If Short Stories Were Songs and I Was A Singer . . .
Was it just me or did Katherine McPhee look like she was going to burst into tears anytime she wasn't singing last night on American Idol?
I thought that it was a mediocre finale. They each sang songs that they had sung during the season. Maybe they were supposed to. Maybe I missed that. Katherine's "Over the Rainbow" was pretty incredible, but there's something about her that irritates me. Taylor, I've loved since his first audition, but I felt that he became forgettable in the middle of the season. It will be interesting to see who wins. Pulling for Taylor, but there are no guarantees.
I was thinking about singers last night and I decided that I want to write the way Stevie Nicks sings. I want gravelly, husky prose with just a hint of sweetness. I want unconventional--words that prompt someone to say, "Well, now, that's different . . . but it works . . . hey, I like it." I want writing that is lusty with emotion, satiated with detail; I want to make it all come together in a culminating scratchy moment that gets under the reader's shirt and makes them fidget and itch and think about what bit them. Writing which is edgy enough to be unforgettable.
Easier said.
Which singer would you want to "write/paint/draw/sew/etc like? Or give me a song that represents the mood you are in with your art.
I thought that it was a mediocre finale. They each sang songs that they had sung during the season. Maybe they were supposed to. Maybe I missed that. Katherine's "Over the Rainbow" was pretty incredible, but there's something about her that irritates me. Taylor, I've loved since his first audition, but I felt that he became forgettable in the middle of the season. It will be interesting to see who wins. Pulling for Taylor, but there are no guarantees.
I was thinking about singers last night and I decided that I want to write the way Stevie Nicks sings. I want gravelly, husky prose with just a hint of sweetness. I want unconventional--words that prompt someone to say, "Well, now, that's different . . . but it works . . . hey, I like it." I want writing that is lusty with emotion, satiated with detail; I want to make it all come together in a culminating scratchy moment that gets under the reader's shirt and makes them fidget and itch and think about what bit them. Writing which is edgy enough to be unforgettable.
Easier said.
Which singer would you want to "write/paint/draw/sew/etc like? Or give me a song that represents the mood you are in with your art.
posted by Cate at 6:54 AM
23 Comments:
I'm going to choose two.
The first is Robert Smith of The Cure. His voice, the music, the words. All so dark and yet very meaningful. If you listen to the words you "get" the story.
In the Robert Smith world, I would see my art as soft lines with dark colors and every once in a while a bright glimpse of another color.
My second is Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers. His voice is hard, yet soft, the music right in your face, yet fun. When I listen to RHCP, I instantly get this energy that makes me want to DO something. Not just sit on my butt and eat popcorn while watching movies.
In the Anthony Kiedis world, I would see my art very much like it is today. Pushing the envelope, full of color, and a dash of humor.
BTW, I thought Kat McPhee bombed last night. The comments she got from the judges on her last song were far better than she deserved.
GO TAYLOR!
I have to say I have never watched Idol. I just don't care for shows like that. But Rockstar, I watched with craziness.
I love the idea of writing like a singer sounds. I would definately follow that foot step on the heels of Jewel.
Good Day Lyrics
Artist(Band):Jewel
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Good Day Lyrics
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I say to myself
Self, why are you awake again? It's one a.m.
Standing with the fridge door wide open, staring
Such a sight, florescent light
The stars are bright
Might make a wish, if I believed in that shit
As it is, I might watch TV
Cause it's nice to see people more messed up than me
I say to myself, as I smile at the wall, let myself fall
It's gonna be all right, no matter what they say
It's gonna be a good day, just wait and see
It's gonna be okay, cause I'm okay with me
It's gonna be, it's gonna be, it's gotta be
I shiver, shut the door
Can't think standing here no more
I'm alone, my mine's racing, heart breaking
Can you be everything I need you to be?
Can you protect me like a daughter?
Can you love me like a father?
Can you drink me like water?
Say I'm like the desert, just hotter.
The point of it all
Is that if I should fall
Still you're name I'll call
It's gonna be all right, no matter what they say
It's gonna be a good day, just wait and see
It's gonna be okay, cause I'm okay with me
It's gonna be, it's gonna be
As long as we laugh out loud
Laugh like we're mad
Cause this crazy, mixed up beauty is all that we have
Because what's love but an itch we can't scratch, a joke we can't catch
But still we laugh
I go back upstairs, turn off the TV
You say "I'll be okay baby, just wait and see."
It's gonna be all right, it's gonna be okay
Gonna be a good day, just wait, just see
Gonna okay, cause I'm okay with me
feeling like HEM, soft and melodic with a twist here and there. I love twists. Little bursts of color or a little something unexpected, the "perfect" accents
I'm going to come back to the song/singer question because I think it's a great question that deserves some thought before I answer it. But while I'm here I thought I'd comment on A.I., that comment being "yaaaaawn."
The only song I thought was really good all night was Taylor's Stevie Wonder thing he did in that atrocious cheap-velvet purple jacket. Kat did fine with OTR, but no better than the other time. (Why re-do it if you aren't going to do it better than the first time?)
Other than that I thought they both sounded bland and screechy all night and I actively disliked both their final songs. Bah!
Okay, that may be the most difficult question you could have asked me.. hands down.
I'm very, very drawn to the storytelling aspect of Aimee Mann's music - so that would probably be my first pick. But lately, I can't snap out of the Radiohead mode I've been in for months.
I love what one reviewer said: "..nowhere is there a song as sublimely beautiful and tragic as "How to Disappear Completely."
As for American Idol last night - I was kind of let down by both of them - however, they both had two GREAT songs!! I loved Taylor's "Living in the City" (but I love that songs.. it brings back great childhood memories of when my mom was taking disco lessons) and I loved Katharine's "over the rainbow."
I thought they both got screwed by the songs written for them, which kind of sucks!
Either way, I'll be happy!!
Okay, I'm going to have to put more thought into your post. Music is my passion. I wish I had the money to just travel the world non-stop and go to concerts as a reviewer. sigh.
Their last song last night BOMBED big time. They were horrible. It wasnt' them but the stupid lyrics if you ask me. I thought Taylor (the true artist of the group) should of quit right then and there. The song was so not him and felt very "pop manufactured". Terrible.
Hmmmm what song? I don't know. It changes with my mood. I do love that new song out, I forget who sings it but it says "Your beautiful, your beautiful to me"...sexy guy too who sings it.
I couldnt paint a romantic pic to that.
Oh and I totally think your writing does just want you said you wanted. Totally.
a.
What a great analogy to Stevie Nicks! (One of my favorite artists, by the way.) I think we've discussed the musicality of words before.
I guess I want to be like Bruce Hornsby. Literary enough to inspire a "wow" on close inspection, but accessible enough to be popular with everyone.
i have been listening to the indigo girls so much lately...i want to write like them...and the song virginia woolf represents where i am right now with my writing and my art...
i agree with your take on AI. was not impressed. don't care who wins. but i also am pulling a tiny bit for taylor.
I like this question! For me it'd have to be PJ Harvey- dark, bluesy, raw and mystical, with a mournful, melodic slant. What do you think?
joni mitchell for sure... nina simone... rickie lee jones... ani difranco... these definitely come to mind. i am out of the loop on american idol. did you see school of rock?the scene when joan cusack sings to Stevie Nicks... priceless! happy wednesday!
Ooooh, to write like Stevie Nicks. Gosh, yes! I love her so much.(Landslide, is one of my top ten of all time). What a poet she is in her music. I totally understood what you were saying.
Hmmmmm. Good question, Cate! So many, so many... But for some reason the Dixie Chicks come to mind. Even if you don't agree with their politics, you can't deny they are amazing musicians. I would want to write in a voice that stands on the ground, the way Natalie Mains does. That comes from my feet and from my gut. I would want to write in a way that has that kind of detail of melody and harmony, all intermingled and mixed to together. I would want the ability to call readers to me, who may not think they would like me maybe, but when they read my words, find they can't stop tapping their feet. I would want to write my words with no apology, just what I think, with my tongue in my cheek a little.I would want to tug people's gut and heart with, the way the sad fiddle does...
Or also Willie Nelson comes to mind. I would like to write in a voice that some would say is just not right or beautiful, but that stands the test of time. Becomes a classic, and part of the fabric of lives. A unique, individual voice, and a unique, individual way of speaking...
:)
yeahh.. the finals was the most uninteresting finals ever. but the finale kicked ass! (:
I valued every single one of your responses! I can't even tell you how thrilled I was to read each of them! I don't have time to answer individually--it's 11 pm and we are going out of town in a few hours (squirreling away, in the dark of night :). Please, please know how much each of these comments meant to me--what a window into who you guys are! Thank you!! Have a great weekend! xo
P.S. Cheryl, I LOVED Prince! What a fabulous surprise that was. Ohhhh, such a sexy little man!
The finale definitely involved ass for me.. I missed it changing a dirty diaper.
I came back because I heard a great cover of Landslide on the way home (or at least I thought so.. but I love Billy Corgan) and I thought of you.. and Amber!
Back to the Top Chef finale.. I am in reality show hell.
There's something about the way Katharine smiled and moved her eyes that annoyed me. It just seemed so fake. I didn't watch the finale at all. I liked Taylor initially, but like you said, he just sort of faded away.
I wouldl like to write like Etta James. Unforgettable and soothing...
xoxo
ooh! what mood I would like to be in:
Feelin' like I'm something special
Seven days a week
But all those things don't matter in the light of things to come
Is that you are my moon, and I am your sun, oh!
You make me feel like a star, oh baby
You say stay, baby stay
Just the way you are
And tell me girl, you'll find
that you will shine
Forever in my heart
That's why you, yeah you
You make me feel like
Everyday's my birthday
Every night's a dream
Oh, and when you kiss me
I melt just like ice cream.
((The Beu Sisters))
mushy and sappy and disgusting i know. (:
I love rock music. I love music that makes me want to dance. I would want to be Prince today, or the lead singer of the Smiths.
I would like to write like Cat Stevens of Van Morrison, or Sarah Maclachlan (sp?) .... I sometimes wish I could write musicals! I still love listening to Mary Poppins and Sound of Music and wish I could write such a thing!
I can appreciate your Stevie Nicks image. Very nice.
I'm trying to think what this would be for me, without giving too much thought...
I have to answer this, but I need time to absorb it. Most certainly will be back!
I love that you want to write like Stevie Nicks sings. I always wanted to write as beautifully as Dave Matthews does. His lyrics are poetic. I also wanted to be as edgy as Chuck Palahniuk but sometimes I want to create the way that Prince creates. You can feel a bit of the undercurrent of soul and funk etc but what he has is altogether it's own thing. And, can you imagine writing like Monet painted so that each bit up close loses it context but all together is fluid, moving and inexplicably complete?
Hi there - OOh, writing like Stevie Nicks sings is amazing!! I'm going to have a real think about this one. My gut says the Ingdigo Girls, but I am going to think a bit harder!
P.S. Yay, Taylor!!!
Lou,
Thanks for answering. What you wrote surprised me, but like many of the responses, I kept nodding and saying, "I can see that." No matter who you want to create like, I want you to keep creating--I love this side of you! xo
Shannon,
I can soooo see you writing like Jewel--very heartfelt, deep. Thank you for sharing those beautiful lyrics.
Also, I'm with you re: Rockstar. Can't wait for the new season to start (though I wonder how it will be without INXS--love those guys!).
Jennifer,
I'm not familiar with HEM but I loved your description of their music--those little twists and bursts of color. Thank you!
Deb,
You said it. Boring. And so true about doing OTR again (but not doing it better). Awesome points.
Holli,
I can see you as a reviewer (I soooo enjoy your reality TV impressions). I've got to Google the lyrics that you mentioned, "How To Disappear Completely." Thanks for your thought out response to this question--I loved reading it!
Andrea,
I love that "Beautiful" song and that's exactly the way your art is--shows beautiful women, beautiful people, celebrates all sorts of beauty! I heard it at the beach this past weekend and thought immediately of your response here! Thanks for answering!
Jason,
Spot on assessment of Bruce Hornsby-- love the thought about how his music is approachable yet literary. That's you, Jason. Absolutely. Thank you!
Liz,
I love that you're loving that song! You make me want to delve into Virginia Woolf's writing! And I know many people who adore the Indigo Girls! Thank you for sharing!
BB,
That's you, baby. With this question, I've learned about many musicians whom I'm not familiar with--PJ Harvey is one of them. Now, I've gotta find some of his stuff. Thanks!
JoJo,
I haven't seen School of Rock but you've nudged me to rent it. And you've also nudged me to investigate those musicians that you mentioned (aside from Joni Mitchell, who I love!). Great response! Thank you!
Amber,
I adore your descriptions of the kinds of music that The Dixie Chicks and Kenny Rogers create. So insightful-- I can see that completely. I felt awful for The Dixie Chicks a couple of years ago when they were BASHED but things seem to be looking up for them! Thank you for such a beautifully thought out beautifully written response!
Cheryl,
I enjoyed the outcome show, too, esp. Prince! They really outdid themselves. I'll bet Taylor and Katherine slept well the next day (if they even got a chance to sleep!).
Holli,
And I'll be joining you there (in reality show hell). I don't know what to do myself during this lull before the summer season starts!
Oh, and hahahaha about changing the diaper. I could definitley see that scenario playing out here as well!
Lynn,
Those lyrics were so haunting and memorable--they just cut into me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Mab,
Me, too! We liked Taylor from his audition. I just couldn't warm to McPhee. Thanks for your comment!
Joely Sue,
Yeah, that was it--the fakeness. She just seemed arrogant. I'm looking forward to Rockstar--it will be a nice change.
Baylor,
Ahh, Etta James. Your description was perfect!
Cheryl,
Not one bit sappy! Beautiful and lyrical and the way everyone, I think, wants to feel! Thank you for sharing those words! I loved it!
Corey,
I LOVE Prince. He so marches to his own beat, is a creative genius! Fabulous answer! Thanks for playing!
Alexandra,
Y'know, Julia Cameron segued into writing musicals! You never know! No matter what you write, I want to read it! Oh, and to write like Sarah Macachlan--just heaven!
GoGo,
Thank you for the comment! I hope you'll be back!
Michelle,
Damn, girl, you are good! You pulled so many different types of arts into your answer and I just sat here, nodding and thinking, "YES, YES!" Oh, Dave Matthews. And Prince. And Chuck Palahniuk. And Monet. Imagine what you would get if you combined them! Then again, that would be YOU! P.S. I hope you're still writing your poetry (hint!)!
Meg,
Another Taylor fan! YAYY! And the Indigo Girls, too. I'm definitely going to have to listen to their music! Thank you!
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