Since Esthero gets at least partial credit for my technological epiphany, I suppose her music deserves some attention. The title track is is a rambling pop/rock thing that delivers its message with Esthero's R&B-inflected voice. While it isn't, in and of itself, revolutionary, it does build up a considerable head of steam. "Everyday Is A Holiday (With You)" is more of a mid-tempo song done with Sean Lennon. Funny how the staccato piano chords sound so Beatlesque. I don't know if Esthero is going to make it big, but dang, her voice (especially when 'soft') is a beautiful thing. "Gone", which features Cee-Lo Green, wouldn't sound out of place on a Lauryn Hill record. I love,love,love the acoustic guitar intro (though the fake vinyl LP static effect has to go.) "This Lullabye" has a sorta bossa-nova feel going on. "I Drive Alone" is a more typical "modern R&B" tune. The closing bonus track has a very cinematic, ambient wash to it. Esthero's voice bathing in all that reverb is more than just a little bit sexy.
What really struck me about this CD was that the diversity of the songs is exactly what's missing from modern radio. Let's hope that the revolution is indeed just around the corner.
Now, anybody got any recommendations on what iPod I should get?
(For more Blogcritics reading on Esthero, click here.)
Article comments
1 - Jason @ Insomnia Radio
I'll buy Esthero's album solely based on that lyric :-)
My podcast, Insomnia Radio, has the tagline 'KILL YOUR F.M.' and I think you'll find that we feature an excellent selection of indie music, devoid of corporate radio and RIAA aftertaste.....
Great article, happy that you found podcasting!
2 - Tom Johnson
Mark, pull out all the stops and get the 60gb Photo Ipod. Forget the "Photo" tag - it's the space that matters. Apple just lowered the price on these puppies to $449 (but they don't include the dock (no big deal) or the Firewire cable (USB only - not a huge deal, either.)) Had I known, I might have held out another couple of months. $599 was just too much for 60gb, but $449 is pretty fair. If you're on a budget but still want space, the 40gb models should be discounted, as Apple will no longer be making the 40gb non-photo Ipod. Oh, and Amazon has a deal where if you sign up for their credit card you get an additional $30 off.
As for the non-Ipod contingent, I'm wary of them. I did a lot of research (3+ months) before I settled on the Ipod as my DAP, and I know there are plenty of very happy owners of competing brands, but there's a lot more owners of Rio and Creative models that have had their hard drives crap out for absolutely no reason, or parts break off. Apple may be the brand to show off, but they dominate the market for more reasons than just vanity.
The best thing you can do is go to a store that has several examples of the various players and actually get them in your hands, powered up, so you can see how it works. Once I held the Ipod and played with the menu system, I was sold.
3 - Mark Saleski
yep, when i get the bucks, i'll probably go for the biggest one available.
4 - sydney
Esthero is amazing. Her first album was a gem. It was popular in Canada but not quite so in the US, despite earing her opportunities to work with all the bug name stars in the US.
Thier will be no musical revolution untill the media and distribution companies are broken apart. Too much power consolidated into about 5 corporations. These companies, not the buying public, control the quality that the mainstream access (contrary to popular belief).
However, popular music will change styles every so often, but the stuff inthe mainstream will always be the safest and most mundane we have to offer. Thats what happens when you have a copoprate music culture.
(excuse my spelling.. lazy)