Musical Snobbery at it’s finest

Well kids, it’s that time again. A few takes on the pop/rock charts this week.The first thing to notice was that there are 6 country songs by 5 different artists (two by Taylor Swift, you can add one if you count Kid Rock…I’d prefer not to)

Jazmine Sullivan–Need U Bad: Jazmine has been working behind the scenes for years (and still just 20). With a little help from Missy Elliott, she has a winner of a debut single. She mixes a reggae vibe with her R&B which sets it apart from the pack. She reminds one a bit vocally of Lauren Hill, hopefully she will create more music that is this creative.

Miley Cyrus–7 Things: Thankfully my children are older and I have already gone through that “omygod they are the BEST” phase (Thanks New Kids on the Block and Hanson) so I’ve not had to endure the whole Hannah Montana ordeal. So I come to this with fresh ears having never heard ANY songs from Miley/Hannah. Am not really for sure what to say since all of the girls under the age of 13 will make this another gold record for her. And since I’ve not been 13 for a LONG time, I can’t relate at all to this. Is it catchy? Yep, but catchy doesn’t always mean good. Although after listening a few times (do NOT make me watch the video more than once), I have no doubt that she will have a great career during the rest of her teen years, make tons of money singing about the angst of her 20’s, and then when people stop listening, she will make a comeback in country music.

Demi Lovato–Get Back: Just to prove that even music snobs can be hypocritical, I have to admit this is kinda cool (in a Disney way of course). I think it’s the crunchy guitar licks that get me going like a bowl of frosted flakes in the morning. Just one question sticks in my mind however. Does it bother anyone that many rappers are condemned for influencing young girls to be objects of desire by men, while Disney keeps churning out product that influences young girls to be mindless objects of desire by Madison Avenue? I’m just sayin….

The Flobots–Handlebars: Unless your a folk singer, or a rapper who is into social change, music with a message usually doesn’t float my boat. Mainly because many fall into the trap of sounding the alarm SO much, they become shrill. I had never heard of The Flobots (out of Denver) before, but am very impressed with their skills. Music that is not your normal top 40 fare, but also which can’t get out of your head (like it or not). To top this off, a political message that just goes to show them as artists who not only give a damm, but can explain musicially where they stand. Like their politics or not…I find that refreshing and inspring. (and for once…a video that is as powerful as the song)

David Archuleta–Crush: Two years ago I spent an entire season watching American Idol (season 6, 9, 12??….I honestly can’t remember) and remembering how it seemed that the person who won it (Jordan Sparks) wasn’t the most talented. That soured me on it a bit, so paid little attention to it this year. I have no idea where Mr. Archuleta ended up and except for family stuff behind the scenes and seeing the video of Imagine (which he knocked out of the park by the way…) I don’t have a strong opinion of the pro/cons between him and Mr. Cook. Saying that however, this is a strong debut in my opinion. The music playing to the strengths of his tenor, and not being SO teen driven, that it allows a chance for him to grow and develop. Will be very interested to hear more. Now if we can only get Archuleta’s dad, the Lohans, and Lynne Spears on a slow boat to China.