• From: Deep in the forest
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Topic: Cindy Lauper

I read complaints somewhere regarding her abilities as a "Blues" singer. I've saved this on my DVR and watched it a few times. Granted Charlie Musslewhite and Johny Lang make a good band, but she's got the chops! IMHO    Cathy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEIovpD0TfI

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Re: Cindy Lauper

I might be wrong, but I think the complaints were her being the face of the blues not her singing chops.  I picked up a few songs off her blues album that are just okay for me.  I like her pop songs much better.


cathysiler wrote:

I read complaints somewhere regarding her abilities as a "Blues" singer. I've saved this on my DVR and watched it a few times. Granted Charlie Musslewhite and Johny Lang make a good band, but she's got the chops! IMHO    Cathy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEIovpD0TfI

3 Reply by RickB (edited by RickB 2010-12-05 02:23:20)

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Re: Cindy Lauper

Lauper, on a run to cover every angle, hooks up with a slew of Bluesmen. hmm  There's a big push from a label since they made all the rounds for face time on TV and now a Grammy nomination to boot for a 100% cover release? Yeah, she can sing but I pass if they show up nearby. If it brings her legion of fans to the genre, all the better.
Rick

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  • Registered: 2008-02-14
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Re: Cindy Lauper

I agree with Rick and Curby, no questioning her abilities as a singer, and good that her blues is being shown on tv channels with instrumentalists of the quality of Musselwhite and Lang, but there's something not right in my eyes about her being nominated for a Grammy (particularly for best traditional blues album when she's playing mainly postwar covers) after her first blues release.

"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk
  • From: Deep in the forest
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Re: Cindy Lauper

Good points all around. As for the Grammy Awards..we all know they are an industry show, and will always be an annoyance to Joe fans. Exposing new people to new music is always a plus. The biggest shame of the clip I posted id that Leno didn't mention Charlie Musslewhite who happens to be more accomplished than Cindy or JL.  I won't buy the CD, but I'll still give it a thumbs up. As for covers, why do people demand originals from every artist? Song writing is a distinct talent. There are gems out there that deserve life. Just make them your own, like J.B. does.     Cathy

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Re: Cindy Lauper

cathysiler wrote:

Good points all around. As for the Grammy Awards..we all know they are an industry show, and will always be an annoyance to Joe fans. Exposing new people to new music is always a plus. The biggest shame of the clip I posted id that Leno didn't mention Charlie Musslewhite who happens to be more accomplished than Cindy or JL.  I won't buy the CD, but I'll still give it a thumbs up. As for covers, why do people demand originals from every artist? Song writing is a distinct talent. There are gems out there that deserve life. Just make them your own, like J.B. does.     Cathy

Cathy,
Well stated.  I totally agree about the merits of cover songs.  The rare instance when you stumble onto a remake of superior quality is a eureka moment.  I'd love to see a thread started about great cover songs.  The latest gem I've heard is an acoustic, stripped down version of Robert Cray's "Strong Persuader" by Dean Haitani.  Just a harmonica and guitar and sounds like two guys jamming in the backyard on a gentle summer night.

7 Reply by RickB (edited by RickB 2010-12-05 15:15:45)

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Re: Cindy Lauper

Agree Cathy. Maybe I was a bit harsh about the covers. Somehow, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth when some Diva runs off on a tangent like this and the industry fawns all over the place. The Grammy add is probably a push to boost TV ratings since she is a network star too.
You are right Curby, point taken. Look at all the fabulous covers Joe has done.
Rick

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8 Reply by Greenose (edited by Greenose 2010-12-05 15:38:17)

  • Registered: 2008-02-14
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Re: Cindy Lauper

I agree with the point about Musselwhite, I saw him in August and he's a phenominal musician with a great band, it was actually pretty rocking in parts. I hope he wins the Grammy over Lauper.
As for covers, some are a good thing, and can be a good way of bringing attention to your own music, but when they form the majority of an album/set then there's something wrong. Musicians cover, artists compose.

"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk
  • From: Deep in the forest
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Re: Cindy Lauper

Well Duncan, I think you just negated a whole slew of Classical musicians  big_smile  I think we'll have to agree to disagree. I believe a musician is an artist. Semantics aside, history shows us great lyricists who never composed any tunes, piano players who never sang, and guitar players that shouldn't. I believe gift of music is the impact it has on the listener. An aria with an unimagined timbre, a guitar note that strikes you at the core...that's the art. While I can't argue about certain, over covered songs, I know there are a plethora of worthy ones that deserve life.
Having said all that, I imagine most musicians are driven to compose for self expression. It would seem like a natural progression. I always advise bands looking for exposure to post a popular cover first on youtube to get an audience. Then folks will link to their other songs, if it's good.                           Cathy

  • From: Grapevine, Tejas
  • Registered: 2009-11-03
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Re: Cindy Lauper

Well.. I wish I liked this performance... but I don't.

Lang always seems to push his voice too hard and Lauper just didn't have the blues timing for my taste.  Her voice quality is still very good, I just didn't like the song.

Perhaps if I heard a few other tracks from the studio recording I may have a different opinion, but this just didn't work for me.

As Rick said, I would pass if they played nearby.

P.S.  Charlie's still got it for sure.