A comparison of Billie Jean.

The original was released in 1983 by none other than the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson (2). The comparing cover was released in 2006 by the late Chris Cornell (3).

The first time listening to the cover version you know the words, but you aren’t used to hearing them in such a different tone and rhythm that your brain takes a minute to realize what song it actually is. It is almost stunning how something that came from one thing can be so similar but so different.

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean

In 1984, just two years after being recorded and one-year post-release, Billie Jean won four big-time Grammy and Juno awards. It was deemed “one of the highest selling singles of all time” (1). The song touched the genres of post-disco, blues, funk and dance-pop. It was originally written to describe situations where women would claim their kids were relatives of his (being the offspring of his also famous brothers), and just the struggle that came with trying to have fun, find love and be famous (2).

Chris Cornell – Billie Jean

Chris Cornell was the lead singer of Soundgarden, on of the biggest grunge bands along side Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Billie Jean sung by Chris Cornell was released in 2006, performed at an acoustic concert in Sweden, and was never officially released but has become widely available and a fan favourite (4).  As most of Cornell’s songs take a more heavy metal/ rock twist he seems to tone it down quite a bit slower with this cover, making it a more alternative/ indie rock song. For the most part, this version is more along the lines of a single vocalist playing in front of a small crowd on a weeknight. It does change slightly with the electric guitar in the chorus and the guitar solo. To pull this kind of a switch off, you have to have a solid talented vocalist, something that Chris Cornell pulls off nicely. Cornell actually comes off quite raspy and smoky, slowing down and really pronounces the words making it easier to hear the story. He sounds almost dreary and sad in the first verses but picks up energy in the bridge before truly letting loose emotionally on the chorus, soon being joined by the electric guitar. The total product makes the song much more emotional than the original.

In a straight lyrically comparison these songs are identical. There was not a single out of place, however, the tempo and backbeat are nothing alike. Jackson’s keeps you peppy and grooving whereas Cornell’s tones you back to a more mellow relaxing vibe. Jackson is there to be a performer and give you a show, which is why the music video is never a dull moment with constant pictures to be looking at, including his incredibly world-renowned dance moves. He backs up the harsh lyrics with a rocking wavy pitch, giving your ears an attentive experience. I do think that the cover and the original give off totally different feels, and I would listen to both but in totally different moods. Attached to these moods, vibes, and feels are different groups of listeners. Cornell took a classic song, sung by one of the worlds’ musical pillars and innovators, and targeted a whole different group of people, in a whole different time. Popular genres of the 80’s were poppy upbeat dance tunes, whereas popular genres of the 2000’s were more alternative and rock-like, meaning that both versions targeted the majority audience. And although Cornell might not have been as successful in his presentation it is still something different and soothing to the ear.

Billy Jean is a name when mentioned is instantly recognized and associated with a certain celebrity, which is what makes this specific cover such an anomaly. The cover is something that gives takes a new take and feels on a classic song.

References

(1) Connelly, CHristopher. "Rolling Stone's Thriller review". February 5, 2007.

(2) Greenberg, Steve. "Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' at 30: How One Album Changed the World". November 29, 2012.

(3) Shteamer, Hank. "Chris Cornell: 8 Great Acoustic Covers". May 18, 2017.

(4) Thbobmaster. "On the Cover: Billie Jean by Chris Cornell". November 28, 2007.

Mamie Smith

Mamie Smith, was ahead of her time when it came to three things, one, the blues, two, black people in the industry, three, women as the popular performers. Her early life isn’t totally known but she is believed to be born in 1883 Cincinnati, Ohio. Mamie was working as a vaudeville entertainer and touring by the time she was just 10 years old, and continuing to tour with various acts well into her teens. At age 20 she called Harlem home with her new husband William Smith. She later remarried twice throughout her career but kept the same name. She is known majority for her blues signing, but also film performances. She was a glamourous multi-talented woman. This is where Mamie Smith made her mark on Okeh Records and the world. Later in her career, she often performed with the Jazz Hounds.

Her success is said to have been a surprise as “Crazy Blues”, her first recorded song, published in 1920, pushed the boundaries of social acceptance and ethical issues. The original song talks of her feelings of crazy blues after the man of her dreams leaves her, leading into all the other bad news she gets. This song is considered to be the ‘First ever recorded blues song’, a song which sold over 75,000 copies in just a few months, with the surprise coming from the record label as they began to take notice of the popularity of the genre. This massive income flex and success of the song is also what made certain people take observation into how large scale the exploitation of colored musicians was in the industry. The immediate popularity prompted other recording companies to sign female black blues singers to capture the new “race records” market. This market is where large companies sell blues music to black record buyers, most often white men.

Mamie opened the doors to the world of blues, and some argue that even though the work was often demeaning it set the stage for future fames, it allowed women to be thought of as talented people. It allowed the blues to become established and accepted.

As many scholars call “crazy Blues” the ‘first ever recorded blues song’, many other people questioned the authenticity of Mamie’s blues. The blues stemmed from southern rural roots and Mamie came from Cincinnati, so how was she to know. As well with black talent freshly known within the world she was often criticized for not being any better than other white singers. Her being able to continue producing top hit ‘blues’ songs is what led to her overcoming the doubt.

The following is her most well-known song “Crazy Blues”.

 

This song stars of with a strong band background, heard are trumpets, clarinets, saxophones and a trombone, with Mamie coming into sing only 16 seconds in. Her lyrics often decrescendo down near the end of the word, with straining during the last world of a stanza. The chorus is hoppy and enjoyable. The lyrics stand out as it tells a story of a woman who has issues too, a woman who is allowed to chase a man, and a woman who feels. I chose this song as it is what made her name as a blues singer.

“That thing called love”

This song was said to be recorded before “Crazy Blues”, but was not considered to be bluesy. It has a piano playing tempo and a flute adding in the harmony. Again her lyrics speak of a woman in pain or anguish, rather than a woman of happiness and joy. The choice of this one is more of a study thing, I was studying what the difference between her blues and her before.

“My Sportin’ Man”

This was actually my favourite of her songs as it is quite scandalous in its lyrics. Some of the lyrics include:

‘He ain’t gun shy, he always hits the same bull’s eye, what man is my sportin’ man’

‘That gun of his pumps all day long’

It is a very playful song, that makes you beat your foot and giggle at the same time.

As I continued to listen to her many songs I started to notice the more hidden lines and references to the previous years of slavery, black racism, and white-washing. They are never straight worded or bold as you might say but instead quiet and snider remarks to a previous time.

I found Mamie Smith to be a very vocally talented and creative artist with a lot to offer in her music.

#M2Q3

Bibliography

1.Oliver, Paul. “Smith, Mamie.” Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press,

2. “At the Howard Theater.” Washington Bee. December 18, 1920.

3.blackpast.org/aah/smith-mamie-1883-1946

4. pages.stolaf.edu/...anmusic/tag/mamie-smith

 

#M5Q4

On Sunday, July 15 I had the opportunity to watch Luke Bryan, a singer-songwriter country artist, perform on the main stage at the Craven Saskatchewan Country Thunder music festival.

It is my 5^th year attending Country Thunder, and my third opportunity to watch Luke Bryan. Born as Thomas Luther Bryan in 1Georgia 1976, he holds heavy values on family and God. TL Bryan’s talent came obvious to his family as they always encouraged his music career. Sadly at age 19 tragedy struck with the loss of his older brother, so he decided to give up the music and attend a business college near home. But years later in 2006, he moved to Nashville, only after his father told him to pack his truck to pursue a career in music.

His first step into the famed life was as a songwriter, then moving to the stage himself in 2007 with his debut album, I’ll Stay Me. Luke has now gone on to win 35 Major awards through channels such as the CMT, American Music Awards and many more with no sign of stopping in the near future.

Country Thunder Jamboree is definitely 100% country focused, right down to the venue (it is hosted in the middle of a field). The most popular attire is your muddiest pair of cowboy boots, your most cut of jeans and favourite plaid shirt. The best part about an open outdoor atmosphere such as this is that it really shows who wants to be there, who is willing to spend the money and time to see their favourites play. The weather isn’t always predictable and so you are forever running the risk that it could rain or be cold, but at Craven that doesn’t matter, especially when Luke Bryan is around. I was fortunate enough to be VIP all weekend, meaning that I was able to actually sit on the stage during his concert. Talk about a front row seat. I have never sung my heart out the way I did that night… me and every other person in that crowd. The positivity, love, and party could be smelt in the air and felt under your feet.

Luke Bryan’s songs are honest, easy-to-take in observations of life and love, with a charming personality and a nice bum for added jaw-dropping performances.

The sounds that this amazing artist puts out cover a wide range of harmonies, tempos, beats, and lyrical focuses. His songs fall under the country genre, with thick guitar backgrounds. Each song has a good background with lyrics that are easy to undertand, and memorable enough to stick in your head forever.

‘Drink A Beer’ is one of Luke’s more emotional and personal songs to me. It is a reflection of what losing a friend is like and how to deal with that specific pain. Every single sentence, the slow beat, and chilling guitar hit your heart like a brick wall. It is one of those songs that is so powerful that even if you haven’t lost anyone you know, and it also shows just how incredibly talented he is in his expression.

“So long my friend

Until we meet again

I’ll remember you

And all the times that we used to”

These are just a few of the impactful lyrincs in the above song.

Watching Luke Bryan perform is always an amazing experience and he never disappoints, but ‘Drink a Beer’ is one song that I could listen too over and over again. That being said watching him perform it on Sunday was absolutely incredible.

Other #1 number one hits played at Craven include.

Each of these songs was played like I was listening to my iPod. His professionalism, tune, pitch and dance moves were flawless his entire performance. Again just a few more things that really show why he has had the successes he has, and how he has managed to stay in the fame light so long. Even with the dozen other artists that performed Luke Bryan still takes the cake (and my heart).

Craven Country Thunder Jamboree was as always an amazing time for me. After all, there is no better way to hang out with your friends than listening to a good artist with a beer in your hand.

Bibliography:

1. The Biography of Luke Bryan: https://www.biography.com/people/luke-bryan

 

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