By now it should be clear that one of my favorite bands in the world for many years have been Garbage. And no doubt when I heard they were returning to Monterrey for a full concert after that tease @ the MTV World Stage, I prepared myself for the showdown, this time solely devoted to them. And quite a show it was!!
The date: April 16th, 2013
The place: Arena Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
The setlist:
1. Automatic Systematic Habit
2. I Think I'm Paranoid
3. Blood For Poppies
4. Hammering in My Head
5. Control
6. Why Do You Love Me
7. Queer
8. #1 Crush
9. Battle In Me
10. Cup Of Coffee
11. Special
12. The One
13. Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)
14. The Trick Is To Keep Breathing
15. When I Grow Up
16. Only Happy When It Rains
17. Vow
18. Beloved Freak
19. Push It
20. Stupid Girl
21. You Look So Fine
It's incredible the amount of energy these guys have, at their age (Duke Erikson is 62), something having to do with the great chemistry they have as a band. Definitely, they looked the part while on the stage and didn't dissappoint at any minute. With the banging start "Automatic Systematic Habit", they made it clear that this was NOT a night where you have to be sitted.
Shirley Manson is a veteran at this point in life on stage, and certainly made it clear from the beggining. Although she really made some long speeches that I'm positive half of the arena didn't understand, she is obviously in love with Mexico and mexican culture. They made a contest where you have tomade any form of art resembling two very mexican things: Frida Kahlo (she declared to be a fan of her work) or "Día de Muertos" (All Souls Day). And basically, through various assertions, she declared all the thing that made her so attached to our roots, and I appreciated that, for being a nice and a really genuine gesture.
We had the chance to revisit the greatest hits of this magnificient band, as well as songs from their last album. But really, their catalogue is just breathtaking. Hit after hit, the sounds of the people were mixed with those from the instruments morphing into a wave of emotions that flowed all over the place. This music trascends time and space, and effectively teleported us into a world I'd like to call "BeautifulGarbage", as the name of their third album, and the best in my opinion.
There were only a screen behind them projecting videos and collages, and a very decent set of lights. The show was very simple in its manufacturing, but who does it need all that paraphernalia if you have this type of band? Seriously. And they delivere every single note and every single riff as if there's no tomorrow. This is the work of a band that definitely don't take things for granted and show the appreciation for their fans. And I'm humbly thankful for that.
For me, the nostalgia was present since the first song. After listening to them when I was just a teenager (oh, those were the days), this reminded me simpler times and the fact that this was the soundtrack of one of the most special stages of my life. Maybe this would sound melodramatic, but their music was a constant presence during those years, and it is unforgettable. So for me, this band is beyond a "flavor of the moment" band to a "cult" band, if you like.
So definitely it was an awesome concert. And definitely I have proof of that. You are more than welcome to dropping my You Tube page, where you can find the entirety of this show (the whole thing!) It is my duty to let people know how inspiring and commited this band is on stage, and why they have remained as a part of my life with their music.
You know when you say you hate one thing and then you discover this thing is the best thing since slice bread and then you fall in love with it and you don't want to, reluctantly getting away from it and then all of your thoughts and dreams are about that thing you thought you hate and now all you can say is.... "That is so stupid. And sexy. Damn!"
For all you people that still thinks that dubstep is a series of noises and grunts and more noises... Well, you're right. But that's the beauty of it: trying to find some sense on the chaos. And definitely dubstep is as chaotic as it gets, which I think is the main ingredient for rave parties and the like.
Dubstep has been accused to promote the consumption of drugs and I sincerely think that's bullish. I mean, I have went to a lot of raves and even though I've seen people getting high and stuff, I think the most powerful drug is the music itself, so I've never needed a mind-altering substance to put me in the mood. Especially with this type of music.
I don't wanna bore you with the story of dubstep. Suffice to say, Dubstep and pop now seem to be having a symbiotic relation not seen on the past. Well... Circa 2007, an almost demented Britney Spears released what for me is the best album of her career, and one of the gems included in this was the supreme "Freakshow", which would not sound as your standard 2013 dubstep, but definitely includes a wobbly bass line, being that one of the main hallmarks of this rhythm.
And of course, her 2011 single "Hold It Against Me" has a great dubstep breakdown, which really astound me the first time I heard it and it remained my favorite part of the song.
That song has been regarded as the one that introduces dubstep into pop music on such mainstream way, but let's not forget that another artist who took an awesome song (by Avicii, nonetheless), and turn it into a pesudo rap-dance-house-electronica with a dubstep breakdown, and became a monster hit. Of course we're talking about "Good Feeling", a rip-off of "Levels" by Avicii, which also uses a "Something's Got a Hold On Me" sample by Etta James.
Undoubtedly, the most famous dubstep musician is Skrillex. The Grammy-award winner released his first album as Skrillex on 2010, and then became a household figure with "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" and the album by the same name. Dating Ellie Goulding didn't hurt, either, although nowadays he has more fame than her. Anyways, Skrillex has made a cult around him that is spreading faster than AH1N1 virus and remixing songs for such artists as Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, Katy Perry, among others. His latest effort, "Bangarang", also made him win a Grammy for Best Dance Recording and Best Dance album, so definitely big things are coming on his way.
There's more to say of this awesome movement, but I prefer the music (and video) do the talking: if you're into pop (and assuming you're reading this blog for that solely reason) you will enjoy the next selection of pop-meets-dubstep music I gather for your amusement. And of course, if you know more music, please let me know in the comments. That will be highly appreciated. Enjoy!
Bonus! The title of this post comes from a Simpsons episode which I think would be fitting to the first paragraph to this entry. So enjoy this remix of the whole thing. No dubstep, but equally worth it!
When I first heard that Ms. Toni Braxton was retiring from music, I was just heartbroken. How could that be? Refraining from a title of one of her songs, "How could an angel break my heart?" That was just heart-wrenching, soul-crushing and devastating, to say the least (?). Truthfully, she was one of the main stars of the 90's era, a voice so recognizable and exquisite, a real gem of the R&B of that decade.
So for the past two weeks I have been paying homage to this R&B royalty, because it's really amazing what she had accomplished with her music. And although all of her money problems and severe health issues, she is still standing like a true warrior and giving her best at what she does.
Coming from a musical family (The Braxtons, which now are starring on an infamous TV reality show) to stardom as a soloist, Toni is a force to be reckoned. And although her latest efforts (both Libra and Pulse) haven't had the same success has her first albums, that doesn't mean she has lowered her quality on them. Alas, the world of music is a conjunction of good tunes, killer looks AND great promotion, something she had lacked on her recent efforts.
On a similar fashion as Mariah Carey, she started as a baladeer with glimpses of pop music intertwined on her first album, conveniently titled Toni Braxton, a trend that was followed on her most succesful effort, commercially and critically speaking, Secrets. But then things changed and she started to sound more urban and contemporary, losing some of her clothes on the process but never her musical integrity, and that's a positive thing.
To spice things up, Toni decided to make record on a more urban style, and embarked on a journey enlisting some of the heavy weights on hip hop at the time. It's funny to see all those great divas hanging out with all those gangstas that only talk about bitches and hoes and money and buzz, but I guess they were more polite and behaved around them.
But enough of the chit-chatter, let's just enlist my favorite songs from Toni on alphabetical order. Hopefully we coincide on some of the tunes, and if not, please let me know in the comments below:
"Another Sad Love Song" - This was Toni's first top ten hit on Billboard and the song that established her as a musical Prodigy. The song and video are so elegant and provocative at the same time. This is one of the finest examples of the 90's R&B and one of her signature songs.
"Come On Over Here" - A track from the Secrets album, this mid-tempo song reflects a more mature singer that is comfortable with who she is and aware of what she wants. Seriously, this song falls in my category of "Baby-Making Songs" for a reason. It's so groovy. A perfect fit for the mood of this particular album .
"Gimme Some" - This is a track for The Heat and, boy, it's so sultry and steamy as a hot day here on Monterrey, but you know, with lesser icky feeling. Featuring a rap of the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, the innuendo of the song is not so much as other songs from her. She is so straight forward about it, that I cannot see any heterosexual man refusing to this offer. Great song.
"He Wasn't Man Enough" - Lucky me, she just released this song at the time I was so into American music. That year (2000) was one of the best of my life. With a music video that starts so cheesy but evolved into a hip-hop drama starring Robin Givens, of Mike Tyson fame. Definitely one of her signature Works and one of the best songs from this lady. At this point in life, it hasn't lost any of its magic touch, and that's an achievement.
"Hit The Freeway" - This Pharrell - Neptunes effort from the More Than a Woman album encounters Ms. Braxton on a tricky situation with one of her lovers, where she's giving him the finger and taking him out of her life. Why this song had no success, is still a puzzle for me. But it's a really well-made song, and Toni is more in point tan ever. Of course, a little rap in the beggining and that was it. A real gem.
"I Belong To You" - Although her first album is full on ballads, this is easily one of the most uptempo songs from that record, and definitely one of the most alluring. Not a ready-for-the-dancefloor tune, but one that has to be danced slowly with your current lover. I imagine that and gives me chills.
"Let Me Show You The Way (Out)" - Definitely Toni has a preference for songs talking about heartbreaks and deceitful men in her life. But preferably on a rhythmic note. This is by far one of my fave faves from her, it has it all: Groove, great lyrics, and the always great voice of this diva. Using a great sample of "The Impressions", this is definitely a worthy single. Too bad she didn't choose it, but nevertheless the song has a place in my heart forever.
"Lookin' At Me" - As mad as I was for the Pulse album underperforming on the charts, I was blown away on how good the songs off that record were. This song is definitely worthy of a spin, and she sound so confident once again, and her voice amazingly hasn't changed a bit throughout the years.
"Make My Heart" - I'm so furious that this song didn't get the attention it deserves, because, frankly, it is amazing. The 80's vibe of it, courtesy of Evely Champagne, and an equally amazeballs video, depicting all of the 80's cliches in a manner so amusing... I mean, this song was meant to be a great hit, but instead remained as a definitely astonishing and larger than life tune. So maybe in a near future she will sing this song in a concert that I will attend, and that would make my life complete.
"My Ring" - This is not a track that you could find on an album of Toni. It's more like a B-Side that somehow manages to be a great song and then got retitled on the Pulse record as "The Wave". But I enjoy more this version. The theme is about a woman bragging about her new man and of course, her new ring. What else?
"Sposed To Be" - This track from Libra is really another "Baby-Making" song. This type of R&B it's really a trademark for her, and she delivers as a pro.
"Take This Ring" - And of course, we come to the Rich Harrison song, with that Motown vibe that made such hits as "1 Thing" by Amerie or "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé. This is definitely single material, and I'm blown away by the fact that she (or the label, go figure) skipped it. And yet, this song is so infectious and groovy I tend to listen to it like 3 or 4 times each time I'm in the mood for it. I mean, the chorus is just magnificient and makes me wanna move in so many ways, ha! With a sample from "The Meters" and the usage of trumpets and horns, this is guaranteed shaking-and sweating whenever you listen to it.
"Un-Break My Heart" - Officially the first song I heard from her and, boy, never looked back. Making up a word is one thing, but turning into a beautiful concept and traslate all the emotions and feelings that come with it, it's so fantastic. I don't have many words to describe this song (awe-inspiring comes to mind), but it's beyond that. With so many artists covering this song as well as in English as in Spanish, this song became a success for her in so many countries where R&B is not that powerful and thanks to it, she become a full time diva and a superstar in her own right. Eleven weeks at the Billboard Top 100 are a true proof of that. And the song sounds as fresh as the first time, a true test of whether a song is good, great or a classic. This one sure falls in the last category.
Aside No. 1: On the video the actor and model Tyson Beckford made a glorious appearance. I mean glorious! He also appeared on Britney's "Toxic", so there's that. Aside No. 2: Dont' you think Toni looks so resembling of Halle Berry on this picture?I think she does!
"You're Makin' Me High" - A Babyface production, this mid-tempo sure is another entry to my "Baby-Making" songs. And this is because it's so mesmerizing. And enticing. Play this song and I'm sure you will be making love through the whole thing (no pun intended). The video is so fun and boy, those guys are... well. I'm not so keen about the hair-do she's sporting (it looks like a bad wig), but definitely this is a signature song for her and a really splendid one. Play this once and sure you're going to keep it on repeat. A funny thing I just found out: this song was sampled on a Method Man and Redman collabo for a soundtrack of "How High", because, you know, getting high is something those two do on a regular basis. But you don't need weed or anything else to enjoy this fine piece of music.
Summarizing: I think we need more Toni on our lives, and I'm so sad that she's retiring, but I'm confident enough she has plenty of music to give it all to us on a medium term. Meanwhile, we must take a listen to all of her albums to notice how terrific she is and the influence she has had on the R&B world as we know it today.
I will be glad to listen from you, so if you like this post (or not), please let me know on the commentaries. Hope you have enjoyed this post, and you consider giving Toni Braxton a spin on your music player!
Think about it: Both Nicki Minaj and Pitbull had worked with almost everyone involved in pop music nowadays, one way or the other. On collaborations, features, as lyricists or producers, or even doing cameos on the videos and the like.
Except to each other, that is.
(On a side note: I guess Pitbull would never have made it with his real name. No offense but Armando Pérez? Such a common and sterile name on Latin America. End of side note)
Nicki should be the only female artist that has worked with the Holy Trinity of pop (Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, and sue me for saying this). Not even Missy Elliott had done that (she only collaborated on that infamous "Like a Virgin/Hollywood" medley a years ago, but has never produced anything for Spears,but that could change on the short term). Back to Nicki: as I mentioned on a previous post, she worked with the likes of Mariah Carey, who now have become more like her nemesis. But still, she has a strong presence in the charts, and I gotta confess I love her diatribes rhymes on the mic, so crazy and so her...
Meanwhile, Pitbull had made the transition of a latin-white rapper singing odes to women's derriere to... Well, asking politely for such woman posterior 'assets'. Seriously, it's not like he's the well versed man on business, but then who is it? And although he has been accused of practically ripping off classic pop songs into his tunes, you can't deny the man has certain charm and this is confirmed by his current success in the music field.
So the afinity of both artists for collaborations, rapping over pop songs, name-droppings, endorsements with several brands, feuds with colleagues and even lawsuits... All of this has got me thinking (as you may advert, I seem to think of nonsense very much everyday): why these two haven't made a song that will surely blow up the charts? I mean, Nicki is the only female that have had seven songs at the same time on Billboard (as you may assume, six of them were collaborations). And Pit has been in the game for quite a while, so it seems only a matter of time before this occurs.
I think if this happens some day, the result will be very much like this:
So let's start a campaign for this to happen. And then, everything in the world will be settled and who knows? Maybe music will improve for just a moment. (Just kidding. That won't be happening anytime soon. The improvement thing).
