Another one, Em...please??

Still rummaging through my currently limited music collection and needing something to work out on besides the repetitive radio tunes, I came across the latest Eminem CD "The Eminem Show". Now before anyone gets excited (and any true fan should already know this), this is his compilation from 2002 (although rumors have it that he's working on his next and probably last CD as we speak :( ). Anyway, everytime I listen to Em's work, I re-recognize the attributes that really make this guy a creative genius. First, I am forever floored by how much emotion he is able to capture in EVERY delivery of every verse. Seriously, I am about as calm and as patient as they come and I even get riled up after listening to such cuts as "Soldier" or "Till I Collapse". Not to mention Em's rhyme scheme is absolutely vicious. He, like no other, has this innate ability to put words together that don't necessarily rhyme (check out the second verse of "Cleaning out my Closet"). You truly keep getting surprised at how many words Em can match together in flawless flow. Even after listening to songs 3 and 4 times, there's always some word, phrase, simile, or metaphor that you don't realize you missed. Truly a beautiful thang!! Moreover, Em, unlike many rap artists, carries a real understanding of his craft. You can tell this guy really did his homework and/or was HEAVILY influenced by all the "great ones" - Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Kurtis Blow, Jay-Z, Nas, etc. This is evidenced in how well-rounded he is, singing hooks (and sometimes verses - e.g., Haillie's Song), writing his flows, and even now producing. But even better, this is evidenced in the content of his songs. Em's quite comtemplative, witty, honest, and extremely sharp under his biting, macho man persona. Songs like "Say Good-bye to Hollywood", where Em recognizes the heavy price of fame, "White America", where he picks at the sideways morality of American society, and "Sing for the Moment", where he simlutaneously reiterates the role that rap music can play in someone's life, speaks on how that role is not always negative, and explains why rappers sometimes do the stuff that they do (like carry weapons). All-in-all, as a white rapper in an all black arena, I definitely think Em has shot to the forefront on one reason alone -- amazing talent...ok and maybe a little controversy!!

RECOMMENDATION: If you can get past the foul mouth, the repeated references to killing his ex-wife, and the outlandishness that comes with many rap CD these days, you'll see the true talent that lies beneath and why I, for one, am very, very thirsty for his upcoming, and hopefully not final, CD.

Sonic Who??

Hey VJ...I believe the band you saw on Jay Leno is Sonic Youth. I saw them once on some generic show late at night a while back. Don't really know much about them and not sure I care for their music, but try googling them to find out more. Let me know if they are worth checking out more closely. Layta...

Soulful Rock "n" Roll

Move over EVERYONE!! There's a new kid in town and he's kicking ass and taking names. Well, ok, he's not so new, but his sound is, even if he has been behind the scenes with the likes of Christina Aguilera, Usher, and the like. So, who is this mystery man? Why, none other than Robin Thicke, or simply Thicke. His first effort titled "Beautiful World" is very energizing and refreshing. A cross between Prince and Lenny Kravitz fused with a falsetto that resembles that of Justin Timberlake (please don't let that reference fool you), there's definitely something for everyone on this self-proclaimed "soulful rock-n-roll" debut. And there is definitely a reason why this guy signed a record deal at a mere 16 years of age. Mostly inspired by love and relationships, tracks like "Stupid Things" and "Beautiful World" cleverly deliver metaphors, but simply depict the common themes of any relationship. For the latin jazz lover in you, "Venga Conmiga" effectively makes you wonder if Thicke actually knows some spanish. What I like most of all however, is how every song is sincerely different, with Thicke (& company??) paying close attention to each song's essence and delivery. "She's Gangsta" is a perfect example of that. From the very title, one can envision the walk of a very hot, probably model material (like they all are) chic who's as cool as shit, takes no shit, and/or knows very well how to get through life fucking guys over. This song, from the beat to the groove to the lyrics, emits that entire scenario (from a guy's point of view of course!!). For the 70s rock lover, I recommend "Cherry Blue Skies", the last track. Oh man, my second favorite song on the album is soooo filled with great guitar sounds and an absolute killer bass line. This song almost (note..almost) makes you want to return to bell bottom-skin tight pants, butterfly collars, and platform shoes all while strutting your cool. Absolutely amazing!! Life would not be complete though without me commenting on my favorite song on the album, "Flowers in Bloom". This somewhat techno beat combined with a soft voice delivery makes for an extremely attractive sound. Thoughtful lyrics and a fantastic bridge break also do wonders for this track. Guys, you'll just have to listen to get the full effect. Check out his website link at the top of the page.

RECOMMENDATION: For the open music lover who wants a mix of everything right with music in one CD. Cop this one for sure!!

FUN FACT: Does the last name THICKE sound familar? Well, that's because Robin is actually the son of Alan Thicke, famed dad from the '80s sitcom "Growing Pains". Robin gets his music abilities from his dad, who's penned several '80's sitcoms theme songs. Just keeping you music fans on your toes.

There's Always Room 4 Squares

Ok, so you know how after you cycle through your music collection, you always end up rediscovering an artist all over again? Well, that's what happened today and the talented winner is (drumroll please)....none other than John Mayer. There's a funny story that goes behind my discovery of this young man. The summer after my graduation from undergrad, I came to know a really cool girl who was just as into music (all types) as myself. It just so happened that she was ABSOLUTELY obsessed with Mr. Mayer, who was relatively new at the time and was coming to town that weekend. Of course, she was planning to go, but at the time, she had no one to go with. Although she had been ranting and raving about this young musician all week, I had not ever heard of him and wasn't really tuned up enough to go "pay" to see him. Well, as it turned out, her other friend did end up going along with her to check out the show, but her insistence on this guy's talent, at the very least, coerced me to check him out for myself. After sound checking some of his stuff, I gave a relaxed seal of approval to my friend, but it still wasn't enough for me to "actually purchase his CD". Eerily however, his songs followed me everywhere I went for the remainder of that year until I finally felt so moved as to, well.."actually purchase his CD". Now I am sitting here wondering what took me so friggin' long in the first place. Ok, so lemme break this down....

ROOM FOR SQUARES - this debut by John is a sheer knockout, enjoyable by both twentysomething females looking for love (good, real, sincere love) and twentysomething males that similarly emulate John's awkwardness in finding such love. While love is not big on my agenda currently, John has a very sincere way of conveying relationship situations... obviously credited to his superb lyricism. Track 3 "My Stupid Mouth" for instance, vividly captures the discomfort of a "slip of the mouth" on an already tense, figgedity first date. John not only delivers situational dialogue, but also paints a fabulous description of body mannerisms, nervous behavior, and emotion. You can't help but say "Damn, I've been through a situation just like that!" Not all his songs are about relationships though, tracks like "'83" and "3x5" show the true observer in John, respectively discussing the simplicity of childhood and how memories are so much bigger than any camera or 3x5 could ever capture.

HEAVIER THINGS - John's second effort successfully rids the curse of the sophomore slump, mainly because this boy is very, very talented!! Appropriately titled, this album is a lot more contemplative about life, its moments, and its uncertainties. It's slightly darker, but filled with curiousity and underbearing confidence ("Clarity and Bigger than my Body"). A couple other favorites include "Split Screen Sadness" (very cleverly titled), about a relationship gone wrong with both parties enduring pain of a breakup, and "Daughters", a message regarding the significance of parenting.

RECOMMENDATION: Regarding his music and especially his melodramatic stage presence (his fans know what I'm talking about), no one can do it quite like John. Looking very forward to his next album.

This one's for you, VJ

First off, the more friends, the merrier. I could use the practice and stimulation that goes with writing these. Secondly, who to choose? Well, it kinda depends on what you are in the mood for. As you are probably well aware of, Norah, Shania, and Black Eye Peas are quite different in genre and musical tastes. Norah's great, but she's simulates really old-school (like 1950s/1960s) jazz/blues...good for work and nighttime background music. There's this personal bias with Shania...that I won't even get into :) Black Eye Peas are refreshing, but not sure if I could handle a whole album by them.

Recommendation: Since this is the first time in a long time you seem to buying actual CDs, I say go with Metallica - St. Anger. I heard this album is great (even a classic?), although I by no means listen to Metallica. But, if you're a serious fan, then it's probably wise to go ahead and finish the collection..good or bad, you know? Hope you are not back to square one!!