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Sound Opinions, being the scholarly work it is, has provided footnotes to help you navigate through the show's vast maze of musical knowledge.
Because, let's face it—sometimes even we have no idea what the heck Jim and Greg are talking about.
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11-14-08 Footnotes
Show 155: Bubblegum Pop, Reviews of Beyonce and The Knux
Listen to the MP3 Stream of this show: (link)
Download the Podcast: (Download the MP3)
1 A glance at the numbers coming out of the traditional music industry institutions don’t paint a pretty picture. But, as Jim and Greg explain, for everyone outside the major labels and distributors, 2008 hasn’t actually been such a bad year. Apple is reporting a 34% increase in sales. This includes iTunes downloads as well as players and accessories, but compare these stats with the 20% dip the record companies are reporting, and you get even more proof that the old model needs tweaking.
2 There’s another surprising news item coming out of the digital music realm. If you had asked Jim and Greg years ago to bet on what artist would dominate digital music sales today, they would never have guessed Journey. The power balladeers’ 1981 hit “Don’t Stop Believin’” just became top selling catalog track in iTunes history with over 2 million downloads. How did this song eclipse heavy hitters like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Bohemian Rhapsody?” Greg attributes the song’s late blooming success to 3 things: its association with the Chicago White Sox, its use in the Sopranos’ finale, and its use during Kanye West’s most recent tour. Jim would prefer to never have to hear from Journey again, but Greg will defend the song’s catchiness, particularly that unforgettable keyboard riff.
3 In sadder news, South African singer Miriam Makeba died last week at the age of 76. Greg says that Makeba is to South Africa what Edith Piaf, Mahalia Jackson and Celia Cruz are to their home countries. Her passion for South Africa and for all of the continent mirrored her voice and her music, and in the case of her recording contract, jeopardized it. Makeba is best remembered through the conviction you can hear in songs, so Jim and Greg play the updated version of “Pata Pata” from her 2000 album Homeland.
4 Bubblegum Pop acts like Miley Cyrus and The Jonas Brothers are all the rage now, but a look back at the history of rock shows that teen and tween-oriented acts have always dominated the charts. Ever since music executives discovered how successful you could be marketing to kids, they have been manufacturing Bubblegum Pop acts for each new generation. But while not all of these teen idols can claim to be artists, many produced terrific, upbeat, well-crafted songs. Here are some of Jim and Greg’s favorites:
Ricky Nelson
1910 Fruitgum Company
Ohio Express
The Archies
The Banana Splits
Jackson 5
New Edition
Boys II Men
Backstreet Boys
Justin Timberlake
Naked Brothers
Hilary Duff
5 Beyonce and her alter-ego have a new album out called I Am…Sasha Fierce. The album contains two discs, one comprised of ballads (the Beyonce side) and one comprised of funkier, up-tempo tracks (the Sasha Fierce side). Greg explains that Beyonce has reinvented being an R&B diva in the 21st century by putting the emphasis on songs. But, that’s where this release falls through for him. The songs are not as strong, and he doesn’t buy the Sasha Fierce attitude. For Greg this is a Trash It. Jim couldn’t disagree more. He thought the ballad side had surprising range. Another pleasant surprise was Beyonce’s take on europop dance music. The second disc is full of great party tracks, and Jim recommends listeners Buy It.
6 The Knux is a hip hop brother act originally from New Orleans. Their new album Remind You in 3 Days follows the release of a successful MySpace hit “Cappuccino.” Jim admits that they aren’t the greatest of rappers, but he was blown away by their enthusiasm. That enthusiasm extends to the inventive production as well. Greg agrees, calling the duo “audacious.” But he notes that while they bring in lots of reference points, they are completely unpolished in a refreshing way. Both critics give The Knux debut a Buy It rating.
Songs Featured in Show #155
Kanye West, "Heartless," 808's and Heartbreak, 2008
Journey, "Don't Stop Believing," Escape, 1981
Miriam Makeba, "Homeland," Homeland, 2000
Miriam Makeba, "Pata Pata 2000," New World Party, 1999
High School Musical 3, "Now or Never," High School Musical 3: Senior Year, 2008
The Dixie Cups, "Iko Iko," Chapel of Love, 1964
Ricky Nelson, "Believe What You Say," Ricky Sings Again, 1959
The Ramones, "Little Bit O' Soul," Subterranean Jungle, 1983
Ohio Express, “Yummy, Yummy, Yummy,” Ohio Express, 1968
1910 Fruitgum Company, “Simon Says,” Bubble Gum Music Is the Naked Truth, 1969
The Archies, “Sugar Sugar,” Billboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1969
The Banana Splits, “The Tra La La Song,” 1968
Jackson 5, “I Want You Back,” Chartbusters, Vol. 2, 1963
New Edition, “Cool it Now,” New Edition, 1984
Boys II Men, “Water Runs Dry,” II, 1994
Backstreet Boys, “I Want It That Way,” Millenium, 1999
Justin Timberlake, “Rock Your Body,” Justified, 2003
Hillary Duff, “So Yesterday,” Metamorphosis, 2003
Beyonce, "If I Were A Boy," I Am...Sasha Fierce, 2008
Beyonce, "Diva," I Am...Sasha Fierce, 2008
Beyonce, "Irreplaceable," B'Day, 2006
The Knux, "Cappuccino," Remind Me in 3 Days, 2008
The Knux, "The List," Remind Me in 3 Days, 2008
Kanye West, "Robocop," 808's and Heartbreak, 2008
Jodeci, “My Phone,” Forever My Lady, 1991
The Eagles, “Take It Easy,” Eagles, 1972
Cocteau Twins, “Lorelei,” Treasure, 1984
The Vivian Girls, “Where Do You Run To,” Vivian Girls, 2008
My Bloody Valentine, “Sometimes,” Loveless, 1991
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