Billy Corgan: The Smashing Pundit

Neapolitan · 09-12-2015, 12:39 AM

OK to start of with ... this is what I think a perfect example of retromania is, and to say the least it is off the hook ridiculous. I can't see that anyone can take this serious, and furthermore I can't see how anyone would take this as a serious threat, or stifling other artist as Billy Corgan tends to believe.

He looks like a cross faded progeny of Steve Lawrence and Frank Sinatra, if they (as Conan would say) mated. He's not inspired by or channeling (as aux puts it) he's flat out possessed by them. But I think his passion and enthusiasm for what he is doing overshadows any transgression of retromania. Oh another things, the singing and music isn't the only retromaniacal thing about the video, the video has this border as if it was film on 8mm, but it isn't you can tell by the quality that it is most likely digital, not 8mm, and that the border was added post-production.

Matt Forbes - Fly Me to the Moon

Quote:

Originally Posted by aux-in

Another example: Take the Pharrell Williams "Blurred Lines" case where he was essentially channeling Marvin Gaye's sound. Sure, he was inspired by Gaye, but Gaye is what, two generations removed from Pharrell? Why, then, isn't Pharrell Williams channeling Pharrell Williams as the originating source of inspiration? See what I'm saying?

What you brought up about Pharrell is pretty much the same what Simon Reynolds say about Adelle having the style of Etta James. Pharrell parallels Adele. Although Reynolds believe Adele whole style is like Etta James, not only one song. Actually Adele could be copying other singers, trying to sound like Blues, and R&B singers of the 50s and 60s. It could be that Etta James is more recognizable with him, so that is why he attributes it to Etta. Maybe it because Adele did a Etta James cover-song so he thinks that is her sole inspiration.

Whether someone sings R&B, Soul, or Blues that the style itself is more of standardized way of singing that an up-and-coming singer believes it is the only way to sing. The audience expects it and the sing feels they must deliver. And it's not just in those style, but found elsewhere.

Oriphiel · 09-12-2015, 05:52 AM

Yeah, I hear ya'. In my opinion, Retromania is just as unhealthy as being obsessed with having a "modern" sound. A band that sounds like every other band from the 80s is just as meaningful as a band that sounds like every other band currently hitting the charts. The key is to find a place in the middle, where you can let your influences show while still trying out new things. I think Beefheart did a pretty good job of that. A lot of his stuff was deeply rooted in The Blues, but he also experimented with the Psychedelic and Avant Garde sounds that were new and exciting in his time. Know what I mean?

09-12-2015, 05:52 AM	#12 (permalink)
Oriphiel Ask me how! Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: The States Posts: 5,354	Yeah, I hear ya'. In my opinion, Retromania is just as unhealthy as being obsessed with having a "modern" sound. A band that sounds like every other band from the 80s is just as meaningful as a band that sounds like every other band currently hitting the charts. The key is to find a place in the middle, where you can let your influences show while still trying out new things. I think Beefheart did a pretty good job of that. A lot of his stuff was deeply rooted in The Blues, but he also experimented with the Psychedelic and Avant Garde sounds that were new and exciting in his time. Know what I mean? __________________ ---------------------- \|---Mic's Albums---\| ---------------------- ----------------------------- \|---Deafbox Industries---\| -----------------------------