Monday, February 15, 2010

Worldwide disaster

Artists for Haiti
"We Are The World 25" single

Released: February 12th, 2010






If this song represents who we are in the world, I'm purchasing real estate on Neptune. Although well-intentioned, this vapid cover of Michael Jackson's sing-along is a seven minute disaster of Haiti proportions. Instead of embarrassing themselves in a Hollywood studio, these musicians should have flown to Haiti in their private jets and actually lent a hand.
Opening with creepy 15 year old YouTube sensation, Justin Bieber, this classic is off to a doomed start. As with the original, a who's-who in music trade verses and duet. However, this poorly planned cover is missing a complete lineup of A-list stars that made the 1985 version such a success. Surprisingly absent are Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Bono etc. Sure, the 2010 version has Pink, Mary J Blige and Jennifer Hudson, but not even they can stop this train wreck. One cringes as Celine Dion takes over Cyndi Lauper's iconic hiccuping, or when Janet Jackson sings along with Michael's original verse. And don't get me started on the ridiculous rap interlude and auto-tuned vocals of T-Pain and Lil' Wayne. It is the definition of blasphemy.
I wish I could be proud of buying this song for $1.29 to help those in Haiti. However, I feel cheated and am going to donate money through someone else.

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