Rewinding: Whitney Houston's 'My Love Is Your Love'

Whitney Houston. Give me some classic 90’s Whitney any day and I could tell you hours of my musical childhood. The most prime diva artist I was raised on was certainly Whitney. I wasn’t a big Mariah fan. That came quite late with Celine Dion.  But why I chose this 1998 record instead of the forever anthems from The Bodyguard artist is because Whitney showed she was a clever transitional artist without losing any musical integrity. Here she was going for the more urban R&B understated vocals (it was still damn good) route instead of the sappy pop ballads with glass breaking loud long notes ready to be covered on every reality singing show, which she made a legendary career out of. Plus, hip-hop was just about to explode, but instead she still focused on the vocals and wasn’t desperate in needing to have a rapper to be featured on it. Kudos also goes to Wyclef Jean for having such genius in creating this rather simple beat, but it’s just a classic which works in any era. Jennifer Hudson should crucially learn from this record because I personally think this is the type of music she should create. Also, when you dissect this song into pieces, it shows a hybrid of sounds that gives evidence why it stands the test of time. There are the obvious Pop-R&B sounds, but if you listen more closely, there are hints of Reggae in it with touches of old-school throw back soul. This is why records like this are classics because you can’t specify it into a certain genre. It’s like what Michael Jackson has been able to do the best and Whitney is closely behind. Even though of course Whitney will never return to this form again because of the obvious, but she still leaves a catalogue of music that is timeless.

Just Arrived: Kanye West's 'All Of The Lights'

Kanye West. All Of The Lights was one of my favorite records of 2010. The beat is beyond sick. The featuring artists are beyond sick.  And when Hype Williams was attached to direct the video I was like “Kanye is fucking back ruling Top 40 radio and MTV”. But when the video was released I was disappointed. What the fuck was it? Some campy disco 80’s Star Wars text affects meets Riri looking extremely hot, but white as Betty White.  The small section of the song on the epic Runaway video was even more impressive. I wanted explosion, lighting extravaganza or some artistic take which Mr. West has been so legendary these past years. I always hail Kanye as the rapper who has broke the typical “let’s go to the club, throw some money, show off the six-pack and fuck the girls in the hucci mama bikini’s” hip-hop stereotype. He has been able to merge hip-hop culture with fine commercial arts like no other artist in history. But this I felt was a letdown. I understand that the song is so so good that a so so good video might not be necessary, but I think with this song , West could exploit the moment and really really made it into a classic. Yet, I still strongly believe this song and album will be a force to reckon with on the 2012 Grammy’s, but watch out for the ladies- Adele and Lady Gaga. Those two might prompt West to jump up on stage again, but this time the two ladies are real true artist (Swift was also…to a certain extend for me) and West could actually end his career for real this time after so many embraced and apology accepted comebacks.

Just Arrived: Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me'

Britney Spears.  She’s back with Hold It Against Me and I like the concept much more than the Circus album. Don’t get me wrong about being fucking high on my Gaga obsession for the past three years, but I’m a huge fan of Britney. I own all her albums, video concerts and etc.  The video’s futuristic space ship TV land visuals and Britney’s goddessy-like floating up and down was stunning. Director Jonas Akerlund (a Swede-I’m proud 101 moment) elevated Britney’s artistry, but still kept her current bubblegum pop. He didn’t try to make her Madonna in Ray of Light or Gaga in Telephone which he both directed. Yes, I could see some references from Telephone with the static effects and Plenty of Fish product placement, and even Willow’s Whip My Hair paint shooting effect was there, but overall it was still an original concept for Brit Brit. Also, her Mariah-esque Heartbreaker video karate bitch fight against herself was genius. It toughens up her “Hey Y’all I’m from Kentwood Louisiana” exterior. 

However, what makes Britney supreme is her dancing, and it fucking epic failed in this vid and the song itself is much more hard-hitting and genius then the video. Her choreographer Brian Friedman hyped too much on it and don’t blame it on the editing. With even less dancing scene than expected, each scene then should have hit everyone right in the head and explain why she’s the Queen of Pop. And sorry…Gaga does take the crown 100% now. Gaga is a much worse dancer than Britney comparing to her Me Against The Music years, but with her Born This Way Grammy performance+ live singing it was way stronger then Britney in this video. And please, don’t give the shit treatment that she has two children and blah blah blah. There’s a woman name Madonna at 50 and she can still rock a damn 3 hours concert in full force. 

So if Britney really wants to be up there and not only care on her fan base loyalty (which is massive), I suggest she trains more for months and months.  But if she doesn’t care then JIVE records may have to invest more money in paying these expensive directors to direct amazing visual videos for her and for people to forget her dancing, which will never happened. Never. So for now… her album Femme Fatale should be as groundbreaking as Blackout (which I doubt it will be with Dr.Luke producing most of it with Ke$ha beats, which is popular for Top 40 but not innovative enough to reach the classic song stage) because if not then Britney continues to be only the Princess of Pop.

Under the Radar Obsessions: Japayork's 'Teenagers'

Japayork. I’ve known this tune for months now and have been obsessed with it since the first time I clicked play. It’s just a solid feel-good pop tune that brings you into the land of positivity. The song production for an artist not from a major label is inspiring. I’m sure if this song was submitted to Simon Cowell’s  Syco Music offices it would be released by one of his artist in no time. Not only in the UK, but I truly feel it could be a worldwide smash. As for the video, it’s using the lame ‘let’s get fucking hammered on Friday night at an frat house party-esque vibe’. Gaga did this with Just Dance and Ke$ha with Tik Tok. Still, what makes this video stands out is its fashion-blog style cinematography and art direction. Go to nearly every major fashion blog today and you’ll see this pale washed-out vintage color picture effects. By why hasn’t this song become a hit? Apart from not being pushed by a major label….it’s simple. It has everything a good pop song should have, but there’s a million more of this type of song. But I still got major hopes for this tune.

Rewinding: Miike Snow's 'Animal'

Miike Snow - "Animal" from Downtown Music on Vimeo.

Miike Snow. I can’t get enough of this song Animal. Thanks to Rollingstone magazine for raving them as one of the best band in 2009, I just got addicted to this song and their self-titled album. It really puts you in this electronica-mellow world. Yes, they are Swedish and yes I’m playing the bias game again. But my Swedes surely have the credibility to back it up.  The band is made-up of producing team Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg, also known as Bloodshy & Avant, and lead singer Andrew Wyatt. And excuse me, if you know your pop music 101 Bible….Bloodshy & Avant are the one responsible for Britney’s Toxic, Piece of Me and Radar. They are the one who elevated pop music to be more hard-hitting and have an industrial sound to it. But what’s fucking amazing with this song is that it shows how they are really eclectic in their music choices and how they can continuously create new signature sounds. With Animal, it has this sort of underground earthy electronic Brooklyn sound to it while still giving the Stockholm vibe to it. Even though this song is still too fresh to be inducted into my rewinding section, but because of its timeless quality to it…it’s meant to be here.

Just Arrived: Justin Bieber's 'Never Say Never' Video

Justin Bieber. Don’t give me the eeeeeeeewwwwwwwwww treatment. The kid’s really talented. Trust me. Come on! He’s nominated for a Best New Artist nod at the Grammys. Take away all the lame Bieber fever mania with girls (and the sad mothers) ready to turn their voices into the bass octave, and his too perfect hair ready to charge a gazillion dollars for a shampoo’s endorsement, but musically, Justin could actually turn out to have an iconic career. He knows how to play the drums and guitar. He sings R&B anthem with such soul (when Usher agrees, the haters better shut the fuck up) and he cleverly he knows he has to play the pop music manufactured machine at this moment to build his longevity career. Justin, Britney and Christina all did it with the use of the Mickey Mouse Club. Now back to the song from his Never Say Never movie. To already have a film about his life showing in wide release is fucking insane. I mean, this is Beatles mania all over again in 2011. Still, the song isn’t really good. It’s not on the Baby level where you have to admit it that you’ll be humming to it when it comes on. The video itself is also very disappointing. I feel it’s going to be the mini version of the film. I mean, please, why not shoot some scenes in his hometown or his childhood places to give some sentimental feelings for us to see how far he has come. We don’t want to see the same montage of screaming fans over and over again. Anyways, after this project is over, Justin is in a very difficult position. He needs to finally start to transition into a Top 40 radio artist and not Disney Top 40 radio artist. He’s working with Kanye next which I’m so psyched about. It’s ambitious. It’s a real challenge.

Going Live: Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together / Fly Like A Bird" 2006 Grammys

Mariah Carey. I’m continuing my Grammy Awards countdown with the divas. I’m actually quite a sucker for divas singing the big notes, the big hand gestures and the ever-so big standing ovations. My Whitney. My Mariah. My Celine. My 90’s. Anyways, this was a big career moment for Mrs. Cannon. She was on fire creating one of the biggest comeback in music history with her The Emancipation of Mimi album (amazing album) and this performance solidify her standing of being one of the best in the business. We all thought Mariah had peaked already and that she couldn’t recover from the ‘Glitter-I’m cursed with the singer can’t fucking act-gate’ (she truly erased the curse with her acting chops in Precious). Yet, this performance hit the haters hard. I remembered watching this over and over again. It was magical. Every note was on point, the energy was there and of course the ‘Hallelujah Thank you Jesus’ moments were all present. The only hope I have now is that if there’s miracles or ‘Hallelujah Thank you Jesus’ moments again then Whitney could be in this position. But for now she would have to lip-synch.

Under the Radar Obsessions: Neon Hitch's 'Get Over U'

Neon Hitch. I’ve been introduced to this artist for roughly a week and I’m starting to fall for her. She doesn’t offer you the forever classic pop-electronic records, but her sound judging from Get Over U is quite soothing and that’s a plus. A lot of these pop-electronic records on the radio right now are trying to be in the ‘I want to fucking rule the dance floor’ category, which is great, but when a song like this comes along it’s a nice groovy change and keeps you saner without needing to be in club ecstasy mode twenty four seven. As for her presented image in this video, I’m still a bit confused. I don’t know a great deal about her artistry so I’m not sure if she’s selling a made up character or whether she’s being herself. I’m only going to describe it as ‘Ke$ha gone royal folk meets a subtle nod to Adam Lambert’s psychedelic fetish for New Orleans tribal heritage with inspirations from Sia and Madonna’. Whether this song would be a big hit for her, I’m not so sure. She’s competing in a sound lane that it’s tough with so many acts, but it all depends on the future songs she put’s out. We’ve seen this kind of girl on and on again and failed to have a longevity career. My only suggestion is that her next record has to be more hard-hitting, faster and have a lamer mainstream quality. Even though I love love it, this song fits as a second or third single, but for a debut single it’s a bit hard to reach Top 40 listeners.

A Deeper Context: Nicki Minaj Works in the Electronic-Pop Era

Nicki Minaj. I will admit that I’ve always had the tendency to hate pure rap music. I just can’t stand the idea of listening to music where someone just speaks really quickly with no melody, but of course the classic hip-hop records with the damn catchy chorus usually sung by female singers I could buy into (P.Diddy’s I’ll Be Missing You featuring Faith Evans is one my fav). But you know the pure rap lyrics about having “fuck festivals all day all night in countless position and fighting in the projects like tough thugs” aren’t my forte. Maybe I don’t live that type of lifestyle that’s why (I grew up having my parents working in the hotel industry and providing me a damn materialistically fortunate childhood). Then came along Miss. Minaj and everything changed. This woman is saving hip-hop period. She has the ability for me to sit and listen to her whole debut album Pink Friday including the controversial track, Roman’s Revenge featuring Eminem, and just get musically fucking high. People may argue that Roman’s Revenge is a very hard-hitting pure rap track, which yes it is, but it’s Minaj genius of having many outer-egos (die for Martha), which gives her music the entertaining factor.

Roman's Revenge by FlyTy19
What’s also clever about Miss. Nicki is that she’s embracing the current music trend that many old-school rappers are failing to commit (except Jay-Z and Eminem). Nicki is also using pop-electronic beats as the basis of her songs while still fully rapping on her songs which then of course Top 40 radios will find more acceptable. Also, there’s this conspiracy theory in the early 00’s when hip-hop was dominating the charts that pop was shit. But now when pop is back, hip-hop is seen as shit. However, Nicki is merging the two genres together and creating groundbreaking records. It’s exactly the same thing Missy Elliot was able to do during those supreme years of hers and having this crossover appeal. This crossover appeal phenomena also works well for Nicki because she’s taping into new fan bases by being featured on tracks of other artists such as Rihanna who is probably the Queen of Top 40 radio right now. There’s also no denial that Minaj’s popularity has intensified because she’s playing the Gaga cards in trying to be always talked about with her image and create this personality, but like Gaga, they both have the talent to back-up and not taken as a phony. Plus, many rappers (Lil fucking lame Kim especially) is trying to whore for attention and get a few headlines by attacking Nicki, but when an artist is featured on a Kanye West track with Jay-Z and Eminem decides to collaborate on their debut album (also being a female), it tells something special about her. If she does win Best New Artist  in 2012 at the Grammys (she will get nominated 100%) then she’s Queen and Lil’ Kim+ Missy (I do love Elliot very much) can dig their graves.

Rewinding: Aretha Franklin’s ‘Think’

Aretha Franklin - Think by pansen


Aretha Franklin. I constantly wish that the Motown era could be reissued into our lives and on the radio. We currently live in a world filled with computer electronic beats spreading like third stage cancer and an epidemic destroying the essence of real human produced music. Sometimes, I really feel we’re listening to computers singing to us (Ke$ha’s the poster child for this), and that talent doesn’t really matter. But thank god for artists like Cee-Lo and Bruno Mars. Ok getting back from my frustration, I just love to listen to Aretha period. Even though this song is sung on American Idol like a gazillion times, but no one is close to Aretha. Aretha is at the doctorate level and the contestants are still in nursery. With Think, Aretha has the soul passes in her voice that last an eternity. Every time you listen to it you feel this swagger that is so classy. A lot of colored women in the media today are portrayed as these Bronx-esque girls fighting over stupid shit. It’s a stereotype that is disgusting, but with Aretha and the Motown era these colored girls are seen as these glamorous educated statuette ladies. So take note Lil’Kim and the Real Housewives of….any state. You better think.

Under the Radar Obsessions: Ellie Goulding's 'Lights'

Ellie Goulding. In the UK she’s definitely not underrated, but for the rest of the world she falls into the category. Ellie is a pure musical gem. Her folk pop meets airy electronic sound just creates this floating flirtatious atmosphere. Winning the prestigious 2010 Critic’s Choice at the Brit Award and BBC’s Sound of 2010 Poll, Ellie is building a real name for herself. On the heels of releasing her debut album ‘Lights' (platinum in the UK already) in the USA on March 8^th 2011 by one of my favorite labels Cherrytree Records and Interscope Records (Robyn and Gaga), she releases this song and it’s fucking fab. Not to mention that the video completely embodies my artistic eye (doesn’t the video visuals match my blog’s background?). 80’s Bowie meets Warhol space galaxy saturated pop colors are surely my thing. What’s also special with the video is that Ellie is clever in making herself more accessible, not as niche sounding, but still has that special quality that sets her apart. She’s using the same formula as Jessie J (will soon review on her) and could actually break America but in a pop-cult movement sort of way. I’m going to predict that she’s going to have the same success level as La Roux, but her music might not have the longevity in America if she really doesn’t pull out all the stops. There are a lot of artists like her right now with this cute electronic sound on the radio and this minimalistic styled live show, which Ellie somehow has to musically play the electronic stereotype effects in her shows (just like what this video does), but let her magical rich English accent vocals and down simple British blonde girl image be the star because it’s great to see an artist who’s not focusing in the over-the-top image-factory making process.

Going Live: Beyonce's 'If I Were A Boy' 2010 Grammys

Beyoncé Knowles. In honor of the upcoming 53rd Grammy Awards in 11 days (I’m dying to watch Gaga’s Born This Way premiere performance), I’m counting down my favorite performances throughout the years for my Going Live section. Starting off is the incredible, indescribable and the electrifying Beyoncé at the 2010 show singing If I Were A Boy. This diva just fucking works it. From the military, catwalk-esque strutting at the start putting Naomi Campbell into retirement to the flawless singing on the ranks of Mariah and Whitney (not Aretha yet though)- I’m just amazed every time watching this performance. The conviction she puts into it answers why her former DC band mates Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland should only sing at their local cheap beer bars. I mean, tell me exactly who in the history of music has the level of greatness in singing and performing? Ok, maybe Tina Turner to a certain extent, but the intensity Mrs. Carter brings to the stage is too much to handle. And to use the whole Grammy stage with all the glitzy effects, but still making me focused on her the whole time was special. I watched her at the Beyonce Experience concert and had tears running down my face with her Irreplaceble finale set because I said to myself “Finally, I found the artist on the level of Michael Jackson.” Every move she hits I have a rush of adrenaline and every note she hits I just get Goosebumps that a expensive J. Mendel fur coat couldn’t handle it (I’m against fur anyways). What do I expect next from Queen B? To finally sing Telephone with Gaga on stage and make me book myself a room in the ICU since I would be hyperventilating like an asthma god.

Rewinding: Michael Jackson’s ‘Black and White’

Michael Jackson. For my first Rewinding entry I would like to dedicate it to my all-time musical god and hero Michael Jackson. This man shaped my musical life in a profound way that I can’t really explain it. I remember being three and his ‘Dangerous’ album came out with its ultra-stunning videos on MTV and I was just fixated and never looked back. My imported expensive toys were to be in isolation and from then on it was “Mummy I want this CD! Mummy I want to watch this concert!” I mean, I was sitting with 50,000+ people watching his HIStory tour in Bangkok at six years old and still remember the moment I run up in front of the stage during his finale set of ‘Heal The World’ and just cried. Without Michael I would be a shit-wrecked only child who’s parents are divorce, feared by constant bullying for being obese (I’ve slimed down 40 kgs now) and not knowing what to do in life. Sounding melodramatic, Michael Jackson paved my way in life. At four or five when adults ask you “What do you want to be when you grow up?”- I always responded “I want to be in the entertainment industry” and that has never change. I know my priorities in life just like what Michael Jackson knew his at nine going to the Ed Sullivan show with the Jackson 5 for the first time.

A Deeper Context: Robyn’s the Supreme Underrated Artist

Robyn. I’m half Swedish; so excuse me for being slight bias. Maybe really bias, but who cares? Back to Robyn. Why isn’t she the biggest singer right now and selling out stadiums all around the world? I mean, her music is like what crack was to Whitney Houston (Ok, I know she’s sober now, but the voiced is still majorly cracked up to nearly the point where Ke$ha would get a standing ovation at the Grammy’s) for me. It’s addictive, it’s emotional and it puts you in this tranquility place when the pop-electronic beats are still rapidly attacking your ears. Why? Because Robyn has been a genius creating this “Tears on the Dance floor” musical movement where it’s turning into a pop-cult. We associate pop music to Top 40 radio and Miley Cyrus singing like a horse, but Robyn has managed to make her “Pop” type of music elevated into this culture cherished by club kids and people who says “I’m proud that computer produced pop music can heal my soul”. Listen to the lyrics of her first single from the Body Talk album, ‘Dancing On My Own’ (the song on Gossip Girl that Chuck fucks Blair on the piano in Season 4), on full volume and you could literally shed tears. I know I had my moments. It’s sad. It’s therapeutic, but it gives hope for you to say to your soul destroyer “Fuck you. I can live. Will live and live in the most positive human mode possible without you. So fuck you again”. It’s the same with her second single from the Body Talk album, ‘Hang With Me’. The song has a more positive outlook on life with its bouncy beats, but still the lyrics are inspiringly deep. Robyn just really knows how to capture this raw emotion with her really plain pop vocals. It’s just magic you can’t describe frankly.



Every music magazine praised her in 2010 and I’m praising her and pimping her out on Facebook like crazy with countless posts (maybe I have only 150+ friends and I’m not the ‘I need 700 friends to validate my popularity’ type of person), but she’s still a no one. Only Europe and New York City gets her where she’s playing Radio City Hall this year (aim for Madison Square Garden!). The issue with her is simple-her music is too glam sophisticated. Her music is build on creating a vibe with the club scene in mind, but Top 40 music today are music which are produced commercially for people driving their cars to Rodeo Drive for lunch, but then turns into a club hit. Look at Rihanna or Ke$ha. They hire top-notch mainstream producers who craft instant hits. However, Robyn is experimenting with Swedish producers like Kleerup to create sounds that you sort of need to have an intellectual liking for electronic music. What's also special about Robyn's sound is that she subtly fuses many old-school sounds of funk, hip-hop and disco from the 80's that still sounds relevant today and this translates into her live stage persona which I describe as an intense swagger with grimy yet acrobatically sultry qualities. Still, Robyn recorded a track called ‘Time Machine’ with über mainstream Swedish producer Max Martin (Britney’s go-to producer) and the final result was fucking irresistible. It sparked this new pop record which I believe could finally give her the crossover appeal to mainstream territory if she does decides to release it.


Some may say that her silent popularity could be because of her live concert skills are too club-orientated…. Watch. Lady Gaga could be shaking.

Under the Radar Obsessions: James Blake's 'The Wilhelm Scream'

James Blake. He’s certainly one of the ones to watch in 2011. Even though I feel he’ll probably not break into America any time soon or even the rest of the world, but in the UK with their inspiring eclectic taste in music, I’m sure he’ll be everywhere and start this new wave early 90’s jazzy Tears For Fears vocal styling’s fused with hauntingly bombastic electronica sounds. He already won the runner-up price for BBC’s Sound of 2011 Poll for a start losing to only Jessie J (also my obsession) and his first single ‘Limit to Your Love’ already was a minor hit in Europe. I’m curious to see what his artistry has to offer next since this second single still doesn’t give too much away of his slightly underrated persona, but I’m sure in concert he’ll have some subtle theatrics. I’m also impressed on how he’s taking a page from Adele rise to music stardom in the sense that he’s not trying to be scandalous and instead he’s slowly using his universal praises from critics as a way to make a name for himself. As for the video, even though it looks like it was shot with a budget of a single can of Pepsi, but it works for me. It fits with vibe, has this minimalistic feel to it and has these modernistic washed out bright color effects which goes well with my blog’s color scheme 101 at the moment.

Just Arrived: Rihanna's S&M Video

Rihanna. My favorite fire red-haired Barbados superstar bitch (there’s only one. Oh forgot about Shontelle and her ‘impossible’ one-hit-wonder. Well, it was possible). Anyways, getting back to Riri who is so kinky with her new video for S&M. I must admit I still hate the tune. Don’t know why. Maybe because the Stargate produced track is so whoring for “I’m getting controversial, I need the fucking spotlight” attention with the lyrics “Chains and whips excited me”, but please, in S&M we know that whips are used. So don’t teach us a sex class. Anyways, again, I’m not making a good first impression am I? This video is Riri’s best effort to date and credit goes to one of my favorite music video director of the moment Melina Matsoukas. Melina continues to pay tribute to the works of Warhol and Lachapelle with this over-the-top saturated pop-art color effects with androgynous imagery, which I’m certainly inspired. And it’s nice to see a woman being able to have this level of understanding in making good solid pop music video. Plus, there’s a growth in Melina work from her days directing videos such as Gaga’s ‘Just Dance’ or Solange’s (Beyonce’s slightly less famous sister. Maybe not slightly. Majorly…umm, but I love her) ‘I Decided’ video, which now I can see Melina adding more tricks to her sleeve and experimenting more with the colorful art-direction, but still keeping her aesthetic. Also, I adored how this video paid homage to Madonna’s “Hollywood” video (the one that failed), but in a more positive la-la-la way.


Perez Hilton being featured as a slave-esque dog was effing genius. Riri’s is somehow for me working on behalf of the entertainment industry to show what they think of Perez. But sorry, I’m a Perez fan and he sort of discovered Lady Gaga and Lady Gaga to me is…I’m getting teary eyes and I can write 10,000 words one her. So stop it.


However, I feel Riri is crying for attention with this video in a certain degree. Yes, I know Gaga also does it. But I know the song is called S&M and the lyrics is already literal…but is it necessary to show her giving a semi-blow job moment with a banana or man-fucking a blow-up doll? Ok, maybe men appreciates it and have something new to think about while….going to heaven safely. Still, Riri please be classy.


All and all, Riri has now elevated her music video portfolio. It’s still not Gaga, Britney, Beyonce or Madonna’s level, but she’s getting there. The only suggestion I have for her now is to be less literal and make people question “What the fuck is going on in the video” because those video are the iconic ones for me.