenor, I always say (I did have a thing for Jordan Knight back in the day as well, but that may be revealing too much and make my claim slightly less credible). Yes, they may sound like a girl to you, but as Justin once said in his award winning SNL clip, 'it's a perfectly acceptable way for a man to sing'. Amen.

Also, I am aware that most of the lyrics for Maroon 5 and Justin songs are rather sultry and steamy which may or may not help my case. I am a Christian woman, afterall. I know that the Bible says 'Cut off your right hand if it leads you to sin' but if 'Gone' by Nsync or 'Secret' by Maroon 5 is wrong, then I don't want to be right. And I swear they could sing, 'Mary had a Little Lamb' and it would still do it for me anyway.

So, Pop/Rock boys with the soulful sway, I salute you. Thank you for doing what you do because you do it oh so well. Soul-ja Boy(s), Tell 'Em! This girl's gonna go cool off now....

Ode to Hall and Oates

For Julia, it started on April 22, 1981. 'Kiss on My List' by Hall and Oates was number one, and no song could be more fitting to top the charts. Julia was born to two wannabe hippies who had succumbed to the 80s and traded in their Peter, Paul, and Mary for some Michael Jackson. Beatles albums filled the house, along with 'Thriller', and a year and a half later, this family welcomed another daughter, Janet... on a day which 'Maneater' was no. 1. Coincidence? I think not.

So, I'm Julia. And I love pop. It's hard to explain sometimes what I love about it, that's why I'm glad Laura suggested we started this blog.

I really do think it started at birth. It's in my BLOOD. Speaking of blood...You know how sometimes you're body is just craving protein and then you give it a tuna fish sandwich and it just seems to tell you, 'THANK YOU'? NO? Well, to this day, that's how my body reacts to really awesome pop music. And I believe I have Hall and Oates to thank.

It's a tense day at work, you're driving back in the car in gridlock traffic, and then suddenly the first chords for 'Private Eyes' comes on and my body just breathes a sigh of relief. If you're me, you literally utter "yessss...."

Hall and Oates wins everytime. I'm here to tell you why:

1.) It has the most basic chord progressions ever. Usually in major keys. This is what makes pop music pop, after all. A win everytime.

2.) It has SYNTHESIZERS. Being a child of the 80s, this is part of what makes my body breathe that sigh of relief. It just makes me happy.

3.) It goes really well with ridiculous videos (You Tube wouldn't let me copy 'Keyboard Cat'. Just search it for yourself: Keyboard Cat + Hall and Oates= perfection. You'll thank me later).

4.) Only in Hall and Oates can lyrics like- "ooooh here she comes. Watch out boy, she'll chew you up" and "No Can Do"- be made to sound NORMAL and socially acceptable.

5.) Other people agree with me. Lately, movies choose H & O for their montages (see 'The Wedding Singer' and '500 Days of Summer')

I could go on and on, but we have much more pop music to talk about. Just know, that for Julia, it all started with an H & an O.