May 2011
5 posts
Crossover I did for Prince
(What I’m listening to as I write: Rachael Yamagata, Adele, Imogen Heap)
I had an incredible time at Prince’s concert last night. I think I may have indeed become a fan. And so in my exploration of crossing over from liking an artist to fandom, the test really comes when you see a live performance. What’s fascinating about Prince though is not only his genius music talent, but his performance, how he collaborates and spotlights others in his eclectic crew, and that dang sex appeal. Hearing most of his major hits, it was like taking a walk down memory lane.
The cross over from liking an artist to becoming a fan
(What I’m listening to as I write: Tool, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden - I’m on a bit of 90’s alt rock kick)
If you ask one out of two people in LA this week or last, they will tell you that they went to see or are going to see Prince. Count me as one of ‘em. I’m going to see Prince at The Forum tonight and while I’m not a FAN, I do like him. But, frankly the tickets were so cheap ($25 bucks!) and I’m going with great friends who got me a ticket, I couldn’t pass it up. Which made me wonder, why did I not seek out to go see him in the first place? And what would it take for me to become a ‘fan’?
When I’m a fan, I listen intently, dissect, analyze, play and replay a track that I like until it’s like part of my bloodstream. No, really. I get that into it. I do this with artists I love that I’m a hardcore fan of (i.e. Ryan Adams, David Gray) and those who are just intriguing and have my fandom potential (i.e. Lissie, Cold War Kids). I have several levels of fandom for many different artists, but then there are those like Prince, Depeche Mode and other acts that have been in town the last few years, that I’m like ‘eh, I don’t know.’ But one recently won me over, and crossover I did: John Mayer.
It started with someone inviting me to go see John at the Hollywood Bowl and I sarcastically declined with a ‘No thanks. I rather eat my $125 bucks.’ So I didn’t go. Then on a flight back from NY on Delta, there was John’s Battle Studies featured among other full CDs to listen to. Backing up a bit, the reason I was kinda skeptical about John to begin with was because of some of the super poppy overplayed stuff on the radio. Then he did that song with Taylor Swift and I was just a tad turned off by the pairing of a bubble gum girl (though she does write) with a supposed brilliant songwriter and guitar god. (Then I ran into Taylor Swift at my local Starbucks, that’s another blog post :) But, in listening to Battle Studies (and skipping through the radio singles at first), I came to appreciate John’s voice, hearing nuances that I had not heard before and would’ve missed because of my impression of him. His words and meter were perfectly woven into his melodies and before I knew it, I was playing it over and over. It was a six-hour flight back, but all I listened to that day were two albums: John’s and The National (another blog post.)
So with all that, let’s see what happens tonight with Prince. Will he win me over and make me cross?
Music is everything, New tunes from women that rock
I cannot imagine my life without: MUSIC. And specifically new(ish) music I’ve discovered by some great front-WOMEN. So check it out, in no particular order and listing just 1 track each because these gals are all around amazing! Hope you like- I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Family of the Year - Psyche or Like Scope
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0_wEMnvcqQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Beach House - 10 Mile Stereo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-rYQRxzaJM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Skunk Anansie- Because of you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBa7FfEY-gw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Lissie - When I’m Alone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fXHGx98cLA&feature=relmfu
Metric - Help I’m Alive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we_czU9sJ3g&feature=youtube_gdata_player
