skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Mika
"We Are Golden" single
Released: September 6th, 2009
I'm not sure what is more of a mess: the song or the music video that accompanies it. The two are pretty despicable. First of all, let me make it clear that I typically adore musicians that aren't afraid to be flambo
yant and over-the-top. And I didn't think Mika would be an exception to that rule... however he has gone so ridiculous it's absolutely cringe-inducing. "We Are Golden" assaults the listener with Mika's schizo falsetto and shrieks, a screaming children's choir, a creepy spoken word bridge to the chorus, and cheesy lyrics full of self-empowerment and teenage triumph. And that's just the song. I can't ignore the alarming music video. The video is set in a children's bedroom chock full of teddy bears, toys and colorful masks/props... OH, and Mika dancing in his underwear. I'm sorry, but it just freaks me out when a scantily-clad grown man is prancing about in his boxers in a child's room. No matter how innocent the intent of this video may have been, it's just down right disturbing.Watch music video
Dolores O'Riordan
"No Baggage" album
Released: August 24th, 2009
Throughout popular music there have been several lead vocalists who have gone solo and been successful (Beyonce, Stevie Nicks, Justin Timberlake...to name a few.) Then there have been those who just can't seem to distinguish themselves from their former band members. Which brings us to Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries. Since the band's hiatus in 2003, O'Riordan has struck out on her own.
On her second solo album, "No Baggage," O'Riordan crafts some wonderfully harmonious tunes. The album kicks off with the one-two punch of "Switch Off the Moment" and "Skeleton." From here, the songs waiver between soft piano driven ballads and world-music inspired jams. Unlike her first solo effort, O'Riordan is taking some risks that separate her music from the Cranberries. The hypnotizing tribal beats of "Throw Your Arms Around Me" is one of the album's highlights. However, the tunes are still missing the beautiful guitar hooks and shimmering pop moments of the work with her former band. Perhaps it's no coincidence then that on the day this album was released, O'Riordan announced the Cranberries were reforming for a tour and recording a new album. O'Riordan's solo work is definitely worth a listen, but thankfully she's returning to the band that made her famous.
Watch music video for "The Journey"
yant and over-the-top. And I didn't think Mika would be an exception to that rule... however he has gone so ridiculous it's absolutely cringe-inducing. "We Are Golden" assaults the listener with Mika's schizo falsetto and shrieks, a screaming children's choir, a creepy spoken word bridge to the chorus, and cheesy lyrics full of self-empowerment and teenage triumph. And that's just the song. I can't ignore the alarming music video. The video is set in a children's bedroom chock full of teddy bears, toys and colorful masks/props... OH, and Mika dancing in his underwear. I'm sorry, but it just freaks me out when a scantily-clad grown man is prancing about in his boxers in a child's room. No matter how innocent the intent of this video may have been, it's just down right disturbing.
