General Music Thread

[dribbler 6]

"General music" question:

Why do many British singers from many different eras sound British when speaking, but American when singing? It blows my mind.

Indeed, it's a good question. Interestingly I sound English when I speak, but American when I type.

I also find it interesting that in many ways, Britian still leads the international music scene and yet our TV shows are not even in the same ball park as many American equivalents. Specifically I think of E.R. versus our apalling version 'Casualty'. It make me cringe more than watching a toddler trying cross a busy road.

On your question; it must be some sort of subliminal intonation in order to gain American acceptance and therefore ultimate popularity. Although the British accent can be charming in some situations (like in 'Four Weddings and A Funeral) in others it can seem down right annoying, cheesy and naive. Imagine Cypress Hill rapping in an English accent; (in the most English accent possible) "When the sh!t goes down, you had better be ready"......

Equally though (and to disagree with myself and therefore make my whole point worthless) some British rappers sound great. A favourite of mine is a Londoner called Skinnyman. The rawness of his accent combined with his subject matter is a very pwerful combination and works beautifully, in my view.

Exploring the theory deeper; maybe singing in an American accent makes it easier for the singer to remove themselves from reality and enter the world of what they might be singing about. No one likes hearing their own speaking voice; maybe hearing yourself be 'you' for Brits is a bit too cringeworthy.

[Massa 0]

That was a much better reply than I ever could have expected to get.

[BradSpeedMan 6]

I love it!

got a bit sceptical with the white angel at the beginning, but I like...

[The Shadow 0]

A different take on a classic

[Rainmaster 7]

Nice!

My favourite cover of that:

[Grabthaw the Hammerslayer 4]

Just listening to the new album from Ultravox - first one in 28 years

Love it.

Going to see them in concert in September.

[Rainmaster 7]

Remains a favourite (longer version is better but yeah).

[Massa 0]

Just listening to the new album from Ultravox - first one in 28 years

Love it.

Going to see them in concert in September.

You've inspired me to go check if that's on Spotify. Like so many other British new wave bands, I enjoy a lot of Ultravox's material (I also like some of the related Visage's stuff, too)...didn't realize they were still doing stuff.

[dribbler 6]

Going to see them in concert in September.

Oh, Vienna?

[dribbler 6]

I was awake at 2am this morning and went through pretty much all of this thread from the start. Makes interesting reading (well, it did for me anyway).

It was also a brutal reminder of some of the posting talent we have lost over the last five years.

[monza gorilla 1]

It never went away, in my house. I clean them with my kipper tie.

Two sugars?

[monza gorilla 1]

This post is dead. Please move along.

[monza gorilla 1]

Currently listening to Jack White and Richard Hawley, who has eaten too many magic beans. And Georgie Fame.

[dribbler 6]

Currently listening to Jack White and Richard Hawley, who has eaten too many magic beans. And Georgie Fame.

Hawley ate beans and Georgie Fame? He'll be spitting blue flames.

I heartily recommend 'Rome' by Dangermouse, which features (amongst others) Jack White.

[Massa 0]

I know I've mentioned Talk Talk before...but I've been rediscovering "Colour of Spring" and I'm absolutely obsessed with it these days. "Time It's Time" is incredible. Great album.

[Grabthaw the Hammerslayer 4]

Oh Eric. Good man. Talk Talk were an awesome band.

Not music to listen to though if you're feeling depressed... If you like them you might like Japan? Same era. Similarly miserable (but good).

Well, another odd and old, old school band you will never have heard of is Tonto's Expanding Head Band. This is 7 years before people had heard of Jean Michelle Jarre and about 10 years before synth-based music became big.

This was 1971 - a multi-timbral orchestra using the world's largest synthesiser. These were the geezers who worked with Steve Wonder on his early albums - Music of My Mind and Talking Book (and feature on some of the tracks).

Currently listening to the new Ultravox album, yes 28 years after their last one. The younger members of the audience will go - who?

All I will say is: "Oh Vienna!!!!....."

Touring this Autumn/Winter.

[monza gorilla 1]

Mmm. the Colour of Spring. Personal choice is "Happiness is Easy" on that album. Spirit of Eden is a bit more challenging to listen to, almost free jazz in execution. As for Japan, never really got into them, but "Ghosts" is superb. Just a shame about the hair.

[Guntherpotbelly 0]

I'm listening to Uriah Heep, stealin' thinking about an old girlfriend and wondering if I should go check out YES at the ampitheatre this weekend.

[dribbler 6]

Yes? This weekend? Whereabouts and who's in the line up?

[Guntherpotbelly 0]

Yes played this saturday at the St. Augustine Ampitheatre. I didn't go on account of my partying Friday spilled over well into Saturday morning and I didn't want to put up with 95 degree temps hung over. The opening act was Procol Harum. Never heard of them. A buddy of mine works there, I'd like to know how much they played off of the 90125 album. Epic friggin album there that brings back good memories of throwing a frisbee with my dad back when I was a youngin.

[Quiet One 15]

Yes played this saturday at the St. Augustine Ampitheatre. I didn't go on account of my partying Friday spilled over well into Saturday morning and I didn't want to put up with 95 degree temps hung over. The opening act was Procol Harum. Never heard of them. A buddy of mine works there, I'd like to know how much they played off of the 90125 album. Epic friggin album there that brings back good memories of throwing a frisbee with my dad back when I was a youngin.

Please tell me this is a sample of British humour.

Otherwise...Steve, pass me the rifle...

[Rainmaster 7]

[The Shadow 0]

[Grabthaw the Hammerslayer 4]

Japan, never really got into them, but "Ghosts" is superb. Just a shame about the hair.

Indeed, I never had enough hair to be a "New Romantic"

If you are ever feeling depressed, just listen to one of David Sylvian's albums (lead singer), it will convince you that you are actually feeling pretty chipper about things

Mick Karn (their bass player) - one of the finest bass players ever (and a demon on a fretless bass) sadly passed away a year or two ago with cancer, practically penniless

[dribbler 6]

Yes played this saturday at the St. Augustine Ampitheatre. I didn't go on account of my partying Friday spilled over well into Saturday morning and I didn't want to put up with 95 degree temps hung over. The opening act was Procol Harum. Never heard of them. A buddy of mine works there, I'd like to know how much they played off of the 90125 album. Epic friggin album there that brings back good memories of throwing a frisbee with my dad back when I was a youngin.

Please delete as applicable;

1. Ha ha, very funny.

2. Please see below.

Please tell me this is a sample of British humour.

Otherwise...Steve, pass me the rifle...

Locked and loaded....