Is there a crime in having a good singer?<\/p>\n
Who do we blame here?\u00c2\u00a0 Too many shoegazing alternative acts or the Internet?\u00c2\u00a0 Used to be, after watching the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, when you formed a band you needed not only a lead guitarist, a rhythm player and bassist, a drummer too, but a LEAD SINGER!<\/p>\n
No one sat down and said…let’s find someone with a really thin voice, who’ll make most people wince, let’s find someone who doesn’t sing well.<\/p>\n
Oh, this is the point where you go on about Bob Dylan.\u00c2\u00a0 Well, he was the best songwriter of all time, with tons to say, and he had a way of expressing himself…\u00c2\u00a0 Let’s just say he’s the EXCEPTION!<\/p>\n
Hell, let’s start with bands that have such a good vocalist that their records cannot be denied.\u00c2\u00a0 Remember the band Ace? Probably not, but I’m sure you know their one big hit, "How Long".\u00c2\u00a0 A great song, a great production, but what makes it indelible, what makes it a classic, what makes it still get spun today is PAUL CARRACK’S VOCAL!\u00c2\u00a0 So damn good that when he joined Squeeze, they had their one big hit, "Tempted".\u00c2\u00a0 Then there’s Paul Rodgers…\u00c2\u00a0 Listen to Free, Bad Company…wow!<\/p>\n
But somewhere along the line, the writer felt he could sing his own songs, fuck the lead singer who wanted all the attention and all the chicks.\u00c2\u00a0 I love "Broken Arrow", but Robbie Robertson’s songs are best sung by another.\u00c2\u00a0 No biggie. Do we really expect everybody to be a triple threat?\u00c2\u00a0 Great player, writer and singer?\u00c2\u00a0 NO!\u00c2\u00a0 But if we do want people to pay attention, it’s best if they can SING!<\/p>\n
Oh, we’ve got the reverse, the "Idol" syndrome, where ALL the contestants can do is sing.\u00c2\u00a0 But let’s talk about the legendary acts, great singing was a key element!\u00c2\u00a0 Not only the Beatles, how about Elton…\u00c2\u00a0 Go back and listen to those records again.<\/p>\n
So I’m driving down Ocean Park Boulevard listening to SiriusXM’s Loft and I hear this great intro, subtle yet a groove, my toe is starting to tap, and then…this guy sings so damn thinly that I’m disappointed.\u00c2\u00a0 I’m thinking I can turn people on to this great track, I’m listening hoping it’s going to sustain, and then it disappoints.<\/p>\n