It can be hard, coming to new music when you're feeling cranky and under the weather. Michigan is currently living up to its reputation and changing seasons every other day, and I've got the sinus headache that usually accompanies such variations in temperature and humidity. But I still had to sit down and give this week's single a shot, and hopefully a fair one.
I didn't have my hopes up. I'm really quite a baby when I have sinus issues.
So imagine my surprise when I found myself really getting into the song. And I really was surprised; everything about the iTunes description had me on edge, expecting the same sort of dreck that has been all too common that past few weeks (with a few notable exceptions, of course; I'm looking at you, Brandi Carlile). This was at least the 3rd song that I can remember iTunes describing as "70s", "old soul", or even "hip hop." This could just be my cranky-sinus opinion, but it seems to me that either iTunes needs a new single selector, one who can change up the sound and genre of their featured singles, or they need a new thesaurus.
Before we get to the rundown, I want to introduce the new feature that will accompany each "Single of the Week" countdown. It will be called, because I'm not terribly creative at the moment, "Single Flashback," and it will feature the top five songs from the current week 5, 10, 15 (or more) years ago. The trick is, each song will be identified by a lyric from the song, which means your job will be to identify the song based on the lyric provided. Hopefully, good times will be had by all. If you have any ideas about how to make the game more interactive, or if you have a better title for it, by all means, leave me a comment and let me know!
Now, on to the single...
What's the song?
Kiss the Sky
Who's the artist?
Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra (featuring Nino Moschella)
What's the genre?
iTunes says "electronica," but I think that's their narrow way of referring to an artist that's primarily instrumental (he uses a guest vocalist on this track). Or perhaps I have a narrow view of what electronica really is.
What does iTunes say about it?
"Anyone expecting an array of bouncing ping-pong balls mic'ed up and put through an auto-tuner is liable to be disappointed by our free Single of the Week. That said, if you're more interested in funky breaks and innovative loops set to smoky soul tunes-you're in the right place. Taking inspiration from ‘70s film scores, classic hip-hop, and gritty old soul, Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra rocks the house."
What's it sound like?
Sadly, I was sort of hoping for ping pong balls; I thought it could be a great classic in the vein of Hot Butter's "Popcorn," but I admit fully that I may be the only person in the world who would view that as a positive.
My first instinct was to say, "this sounds like Gnarls Barkley," but since I used that comparison not too long ago I didn't want to also fall into the same repetitive trap that iTunes has fallen into, so I briefly checked the comments available on the iTunes page. Several people also made the same comparison, which at least makes me feel validated, if not original.
The truth is, iTunes isn't really off in their description; Lee is a screen composer, with the Desperate Housewives and Malcolm in the Middle scores the two that Allmusic.com chooses to highlight. Lee's music has definite ‘70s orchestral vibes, from the tinny riff (played on an instrument I'm having trouble identifying, so if you know what it is let me know) to the creeping bass line, falsetto vocals, and background chorus; the processing is modern electronica; the beats are classic hip hop.
How does it work as a single?
I liked it; this means, it would likely not get a lot of radio play. The general iTunes reaction ranged from fascination to boredom to distaste. Few commenters loved it outright. I can see it showing up on a soundtrack, however, and earning a lot of downloads that way.
How about a whole album?
I would be interested. It's my kind of mood music.
I kind of like this song-what's another similar single I should check out?
Just for the fun of it, I'm gonna go with "Boogie Monster" by Gnarls Barkley, but it's not quite as laid-back as the Shawn Lee piece.
Forget the rest of that-what's the bottom line?
You'll feel like you're in a movie.
This means it's time for our new feature: Single Flashback!
10 years ago, on March 22, 1997, these five songs were at the top of Billboard's Hot 100 chart. How many can you identify?
Note: I will avoid putting the title in the quoted lyric, unless it is determined to be too difficult. If that is the case, subsequent lists may include the title. We'll have to see how it works out.
1. Do you think you snake me, cause they hate me?
Or he got his Ph.D; Player Hater's Degree? (Ahaha!)
Can't nobody take my pride...
2. If you want my future forget my past,
If you wanna get with me better make it fast,
Now don't go wasting my precious time,
Get your act together we could be just fine
3. You took your coat off and stood in the rain
You were always crazy like that
I watched from my window
Always felt I was outside looking in on you
4. Undo this hurt you caused
When you walked out the door
And walked out of my life
Un-cry these tears
I cried so many nights
5. I got this feeling, and I just can't turn it loose
That somebody's been getting next to you
I don't want to walk around knowin' I was your fool
'Cuz being the man that I am
I just can't lose my cool
Think you know what the answers are? Leave a comment! Next week, I'll post the answers with the name of the first commenter to correctly identify the song. Good luck!
Sarah Erlewine, Music Correspondent:
Sarah's column, Single of the Week, published every Wednesday to Gather Essentials: Music (http://music.gather.com) is a look at the latest up-and-coming singles highlighted on iTunes and available for free download.
Sarah Erlewine has previously written for the All Music Guide. In her daily life, she is a technical writer for FerrisStateUniversityin Big Rapids, MI.
You can find all of Sarah's columns at http://www.gather.com/singleoftheweek .
Keep up with Sarah's other postings and Gather activity by joining her Gather network -- just click here http://sarahe.gather.com and select the orange "Connect" button on the left-hand side of the page.
You'll find Sarah and other Music Correspondents plus celebrity content and plenty of other music buffs at Music.gather.com.
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Comments: 7
But yeah, I really like "The Story" too. I found myself listening to it several times even after the column was posted. I even made my sister listen to it, which, as we all know, is the best way to get anyone to like a song.
I meant to post a reply to you yesterday, but looking back I realize i didn't. I'm glad you like the new Flashback feature, but aren't you going to post any guesses? Come on, it's more fun that way!
#3 Alanis Morrisette