If U Seek Amy

I have tried very hard to resist writing about this. A topic so ridiculous is better left ignored. Spared from the glory of discussion. However, I can no longer keep up the fight. We all know that Britney Spears is finally making a comeback. How long will it last? No one can say for sure. How long can anyone in the music industry resist drugs and alcohol? My point exactly. But alas, I digress. The source of my disgust is a sole track on her new album "Circus". The first two singles have skyrocketed up the charts. "Womanizer" and the title track "Circus" are rambunctiously satisfying musically and maybe even lyrically for those who judge music on the surface. In short, they are hits. Hits that have garnered Britney the positive attention she has so long been in need of. Then, in true Spears fashion, controversy ensued. The third single "If U Seek Amy" brought a surge of censorship debates. As much as I am horrified that this passes as a song, a piece of music. I am equally embarrassed to admit the cleverness of the writers and producers. The verses describe a frantic search for "Amy" in a club. However the chorus seals the deal and the fate of the song. The line "all of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek amy". Herein lies the problem. The song obviously has a vulgar meaning. The song is obviously free of profanity. Radio stations last I heard are doing what they choose. Some are choosing not to play it. Others are censoring it in some way or another. At this point, I have two arguments. First, what good does a single like this do for Britney. It is true that all the curiosity will boost sales of the single and most likely the album. On the other hand, why break a streak of strong singles with a song that some stations won't even play? My next argument could be considered the other side of the fence I suppose. Is this song any different than Flo Rida singing about a girl swinging "right round" on a pole? No profanity. Apparent meaning. There are a whole list of other songs that would fit this bill. I gather from this fact that we have run out of creativity. Or possibly there is a shortage of analytical listeners.

All I Ever Wanted

The idea of compiling songs for an album fascinates me. There are millions of songs to choose from out there. Thousands that could be sung by the artist doing the album. I love collecting every album from an artist and hearing them grow. American Idol contestants add extra pleasure due to their overly structured contracts. The first album is seldom the best. They really shine when they are allowed to find themselves. The executives at RCA make money from the debuts simply from the show's success. The artist within the singer doesn't come out until they are freed of their Idol chains. I've recently bought albums from two show alums, Kellie Pickler and Kelly Clarkson.
Pickler's first album was cute and fun. It played heavily on her country roots and less on true emotions. "Red High Heels", the first single, was co-written by Kellie and in my opinion the best representation of her as an artist. Although there is something to be said for "I Wonder", also written by Kellie. Such a personal song rarely makes such a splash on the charts. She recently released her follow up. The self titled record paints a more personal and whole picture. The album manages to have fun, but still be real. My personal favorites are "Going Out In Style" and "Rocks Instead of Rice".
Kelly Clarkson just released her fourth album. In true Idol fashion, Kelly was made to represent "Thankful". Kelly didn't make it. Execs did. They got their money. When "Breakaway" rolled around and Kelly showed off her writing talents true hits were made. What I love about Kelly Clarkson's music is that it is growing with her. She had a rough time in her life. She turned the angst into "My December". "All I Ever Wanted" just hit my CD player and it will not be leaving for sometime. It is the perfect mix of emotions within the same genre. I hate artists that sound rock on one song and country on the rest. The rock song always gets released and becomes a hit. When you buy the CD you are completely let down with the rest of the repertoire. "Headstrong"by Trapt comes to mind. The hit single completely unrepresentative of the album.
The best plan of action with American Idol contestants is to listen for the singles from the first album and save up for the entire second, third, etc. albums.

A&R is calling my name the more I think about the career world.

Radiohead vs. Miley Cyrus

Apparently at the Grammy's Miley Cyrus was turned down by Radiohead for a meet and greet. Then Hannah Montana went on a radio show and announced her plans to "ruin" the band. Can we talk here? Let's discuss your place in the industry and theirs. They win. However, it is true that Kanye West among others has been snubbed by the Brits. Basically, Radiohead needs better manners and Miley Cyrus needs to learn she doesn't rule the world. Shocking, I know.

Rihanna

You have probably heard about the fight that broke out between Chris Brown and Rihanna. Rihanna was badly bruised, suffering from swollen eyes and busted lips. The pictures popped up everywhere within days. Chris Brown was arrested under domestic abuse charges and then released under 50,000 dollars bail. Tonight I hear that Rihanna and Chris have "reconciled". This is obviously a career move for Chris Brown. The prosecution's case in unraveling before the country's eyes. What I can't figure out is what Rihanna gets from this. If anything good could come from the incident she got more face time than ever before and it was personal not work related. People felt sorry for her and were rooting for her. Now? We think she is an idiot.