Ashlee Simpson- Page 3

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:09am

Who deserves the contract is one thing - who will sell records is completely another. And that is absolutely the fault and responsibility of the American public.

Updated On: 1/6/05 at 10:09 AM

[ckeaton]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:11am

Perhaps...
But if you're making an argument for looks and charisma... I'd be willing to put any member of my team out there after a few hours with a stylist...

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:12am

I'm just making an argument as to whom the public will buy - I wasn't actually thinking of looks and charisma, but just what kind of music and voices the public seems to go for. But you have a good point - that's certainly a large part of it.

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:26am

What the hell do training and craft have to do with rock and roll?

Get people who can go three hours in front of a real audience, playing unknown material and trying to win over a crowd. THAT's paying your dues, not sitting around doing vocal scales.

It's this 'pop' mentality that's killing it. All the Motown artists used songs written by other people but they were all stunning live. Any performer worth wasting breath mentioning should be BETTER live, not the other way around.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:29am

JohnPopa, you are absolutely right. Even Whitney Houston is better "produced" than live. There are very few that meet that criteria. When I was younger and went to concerts, unlike my peer group I stuck with the likes of Liza and Bette - for exactly that reason. It wasn't worth my money and time to see someone live when I had a record at home that would sound better.

[ckeaton]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:31am

Rock and Roll, along with Rap are the exceptions to the rule. We were talking "pop" music. "Prom songs", ballads, and "club tunes".

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:33am

This is kind of off-topic but what do you think about Switchfoot Popa? I've followed them since before they were big and I hear they are great in concert... Or are you more of a hard rock fan?

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:35am

Here's the thing - some people are great to listen to on your CD player, but live, you wouldn't want to bother. Broadway and pop stars are two different entities - this isn't the 1940's. I enjoy a lot of pop music - but I don't go to pop concerts.

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:36am

Motown, the lounge singers of old, that was the pop of the day. And they were phenomenal live performers with a ton of charisma who learned their trade in clubs and in bars and, you know, ONSTAGE. Bands performing their own music was more the exception than the rule until the 60's (or so.)

I don't know about Switchfoot, I'll have to look them up.

[junglered]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:42am

It's sad that the product that is put out there by Ashlee Simpson passes as popular music today. I'd like to see is she is selling out concerts 20 years from now.

In my humble opinion, there are some decent newer artists making music right now like John Mayer and Maroon 5, but there is sooooo much drivel on Top 40 radio these days. It's pitiful that folks like Ashlee Simpson, Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Usher, Outkast seem to be the 'best' of the new crop of musical artists.

I know that musical taste is a personal thing, but where are the new artists who can actually sing and play instruments? Where is the next James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Earth-Wind-and Fire, Prince, Rick James, Led Zeppelin, Tears for Fears, Luther Vandross, Clash, U2, Linda Ronstadt, Donna Summer, Bee Gees, Barbara Streisand, Carpenters, Elton John, Ramones, Pet Shop Boys, Aerosmith, Nirvana, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, B52s, REM, Anita Baker, Bette Midler, Depeche Mode, Electric Light Orchestra, Steely Dan, Crosby-Stills-Nash, Fleetwood Mac, Kenny Loggins, Dan Fogelberg, Jeffery Osborne, Gloria Estefan, George Michael, Doobie Brothers, Carole King, Chic, Garth Brooks, Journey, or Billy Joel? I may have left some of your favorite artists out, but I'm sure that you get my point. Popular music is in the crapper for the most part right now - and will stay there - as long as the public consumes it. I know there are some great new musicians out there waiting for a chance - music industry executives - are you ready to listen????

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:43am

Eh nevermind then, they probably aren't your style. Now back to the "pop" bashing!

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:47am

I've seen everyone from Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond to Metallica and Iron Maiden in concert. Different moods, you know? If they're good, there's a good chance I'll dig 'em.

[junglered]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:51am

Exactly, JohnPopa. I, too, like all kinds of music from various genres. But, whatver the style is, there MUST be substance alongside. With the Simpsons girls, there is NO substance, whatsoever.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:58am

Jungle, you must never, never, ever put Outkast in that list.

There are plenty of new artists who write their own songs, and actually perform their music live.

Remember a couple months ago when I brought up the Scissor Sisters. They're like one of the groups you would have mentioned in your classic list. And their are plenty of others.

For instance, if people like a cracked Brechtian cabaret flavor and theatrical pizzaz in their rock concerts, I direct you to the website of the fabulous Dresden Dolls. 1 piano, 1 drum kit, and FLAIR. I saw them open for my beloved Mission of Burma last year and was in love.

I bet a lot of people here would love them too. And remember Ashlee Simpson (if you're reading this): 70,000 Orange Bowl fans can't be wrong.

[Liam]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 11:04am

"and in the train reck of a outfit"
"you dont like that outfit?"
"no not ha all"
"i think its hip...thats what all the kids are wairing"

lol

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 11:09am

Yeah Jungle, Outkast is far from a new act. They are new to the extreme popularity that they have gotten but not new to music at all. And while the new album is good, it is hardly their best. It got way too much airplay and now I am sick of it, as are several other die hard Outkast fans that I know. I agree with Namo, well I always agree with Namo, Outkast must not be on that list.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 11:10am

I saw Outkast in Bryant Park this summer on my way to work as they were playing on Good Morning America. They were fantastic live.

[magruder]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 11:10am

It's so nice when no amount of coverage in Teen People or breathless banter on Entertainment Tonight can cover up the flopsweat of complete lack of talent. I'm encouraged that even in some small quarter, the American public is saying NO to the likes of Ashlee Simpson.

[Kelliexo90]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 11:15am

Ugh, Ashlee Simpson. My friends mention her and I'm like she makes me want to die. And everyone's like oh Kellie why? I love her! And I'm like HOW?! I don't understand. On her show she would sing and SUCK in the studio, then on her CD she sounds fine. I'm like and you people buy into this crap? All she does is yell a lot of the time, and it makes me very angry. I attempted to sing how she did once, and my voice hurt for the rest of the day.

I must say though, her dad is a BRILLIANT manager. Stage parent or not, if it wasn't for him Jessica and Ashlee wouldn't be anywhere today. He's a little maniac no doubt, but he's the reason they have what they do.

While I don't like to see anyone get booed, I hope that she isn't going to be as popular anymore. Simply because I hate it when people like her get recording deals, when there are other artists struggling who probably have more talent. I'd rather see JoJo than Ashlee Simpson.

[junglered]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 11:20am

Namo,

I recall discussing The Scissors Sisters with you. I do enjoy their music - and in fact have their disc is in my car CD player right now. "Mary" is a masterpiece. I think we need more refreshing artists like them today. BTW - two other new artists that I like are Franz Ferdinand and Jet. You?

I live in Atlanta - the home of Outkast, and while I think that Andre 3000 shows signs of brilliance in adding pop-rocky touches to hip-hop (I know he is a Beatles fan), I am not as crazy about the work of his partner Big Boi. The band is way overexposed in this town. Some of the things that Andre' does on Gwen Stephani's new CD are interesting. We shall see what happens with their next CD.

As I noted, I love all kinds of music and in my opinion, R & B is in the worst shape it has ever been in. I miss the soul of the 60s and 70s and the dance grooves of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s - and cringe when I have to turn to the "adult contemporary" station or the "urban oldies" station to get my 'fix'.

Respectfully,
Jungle

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 11:28am

I enjoy most of the artists you extolled in your earlier post, junglered, although I would add some including the great Dusty Springfield. However, I also enjoy Outkast, Gwen Stefani (both solo and with No Doubt), Destiny's Child, and others of today.

Updated On: 1/6/05 at 11:28 AM

[junglered]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 11:36am

Rath,

Dusty was awesome. I'm 'wishing and a hopin' for another one like her. I love No Doubt - own 3 of their CDs and have seen them in concert. I have Gwen's new one and like the diversity on it - from the dance stuff to the New Order influenced songs. I own a Beyonce CD 'cause I'm just Crazy in Love !

I just think that the newer stuff - in general - should be BETTER! I believe that the "bar" is a lot lower today than it should be.

-And, by the way, how are Monica and Alan getting along these days?

-Jungle

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 11:37am

Monica and Alan are fine when they appear once a month or so. Tracy gets a lot more airtime these days, for which I'm eternally grateful - love me some Tracy!

[junglered]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 11:44am

Thanks for the update, Rath. Snaps for Tracy!

[SWTaffy]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 3:16pm

Did they take the video of the original post?

I can't seem to open it again.