Robin Thicke~~BLURRED LINES~~I Knoe You Want It or Do You??

[JIVE FIVE Mary G.]

Hello Everyone,

Robin Thicke's new song "Blurred Lines" is getting lots of attention everywhere. The original video is banned from youtube for showing half naked women, but people can find it elsewhere.

I like Robin and think he's talented. I don't know if this is his best song, but it is catchy and he's been on a number of TV shows discussing it. Pharell and TI appear in the video.

I'm interested in your thoughts about the song, Robin as an R&B/pop artist, etc. . Many are calling this "the song of the summer" and it's destined to be a huge hit.

As I mentioned, he's everywhere with it, and here's his performance of the song on The Today Show this morning.

~~Mary~~


http://youtu.be/UAuhDZGivs8

Sorry for the typo in the title. It should be "know". Couldn't edit it.

[marv2]

That song never really got big enough to be called the song of the summer. Maybe if they would have come up with something more originally than try to compete with the song of the summer of 1977!

[skooldem1]

Like it or not, there is no denying that this is the song of the summer. It has been number one for almost 2 months now.

Robin Thicke Breaks Audience Record With 'Blurred Lines'


You know you want it.

Up until now, Robin Thicke has always coasted on urban adult radio and R&B charts with minor hits “Lost Without U” and “Sex Therapy." Pop hits eluded Thicke on his first five albums, but taking his sweet time has paid off. On Friday, Thicke's label Interscope reported that his summer banger "Blurred Lines" had broken an unusual and random record for the highest radio audience ever.

"As of this week, the track has reached more than 242.65 million listeners, breaking the previous record of 188.8 million," said the major label of the Pharrell-produced track.

Controversy proved to benefit Thicke on this track, also the lead single to the 36-year-old crooner's album of the same name. When "Blurred Lines" dropped back in March, it was attacked by some for its racy "I know you want it" lyrics. When Thicke released a NSFW version of the track's video featuring three naked models, it didn't exactly help the cause. It ignited it. "Blurred Lines" has since spent seven weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, and pushed past the likes of Daft Punk, Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z on the iTunes singles chart.

In addition to its big audience record, "Blurred Lines" has "broken the record for biggest-single week downloads so far this year when it racked up more than 428,000 during the week ending June 23rd," according to the same Insterscope press release. The track has been No. 1 in 80 countries and been certified 3x-platinum.

http://www.vibe.com/article/robin-thicke-breaks-audience-record-blurred-lines

[JIVE FIVE Mary G.]

WOW!!!

Thank you, Skolldem1. I knew it was big, but had no idea of its record breaking status. Thanks for posting that article. I think the album by the same named just dropped.

~~Mary~~.:cool:

[skooldem1]

I liked his "Evolution of Robin Thicke" and "Sex Therapy" CD's. Not crazy about this new song. More and more he is incorporating rap and hip hop in his music and I prefer to hear his songs without all that.

[JIVE FIVE Mary G.]

I agree. However, it is catchy and I find myself singing "You know you want it" all the time. lol

~~Mary~~

[smark21]

The song isn’t destined to be a big hit, it is a big hit. It’s been #1 for the past two months. The song certainly samples Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give it Up” even if so far no credit has been extended. But I bet there will be a lawsuit or settlement soon given the cash this song is making. I have Thicke’s 2006 album Evolution of Robin Thicke and it’s a good album. Good singer/songwriter. “Blurred Lines” is very commercial for 2013 and he’s been wanting to hit big and now he has. But in terms of retro songs out this summer, I prefer “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk/Pharrell/Nile Rodgers.

[soulster]

First of all: the uncensored version is still on YouTube on Robin Thicke's own page. Don't believe me? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwT6DZCQi9k

Second, the song has been at #1 for over six weeks. It almost rivals the other 70s style hit "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk featuring Nile Rodgers. And, yeah, it's a very cool song. I love it! It reminds me of "Got To Give It Up" by Marvin Gaye, which was no doubt the inspiration for this song. The song is on its way to becoming song of the year, IMO.

[JIVE FIVE Mary G.]

I just watched the uncensored version. Thanks, Soulster. I'd heard on news programs it had been banned from youtube, but obviously it's there on his page. It's a cool video and I like it.

Question~~ some are saying it does sample Marvin's song "Got To Give It Up" and others are saying it doesn't. Frankly, I can't tell. Does anyone know for sure? I've heard Robin say he admires Marvin.

~~Mary~~

[smark21]

Does Blurred Lines sample or not sample Got to give It up? I guess that’s yet another blurred line.

[JIVE FIVE Mary G.]

Does Blurred Lines sample or not sample Got to give It up? I guess that’s yet another blurred line.

Good one, Smark21!!!! :cool:

~~Mary~~

[helga]

I find this song and its music video offensive. It objectifies women in a disrespectful way. I heard another song from his new album called "Give It 2 U" and the lyrics are something along the lines of, "Got big dick for you, girl...I know you wanna suck it". Call me old fashioned, but I prefer the classy love songs of yesterday...

[soulster]

Question~~ some are saying it does sample Marvin's song "Got To Give It Up" and others are saying it doesn't. Frankly, I can't tell. Does anyone know for sure? I've heard Robin say he admires Marvin.
It does not. If it did, Marvin Gaye would be in the writing credit. If the song had been sampled, they would have had to include Gaye's name and Thicke would have to pay royalties.

[soulster]

I find this song and its music video offensive. It objectifies women in a disrespectful way. I heard another song from his new album called "Give It 2 U" and the lyrics are something along the lines of, "Got big dick for you, girl...I know you wanna suck it". Call me old fashioned, but I prefer the classy love songs of yesterday...
Well, you don't have to listen to it. But, "Blurred Lines" is still the hottest song in the nation, and has been for weeks.

How can a song that talks about sexual desire be offensive? Sex is a fact of life. Sometimes "good girls must wanna get nasty". :) And, no one forced those women to walk around naked in those videos. Some women love to do it.

[Soul Sister]

Although I don't buy his music I think Robin is a talented singer and his beautiful wife Paula is a very talented actress.

S.S.
***

[JIVE FIVE Mary G.]

To each their own, Helga. I didn't find the video offensive at all. There are many videos, video games and other things out there perpetuating excessive and gratuitous violence that I find far more offensive than some sexy lyrics and bare breasts.

~~Mary~~

[JIVE FIVE Mary G.]

Although I don't buy his music I think Robin is a talented singer and his beautiful wife Paula is a very talented actress.

S.S.
***

Agreed, S.S.. The Thickes are a talented and handsome couple who seem very happy with each other. They've been best friends since high school. I wish them all the best.

~~Mary~~

[helga]

I respectfully disagree and stand by my opinion. There is a lot of crap out there, available on the market, but I think this kind of imagery and lyrics sends the wrong idea to young pre-teen kids. They are the first to hear new music. Most of them are always likely to go online looking for the corresponding music video. It's not hard for a 12 year old kid to sign up for a Youtube account and then look up the 18+ rated music video, bearing women's breasts and being objectified. It sends the wrong message. Sex has been in music for decades, but this crosses the line and presents it in a crude and disrespectful way.

[marv2]

Although I don't buy his music I think Robin is a talented singer and his beautiful wife Paula is a very talented actress.

S.S.
***

He was also blessed to have great parents Alan Thicke and Gloria Loring. Both very talented individuals with solid moral backgrounds but hip enough to not be inflexible. Saw an interview on Canadian TV last year with Alan Thicke and was amazed at his professional accomplishments and his personal views of the World.

[smark21]

My problem with the video is the old double standard is at play. The girls are walking around scantily clad [[clean version) or topless [[unrated version) yet the guys remain fully clothed in both. How about equal time for Thicke, Pharrell and TI to show some skin like the girls? I mean, come on, in the video Thicke poses in front of a wall with graffiti that says “Robin Thicke has a big dick”. Prove it Robin—put on a thong and show some visible penis line and make your women and gay fans happy like you’re making your male and lesbian fans happy with the women in the video.

[Soul Sister]

Thanks for that, Marv2.
Didn't know Gloria Loring was his Mom.

S.S.
***

[Soul Sister]

Paula Patton is drop dead gorgeous and one talented actress ~
6941

S.S.
***

[soulster]

It's not hard for a 12 year old kid to sign up for a Youtube account and then look up the 18+ rated music video, bearing women's breasts and being objectified. It sends the wrong message. Sex has been in music for decades, but this crosses the line and presents it in a crude and disrespectful way.
No one needs to see bare breasts to objectify a woman. A woman could be wearing a dress from the 1920s and someone would objectify her. Little kids do the same thing when they look at their teacher and classmates at school and at the store. You think it's a new thing? Kids were doing that as long as i've been alive and before. You are a woman, so if you only knew what runs through the mind of a kid...

The video is not crossing the line. There's no violence, no one is being forced to show off their assets. There is no juvenile attitude. And, as for signing up for a YouTube account, you don't even need to do that to see explicit sexual acts on the internet. Y'ever go searching for porn? Use Bing search and type in something naughty and see what comes up. It's that easy. It's nothing new. In my day, you could walk into the corner drug store and look at the porno mags. They weren't even behind the counter! Later, you could watch the Playboy Channel unscrambled for a time. You could watch your dad's porno videotapes. You could play doctor with the girl next door. And, don't think that young females don't think about sex, either. They do!


My problem with the video is the old double standard is at play. The girls are walking around scantily clad [[clean version) or topless [[unrated version) yet the guys remain fully clothed in both. How about equal time for Thicke, Pharrell and TI to show some skin like the girls? I mean, come on, in the video Thicke poses in front of a wall with graffiti that says “Robin Thicke has a big dick”. Prove it Robin—put on a thong and show some visible penis line and make your women and gay fans happy like you’re making your male and lesbian fans happy with the women in the video.
Nothing is stopping a female artist from doing a likewise video.

[JIVE FIVE Mary G.]

Soulster,

I agree with both of your statements above. Well said.

~~Mary~~

[daddyacey]

"No one needs to see bare breasts to objectify a woman. A woman could be wearing a dress from the 1920s and someone would objectify her. Little kids do the same thing when they look at their teacher and classmates at school and at the store. You think it's a new thing? Kids were doing that as long as i've been alive and before. You are a woman, so if you only knew what runs through the mind of a kid..."

You said it! Adults forget how they were "in mind" as a child. Yes you wanted to know what all the grownup stuff they whispered about was...but it was hidden and not out in the open as it is now. Then it's hard to control what they see and hear in this day. I got my ass busted for doing things I wasn't supposed to. When I was 7 ,I drew tits on a ladies picture in the TV Guide. I'm still glad to be here today behind that ass whoppin. lol Today the kids have the number for the Childrens Services , Bust they ass and they call it child abuse. All you can do is supervise and guide them. My daughter was 11 yrs old and she wanted me to buy her DR. DRE ,Chronic 2. You hear all kinds of music in my house so I got it for her. When I gave it to her I told her , "this is Entertainment". It's not what the real world is about so don't take it serious.. it's bullshit .You have to protect them ,let them know about the real world. When I was in my teens you could catch the clap ,crabs etc, Stuff you could get a shot or some cream for but now you catch shixx and you DIE. Only takes one time

When I hear this recording [[Blurred Lines) on the radio or see the video ,and they "tell" you that this is the hottest song out , how it was made , oh it's so hot. It aint Funk ,aint R&B /Soul . It's not about anything ,there is no story ,the lyrics ,???? So what is it??? Will you hear it a year from now? 5 years from now?

It sounds like a club/dance record. Not a hit but one a DJ would use between two hot records. They made the track on a computer. The video is just as mundane as the music and only serves to project the images that are supposed to be aimed at a certain market . It's not art , it's geared to get your attention. Just think ,50 years ago they made the same hoo-haa about Elvis gyrating his hips. 50 years later there's T and Axx all over the place. I'm 58 and at 7 or 8 years old I had still yet to see a real set of Tvv's. Such is the music biz today. For Pharrell and Thicke to say that they were inspired by the greats , MICHAEL ,CURTIS ,MARVIN ,STEVIE ,etc , and yet all you can come up with is ..............this?????????? Big time artist and producer ,it's hot!!!

[daddyacey]

"No one needs to see bare breasts to objectify a woman. A woman could be wearing a dress from the 1920s and someone would objectify her. Little kids do the same thing when they look at their teacher and classmates at school and at the store. You think it's a new thing? Kids were doing that as long as i've been alive and before. You are a woman, so if you only knew what runs through the mind of a kid..."

You said it! Adults forget how they were "in mind" as a child. Yes you wanted to know what all the grownup stuff they whispered about was...but it was hidden and not out in the open as it is now. Then it's hard to control what they see and hear in this day. I got my ass busted for doing things I wasn't supposed to. When I was 7 ,I drew tits on a ladies picture in the TV Guide. I'm still glad to be here today behind that ass whoppin. lol Today the kids have the number for the Childrens Services , Bust they ass and they call it child abuse. All you can do is supervise and guide them. My daughter was 11 yrs old and she wanted me to buy her DR. DRE ,Chronic 2. You hear all kinds of music in my house so I got it for her. When I gave it to her I told her , "this is Entertainment". It's not what the real world is about so don't take it serious.. it's bullshit .You have to protect them ,let them know about the real world. When I was in my teens you could catch the clap ,crabs etc, Stuff you could get a shot or some cream for but now you catch shixx and you DIE. Only takes one time

When I hear this recording [[Blurred Lines) on the radio or see the video ,and they "tell" you that this is the hottest song out , how it was made , oh it's so hot. It aint Funk ,aint R&B /Soul . It's not about anything ,there is no story ,the lyrics ,???? So what is it??? Will you hear it a year from now? 5 years from now?

It sounds like a club/dance record. Not a hit but one a DJ would use between two hot records. They made the track on a computer. The video is just as mundane as the music and only serves to project the images that are supposed to be aimed at a certain market . It's not art , it's geared to get your attention. Just think ,50 years ago they made the same hoo-haa about Elvis gyrating his hips. 50 years later there's T and Axx all over the place. I'm 58 and at 7 or 8 years old I had still yet to see a real set of Tvv's. Such is the music biz today. For Pharrell and Thicke to say that they were inspired by the greats , MICHAEL ,CURTIS ,MARVIN ,STEVIE ,etc , and yet all you can come up with is ..............this?????????? Big time artist and producer ,it's hot!!!

[soulster]

You said it! Adults forget how they were "in mind" as a child. Yes you wanted to know what all the grownup stuff they whispered about was...but it was hidden and not out in the open as it is now. Then it's hard to control what they see and hear in this day. I got my ass busted for doing things I wasn't supposed to. When I was 7 ,I drew tits on a ladies picture in the TV Guide. I'm still glad to be here today behind that ass whoppin. lol Today the kids have the number for the Childrens Services , Bust they ass and they call it child abuse. All you can do is supervise and guide them. My daughter was 11 yrs old and she wanted me to buy her DR. DRE ,Chronic 2. You hear all kinds of music in my house so I got it for her. When I gave it to her I told her , "this is Entertainment". It's not what the real world is about so don't take it serious.. it's bullshit .You have to protect them ,let them know about the real world. I wasn't talking about getting punished for it, just that kids think about sex at a young age. We are sexual creatures. I didn't get punished or whupped when I was caught with a porno mag between my mattress, but was shamed for it by my mom.


When I hear this recording [[Blurred Lines) on the radio or see the video ,and they "tell" you that this is the hottest song out , how it was made , oh it's so hot. It aint Funk ,aint R&B /Soul . It's not about anything ,there is no story ,the lyrics ,???? So what is it??? Will you hear it a year from now? 5 years from now?

OK, the drums and bass were sampled, but so what? It's a good R&B tune, and it is funky. It IS R&B just as much as "Got To Give It Up". And, yes, people will remember the song five years from now. I really wish people would quit trying to justify their dislike of modern music by thinking it won't be remembered or played, because it will. Remember, people thought the music of the 60s, 70s, and 80s was so disposable that no one would remember it, and look what happened.


Not a hit but one a DJ would use between two hot records. Not a hit????

You obviously know nothing about this song. Did you notice that it has been at #1 for many weeks now? I'm really wondering about how out of touch many of this forum is with today's music.

[splanky]

I tried to stay off of this thread, Lordy, I really tried...

Ahem....I think I can pretty much understand a few sides of this topic. With what Helga said
I really respect and appreciate her point of view though I know I have quite a few references
to explicit sex in my record collection. Anybody who grew up on Funkadelic can't be too
overly sensitive about this. Still I do agree that the lyric she quoted was for a pop act a bit over the top. Funkadelic was an underground secret for many years and they let you know
from day one that they were gonna get nasty. Still, if everything they did was as racy as No Head No Backstage Pass or Icka Prick I and many others would not have stayed with them as long as we did. George called his baby P*ssy but he also asked us to Think because It Ain't
Illegal Yet. You heard about Vietnam, poverty, prostition, social problems, race relations and
corrupt government. Does this cat have another side? I'm with daddyacey here, is this all he can come up with? I don't give a red monkey shit if it's been on somebody's no. 1 chart spot
for um and sum weeks. It sounds like a piece of junk to me and I've liked some of Robin's earlier stuff [[not enough to buy) and I am alwayschecking out new music. Didn't know he
was married to Paula Patton. Better not mess that up....

[soulster]

I tried to stay off of this thread, Lordy, I really tried... Why? You have an opinion just like anyone else.


Ahem....I think I can pretty much understand a few sides of this topic. With what Helga said
I really respect and appreciate her point of view though I know I have quite a few references
to explicit sex in my record collection.

We all do.


Still I do agree that the lyric she quoted was for a pop act a bit over the top.

"Blurred Line" is pretty tame compared to a lot of hit singles throughout history.


Does this cat have another side? I'm with daddyacey here, is this all he can come up with?

Again, it's comments like this that make me wonder just how out of touch the majority of people on this forum are about pop music today, and, frankly, the average age of the members. That must be a touchy subject because Ralph has pulled at least two comments I have made about it in the past.


I don't give a red monkey shit if it's been on somebody's no. 1 chart spot
for um and sum weeks. It sounds like a piece of junk to me and I've liked some of Robin's earlier stuff [[not enough to buy) and I am alwayschecking out new music. Didn't know he
was married to Paula Patton. Better not mess that up....
You guys had the same reaction to the song F**k You" by Cee Lo Green three years back. The inability to recognize a good song because you have a problem with the lyrics or subject matter, or maybe just because it's new or contemporary pop music.

[daddyacey]

"Does this cat have another side? I'm with daddyacey here, is this all he can come up with?"

"Again, it's comments like this that make me wonder just how out of touch the majority of people on this forum are about pop music today, and, frankly, the average age of the members."

It is POP. And if one is familiar with the history of the music of all the people they claimed that influenced them ,you should be able to do better. Any one of us could do better if it came to computer samples and knowledge of tracks to get samples from. With Pro Tools ,etc ,you could do anything you wanted to.

"It's a good R&B tune, and it is funky. It IS R&B just as much as "Got To Give It Up". And, yes, people will remember the song five years from now."

It sounds like "Got To Give It Up". Sounds like R&B. The FUNK just don't come across to well. [[G. Clinton, "Sounds like it got a 2 on it to me)
5 years from now ,It will still be a record that sounds like "Got To Give It Up.

I do not bash new artist's and new music. I have been blessed to have lived through the greatest 50 years of domestic and imported music. I ain't heard it all or know it all , but don't sell me ca caa. I see POP as POP. Don't tell me it's Funk.

"Not a hit????"
Sales ,of course it is. next?

[splanky]

Don't quote me , soulster, if you're going to create fiction about what my perspective is.
My mention of the lyric Helga brought up was not from Blurred Lines but the other song
on the album.
"Got a big dick for you, girl...Know you wanna suck it..."
Now you tell me when lyrics as explicit as that ever made the top of US pop or soul charts.
Even in jazz and barrelhouse early blues folks would dress the lyric up better than that.
Also, as I mentioned on the forum before Got To Give It Up is my least favorite MPG hit and
I'd still rank it miles above Blurred Lines. Another thing you have all mixed up is that I
was one of the people who disagreed with Ralph and said I liked Cee-lo Green's F**K You,
and still do. And back to the matter of new music, Ryan Shaw's work buries Robin Thicke
in my sonic landscape.But if this is the kind of stuff you enjoy, knock yourself out...

[scatman44]

To be honest, I have to warm up to Blurred Lines. Folk in the clubs go nuts when this song gets played!

I'm more of a "Magic" and "Love After War" dude than "Blurred"!

[glencro]

My first time seeing the unrated video. Didn't realize it was so raw but it reminds me of a spread in a European fashion magazine. A bit much for your average viewer but as a photographer I'm all about freedom of expression. Musically I LOVE the song. Has a good grove is very catchy and if not sampled by GOT TO GIVE IT UP it is HIGHLY influenced by it. Thicke has been consistent as far as releasing quality music. Congrats to him on another hit.

[alanh]

I accept Soulster's points about the minds of both kids and adults. I also accept that soul and blues lyrics have been about sex for many many years. But - call me old fashioned and out-dated if you like - but I feel there are, or should be, boundaries in mass entertainment. Entertainers for the mass market need to have responsibility. How far do you go? Can 'artistic freedom' allow anything and everything? If in Robin Thicke's case, their artistic freedom genuinely felt that the video for 'Blurred Lines' needed topless women, fine. They should have made the one video and stuck with it, but they didn't. They made two. Why? Because.... they knew the 'topless' version would be considered unacceptable by some people. If that's the case, why make the 'topless' version? The real answer - I offer - is not for artistic reasons, but simply to get people talking about the uncensored version. It was a cynical manipulative publicity ploy and nothing to do with artistic credibility or necessity at all.

Of course, 'Blurred Lines' isn't the only song that has dual versions. It's now happening frequently, often from artistes who really shouldn't stoop to cheap tricks because their musical talents are good enough in their own right. A recent editorial in Music Week, the UK equivalent of Billboard, recently covered the topic referring also to Justin Timberlake's video for 'Tunnel Vision'. Part of the editorial ran:

".........the 2013 pop music industry is starting to look a little seedy, and a heck of a lot desperate. Both of these promos are brazen, calculated playground conversation starters; conversations about songs, about stars, and crucially about where one should download. It's a promotional tactic older than the Mickey Mouse Club itself.

But I'm uncomfortable, because [[1) this isn't sensuality, sexuality or even erotica mixed with music - it's Razzle-under-the-mattress porno, casting an as yet unseen craven taint onto this industry; and [[2) because I still believe pop to be the most powerful, democratic and instantly accessible art form. Crossing the lines [[the Blurred Lines?) with grubby ol' porn can only ever impair that argument.

The videogames industry pushed a diet of Lynx [brand of deodorant]-soaked tits'n'guns marketing onto teens for decades. Now it struggles to convince the adult world it's grown up. I for one hope pop music isn't tumbling in the opposite direction."

We can debate, approve or disapprove of 'Blurred Lines' [[song or video), but I hope the 'entertainment' industry keeps an eye on where it's going.

[Soul Sister]

@splanky,
Robin & Paula first got together in high school when they were 16 years old.

S.S.
***

[marv2]

Thanks for that, Marv2.
Didn't know Gloria Loring was his Mom.

S.S.
***

Soul Sister , check this interview out:

http://www.cbc.ca/player/RADIO+HOLDING+PEN/Books/Canada+Reads/2012/The+Game/ID/2194601516/

[soulster]

I think it's so funny that some of you are trying to find every excuse in the book not to like it.

And, Splanky, I can't understand why you're insulted by my reply to you.

[jillfoster]

My take is this... he's got a nice voice, the song is ok, but doesn't rock my world. As far es explicit lyrics.. big deal. If he's got songs with real explicit lyrics, then I just put those in the same category as some of Millie Jackson's material. It's music for grown folks. He's gorgeous as hell, though.... I'd definately hit it. As far as the R&B/Pop debate goes. It's quite simple, it's Pop flavored with R&B. And it does sound similar to "Got To Give It Up", but it's not something that legal action would be taken over. It doesn't come to the threshold of plagarism.

[soulster]

What is interesting is that I posted a thread about another top hit that is clean, and and uses some real instruments, but no one posted on it. Again, it's like you guys are trying to not like anything contemporary, maybe because you think it's expected of you not to like it. You guys seem to wear it like a badge of honor.

But, i'll bet if Diana Ross or Mary Wilson came out with a contemporary-sounding song, you guys would be dripping on the floor.

[jillfoster]

What is interesting is that I posted a thread about another top hit that is clean, and and uses some real instruments, but no one posted on it. Again, it's like you guys are trying to not like anything contemporary, maybe because you think it's expected of you not to like it. You guys seem to wear it like a badge of honor.

But, i'll bet if Diana Ross or Mary Wilson came out with a contemporary-sounding song, you guys would be dripping on the floor.

Good point, I also started a thread about Mary Byrne, about as old fashioned a singer and production as you can get... and only Steph replied. Modern music that's good is so damn rare, when it comes along, we need to pounce on it if we want more.

[Soul Sister]

Thank you marv2 for that, I believe I saw that some time ago. Interesting.

S.S.
***

[jdwheat]

From just a musical standpoint, it sounds to me like equal parts Got To Give It Up, Funkytown, Sexyback, and something from MJ. It's R&B-influenced pop, IMO.

Also, if you haven't seen the version by the Roots and Jimmy Fallon [[with Thicke), playing the song on grade school instruments, it's a hoot.

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

[soulster]

I just listened to his new album out today. If you like R&B, you should at least give it a listen. The guy's genuine material.

[splanky]

The fact that you didn't address any of the points I made in my last post to you about your
spin doctering makes me think you might be little "Thick" yourself if you get my drift...

[skooldem1]

I have had a chance to listen to a few tracks. Sounds like a solid album.

[soulster]

The fact that you didn't address any of the points I made in my last post to you about your
spin doctering makes me think you might be little "Thick" yourself if you get my drift...
I did, but the post got removed. I don't know why.

[MIKEW-UK]

Splanky,

Thanks for the intro to Ryan Shaw! I had never heard of him, and he deserves attention.... excellent, contemporary and genuine art of soul music.... I haven't been this impressed for a long, long time..... :) [[Does he bear a strong facial resemblance and mannerisms to Levi Stubbs?)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1JVYl0e7co

[JIVE FIVE Mary G.]

Ryan Shaw is FABULOUS!!! I've known about him for several years. He deserves to be a big star. He sings Bobby Taylor's "I Am Your Man" and KILLS it. There are no limits to his talent.

~~Mary~~

[MIKEW-UK]

Mary, I'm really excited by what I am learning of him..... I was bemoaning the loss of melody, arrangements and musicianship on the forum only a couple of days ago.... he deserves much more support and exposure...... I love this quote from his website.....[[my bold type)
The more Ryan heard of the sounds of the Fifties, Sixties, and Seventies, the more aware he became of the missing ingredients in contemporary music. "I'm into chords, melodies, lyrics, arrangements - I'm into music in all its aspects. It seems like the late Eighties were the last time we really had all these elements in Black music, with artists like Anita Baker and Luther Vandross. By the mid-Nineties, we were down to two chords and a drum loop."

[MIKEW-UK]

Mary,

Here's "I Am Your Man" . I see his new album has a cracking version of Bobbt Taylor's "Blackmail". Ryan Shaw would have fitted in perfectly at Motown in its golden period.....


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

[JIVE FIVE Mary G.]

Mike,

I was just going to post "I Am Your Man". Thanks for doing it. He sings the song as well as Bobby Taylor, and Bobby is one of my favorite male vocalists.

I love the quote from his website!! He is so right on. I'm glad you've discovered Ryan. He deserves to be a huge star, and I agree - he would have fit right in at Motown during its hay day.

I'm ging to see if "Blackmail" is on youtube. :)

[JIVE FIVE Mary G.]

Couldn't find "Blackmail" but here he is doing "I Found A Love".



http://youtu.be/Fq9jo5ss0J8

[MIKEW-UK]

Robin Thicke - Talented - Yes

Blurred Lines - As relevant to Soul Music as Lady Gaga - in other words, not soulful.

Did it advance the soul agenda? Nope.

Will people marvel at the craftmanship and musicanship in 20/ 40 years? Nope.

Is it a successful, commercial, summer song in the same way as Mongo Jerry's hit 'In The Summertime"? A song of the moment? A money making exercise? Yep.....

Or as significant as Scott McKenzie San Francisco [[ Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair? Yes / Nope...Umm, was it significant?

Is it of any interest to us?

[[Absolutely not to me, but just my opinion, and I respect yours.)

[soulster]

http://youtu.be/-Dcwbp05dQM

[daddyacey]

I Am Your Man is first of all ,one of my favorite songs. Bobby's version is good ,but............Edwin Starr's is the one I like the best. I will have to check out Ryan's version and comment later. Thanks for the tip.

[MIKEW-UK]

Such a brilliant song.... love Bobby's and Edwin's versions.....Did you know Ryan Shaw’s cover of “I Am Your Man” was Grammy-nominated for the Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance category ?

And here is The Four Tops version....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zjW9TLEXZA

[MIKEW-UK]

And The Dells...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v0PbClFV-k

[Kamasu_Jr]

It's Robin Thicke's time. He was one of the funniest husbands on the Real Husbands of Hollywood. That helped set his music up to reach a wider audience. I like the song, but I have not paid close attention to the lyrics.

[marv2]

Such a brilliant song.... love Bobby's and Edwin's versions.....Did you know Ryan Shaw’s cover of “I Am Your Man” was Grammy-nominated for the Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance category ?

And here is The Four Tops version....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zjW9TLEXZA

Mike! Such high quality musical tastes you have ! Add Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers version to the list too.

[MIKEW-UK]

Hi Marv, added to the list... I'll upload Edwin's version this evening...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTiMmWmGL68

[MIKEW-UK]

In the meantime, here's some stunning vocals on a great soul epic... I'm hypnotized by the drum, bass and guitar working in unison, with the organ joining in and the horns exclaiming, and subtlely moving up a gear along the way, pushing the entire beautiful thing forward to its conclusion......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_wZnkVx0ZI

[soulster]

Amazing how you guys block out what you collectively don't like.

[MIKEW-UK]

Edwin Starr.... I Am Your Man.
7037

http://minicasts.podomatic.com/play/1952012/6580786

[roger]

Amazing how you guys block out what you collectively don't like.

Yes Soulster .. this thread has gone off at a strange tangent!! :)

Back to the subject, I quite like "Blurred Lines" though it doesn't have the "go out and buy me immediately" appeal that Robin's "Lost without U" had some 4 or 5 years back ..

This is "Lost Without U" ..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DdCoNbbRvQ

To me "Blurred Lines" has a nice summery feel and is a contender or "Record of The Summer" with the DAFT PUNK/NILE ROGERS tune .. BUT .. if you want retro late '70s/early '80s grooves, for me this one easily beats the two of them ..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIenQCOOgH8

Roger

[Penny]

My problem with the video is the old double standard is at play. The girls are walking around scantily clad [[clean version) or topless [[unrated version) yet the guys remain fully clothed in both. How about equal time for Thicke, Pharrell and TI to show some skin like the girls? I mean, come on, in the video Thicke poses in front of a wall with graffiti that says “Robin Thicke has a big dick”. Prove it Robin—put on a thong and show some visible penis line and make your women and gay fans happy like you’re making your male and lesbian fans happy with the women in the video.

I just found this thread. Smark21 I like your logic. It seems flawless to me.

Penny:cool:

[smark21]

Well I heard the next single and the video from the album will be a song in which Robin sings about how well hung he is. So perhaps that video will give us so visible penis line from Robin so we can find out if he’s being personal in songwriting, or just playing a character.

[soulster]

I don't care about dick.

[skooldem1]

I don't understand why threads can't stay on topic. I have had a chance to listen to most, not all tracks on the CD while out driving. I must say that from what I've heard so far, it is a very good album. Right now, one of my favorites is track #7 [[Feel good).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rriGQxOb7z8

[soulster]

I don't understand why threads can't stay on topic.


This one didn't because the people who hate the song for whatever reason decided to put forth music they like instead of starting their own thread.

[alanh]

Newsflash from today's Music Week trade magazine:

Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams and Clifford Harris Jr. have filed a lawsuit against the family of Marvin Gaye to counteract claims that smash hit Blurred Lines copies two of the late artist’s songs.

The lawsuit - obtained by The Hollywood Reporter - states that Plaintiffs, Thicke, Williams and Harris Jr. “reluctantly file this action in the face of multiple adverse claims from alleged successors in interest to those artists. Defendants continue to insist that plaintiffs' massively successful composition, 'Blurred Lines,' copies 'their' compositions."

The trio say that Gaye’s family believes Blurred Lines and Gaye’s Got To Give It Up “feel” or “sound” the same, as well as similarities with Funkadelic’s Sexy Ways.

But the Plaintiffs argue “there are no similarities between plaintiffs' composition and those the claimants allege they own, other than commonplace musical elements."

The Gaye family are said to be threatening litigation should Thicke et al not offer a monetary settlement, but Thicke, Williams and Harris Jr. have turned to the courts first, apparently to restablish rights and obligations on both sides.

[alanh]

Apologies - I see my above post/story has already been started in the Motown section.

[daddyacey]

Apologies - I see my above post/story has already been started in the Motown section.

No.....It works here too because it applies to what was posted by members previous to what has happened. Many have said it indeed had the feel of "GTGIU" by Marvin. R.T. knows this is true but he got the money to waste on a legal fight cause if he have to pay or not ,the legal fees are deductable. It ain't only about the music today ,it's also about the money. The sample issue and the way SOUL/R&B "TYPE" music is made now has changed the music and the industry across the board. Rights not only include publishing and radio play , but video and downloads ,ring tones,etc. All of this based on samples of the music of the 60's, 70's and 80's. There's even tracks now that sample Biggies sample of "Juicy Fruit".

I knew this lawyer thing was coming. People that can't hear the similarities may not know the music as far back as others or may not relate to the time period before. In this place and time this track is like a sample or close to it.

[soulster]

"Got To Give It Up" is the very first thing I thought of too. The similarities are striking. But, it BL was not meant to rip anyone off. It was to pay tribute to a unique sound that we have rarely, if ever heard emulated until now.

[Jerry Oz]

If an artist were to appear to riff a Robin Thicke song, he'd sue them. So, all's fair.

[skooldem1]

I can't find the article now because there are just to many regarding this song. But a while back I read an interview with either Robin or Farrell, and they said that they were in the studio playing around with sounds and they wanted a Marvin/Got to give it up vibe and that is how the song was born. They never denied this. According to the lawsuit they are saying that the Marvin estate was basically trying to bully them into paying them money. The Thicke team is saying that they did not use a sample. They tried to evoke the vibe. I would think that the law is specific and that you can't own a sound.

[Jerry Oz]

And yet, Huey Lewis prevailed when he sued Ray Parker, Jr. over the similarities between Parker's "Ghostbusters" and "I Want A New Drug". This is in spite of the fact that both used the same basic bass riff from M's "Pop Musik". For the record, Parker wound up paying Lewis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mqZrHPGuBo

[Jerry Oz]

Here is "Pop Musik":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPoiv0sZ4s4

[daddyacey]

"Got To Give It Up" is the very first thing I thought of too. The similarities are striking. But, it BL was not meant to rip anyone off. It was to pay tribute to a unique sound that we have rarely, if ever heard emulated until now.

He said initially that they used the classic sound as a foundation. Jam & Lewis did the same with J.B. riffs ,[[That's The Way Love Goes), Sly riffs and others. J.B. and Sly used riffs from each other. Prince used riffs from both of them ,.......BUT... J.B. and Sly didn't sue each other. That was in the era before the legal term ,"uses a interpretation of" became an issue and J&L and Prince among other artists that produced material obviously based on other artists sound or style, gave credit to and admitted to at least, the fact that those other artists were the basis of their new material.
My issue with R.T. on this issue is that I have this impression he is acting like GTGIU was not a major factor in his creation of B.L. ,but rather just made in the spirit of GTGIU. The issue is not the lyrics being similar ,but the track and it's sound behind them. If the public can hear the association between the two recordings , then I know he did ,through the playbacks and mixing of this hit he put together. He say's that some of his influences are Marvin ,Curtis ,Michael etc , and I don't mean to imply that he intended to rip off GTGIU but the groove and feel and sound is still there. Really now, the man aint stupid regarding the business and he must have had an idea of the possibility of having legal shix from the Gaye Estate. Being fair ,that is in the circumstances , their business but that's another story.

GTGIU is credited to Marvin Gaye ,produced by Art Stewart. It actually started as a loop taken from one of the jam sessions at the studio that Art Stewart was working on. Marvin heard the loop and wrote the words. They made it long to fill up the #4 side of the LIVE album. At the time that album came out ,the phasing of R&B/Dance/Soul/Funk into Disco was going on. Marvin could get you some ya ya in the bedroom ,but they wasn't playing no slow jams in the clubs. They worked on it and used it for the album. It was to them a throw away track really. GTGIU was just what Marvin needed at that time. They jammed it in the clubs. It was one of those tracks that stood out because nothing up to then had sound like it.....and it was from Marvin Gaye. It was just a jam, a jam that RT, "emulated" too well. The bottom line is that it's [[GTGIU) is a classic iconic recording by a classic iconic artist............ so why sue? If it wasn't for GTGIU there woudn't be a BL , so have a little respect. The Gaye's want a piece of money , whats the big deal? For him to "sue them before they sue me" is IMO ,just a bit disrespectful to Marvin. Are you doing what you do with your style to honor and continue the art of the style of the music? Or is it a business thing? IMO it's just the principle.

[MIKEW-UK]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/10333111/Robin-Thicke-iTunes-Festival-review.html

"Deeply unpleasant about his smutty style"

Certainly when Inwas buying Robin Thicke's earlier outings, I admired the sincerity and the singing. I'm getting old, I guess......

[soulster]

I guess i'm an extreme liberal to most of you guys.

[smark21]

It seems Thicke’s new single Give it 2 U is not performing all that well. In the pop market he’s in danger of becoming a one hit wonder. It doesn’t help that Blurred Lines has been overplayed and Thicke isn’t much of a live performer—he was upstaged by Miley Cyrus’ twerking at the MTV Awards and looked ridiculous in that BeetleJuice outfit.

[soulster]

Not every song off an album is going to be a hit, Smark. The man has made good albums in the past, too. Never write anyone off in this music game.

[Jerry Oz]

"Blurred Lines" might be for Robin Thicke what "Word Up" was for Cameo. A surprise crossover hit that either changes the group/singer into a pop act [[followed by pop music, which neither of them performed prior to crossing over) or makes them a one-hit wonder on the pop charts because they choose to dance with the one that brung them: R&B or urban music. I loved Cameo for coming out with "Skin I'm In" on their next album because Larry Blackmon clearly decided that he wasn't going for greater success at the sake of craft.

[soulster]

"Blurred Lines" might be for Robin Thicke what "Word Up" was for Cameo. A surprise crossover hit that either changes the group/singer into a pop act [[followed by pop music, which neither of them performed prior to crossing over) or makes them a one-hit wonder on the pop charts because they choose to dance with the one that brung them: R&B or urban music. I loved Cameo for coming out with "Skin I'm In" on their next album because Larry Blackmon clearly decided that he wasn't going for greater success at the sake of craft. Having that huge crossover hit can also kill an artist. The audience has a tendency to place people with a certain sound they like in a box. If you swerve out of that box, people can reject you. At other times, it's a matter of timing. They were steadily on the rise starting in 1981 in the R&B wolf, and had their taste of crossover success as they steadily rose. Then, Cameo came out with the "Machismo" album when their unique sound was no longer in sync with what people wanted to hear. I personally didn't like the album because the somgs were too long and drawn out. They also tried to repeat the formula of "Word Up!" with the lead-off single "You Make Me Work".

[MIKEW-UK]

Always thought this owed a lot to MG GTGIU.... terrific groove.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy6FfcJR0bg