Tone Deaf
Matt Bishop
Issue date: 4/11/06 Section: Voices
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I once had the criticism the genera of the heavy scene and the growling vocals were just a cover for uncreative artists with no ability to actually write thought-provoking, coordinated lyrics.
Upon further exposure, I learned the vocals used as another instrument gives the work a dynamic. Using the range of deep and scream with the ability to enunciate is a trick. Almost every band is impossible to understand on a first run. You basically have to sit down with the lyrics in front of you while you listen and then it becomes clear…well, cloudy instead of dark at least. The light of understanding may be the distinction that defines a true fan. Often the message doesn't turn out to be the expected hate, misery or anger…but more frustration, disappointment and pain. The distinction seems blurred, but in reality isn't it? Many in this scene ride the fence on both sides.
I still listen to my typical indie and folk rock, but the lyrics seem sugarcoated now. Writing for sales? Possibly. But I guess you can make that argument for almost any musical genre. A passing thought that some of these artists actually like the music they write. Certain bands make me reel at the possibility. Honestly certain sounds seem ludicrous. The overly sappiness of James Blunt, the heavy twang of Clint Black, the thoughtless lyrics of Justin Timberlake, the overall horror of The Darkness and the despised willingness to completely sellout a fan base like Avenged Seven Fold (A7X). Each has a distinct and strong following, none of which I understand. I guess I get why certain people listen to it; just not my bag, I guess. Packaging is key.
So James Blunt and Clint Black can write, but are their voices really any good? Blunt still sounds like a whining bistro musician. And even though I am from BFE, I never understood the draw, or drawl, toward the hick country sounds.
Justin Timberlake has a look for the ladies, specifically twelve year olds, but what else? I guess at that age, the girlies aren't thinking about quality. He really needn't pollute my airwaves. Maybe turn into a Ryan Seacrest clone and go be another new style game show host. I still say Bob Barker is the best.
Upon further exposure, I learned the vocals used as another instrument gives the work a dynamic. Using the range of deep and scream with the ability to enunciate is a trick. Almost every band is impossible to understand on a first run. You basically have to sit down with the lyrics in front of you while you listen and then it becomes clear…well, cloudy instead of dark at least. The light of understanding may be the distinction that defines a true fan. Often the message doesn't turn out to be the expected hate, misery or anger…but more frustration, disappointment and pain. The distinction seems blurred, but in reality isn't it? Many in this scene ride the fence on both sides.
I still listen to my typical indie and folk rock, but the lyrics seem sugarcoated now. Writing for sales? Possibly. But I guess you can make that argument for almost any musical genre. A passing thought that some of these artists actually like the music they write. Certain bands make me reel at the possibility. Honestly certain sounds seem ludicrous. The overly sappiness of James Blunt, the heavy twang of Clint Black, the thoughtless lyrics of Justin Timberlake, the overall horror of The Darkness and the despised willingness to completely sellout a fan base like Avenged Seven Fold (A7X). Each has a distinct and strong following, none of which I understand. I guess I get why certain people listen to it; just not my bag, I guess. Packaging is key.
So James Blunt and Clint Black can write, but are their voices really any good? Blunt still sounds like a whining bistro musician. And even though I am from BFE, I never understood the draw, or drawl, toward the hick country sounds.
Justin Timberlake has a look for the ladies, specifically twelve year olds, but what else? I guess at that age, the girlies aren't thinking about quality. He really needn't pollute my airwaves. Maybe turn into a Ryan Seacrest clone and go be another new style game show host. I still say Bob Barker is the best.
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