SFist: New Tunes Tuesday #4

Spencer Williams

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:28:11 -0800

I think the "love and hate" comment came from that I know several people who are in love with him (seriously in love) and several who can't stand him... that's all! :) I think a lot of what's happening on the radio is definitely not "quality" though I do think that a lot of the artists that I cover on the New Tunes Tuesday are quality artists in their own right. Several emerging indie-rock artists that have substance and are doing something new and edgy. That's awesome about the charities. Very cool. I haven't listened to the album yet - will do as soon as Halloween is over. I hate listening to Christmas music before! ;) I have heard clips though... It's good to get comments! ;) Thanks!

Trishpop49

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:25:15 -0800

Hi again! I am glad we agree, even if it is in different verbage. What generated my reply was the Love or hate him comment. I have never heard anyone use that wording to describe the likability of his style before. Call me old fashioned. I just don't see what there is to hate about it. People not care for classical, as you call Josh's music, but "hate" is a very strong word. That was my point. You may have only been discussing classical, I was talking about quality music in general. Seems today that music is becoming farther and farther from quality listening. Or at least what is popularized. I am constantly amazed at what gets nominated for Grammy's today. I noticed your mention also of the 20 something fans that Josh has. It was actually the "older" ladies that supported Josh in the beginning. Now, and we are happy to report, there are more and more young women and men...that love and enjoy Josh at his concerts. It is also nice to see younger people benefiting from Josh's charitable contributions to the arts through his Foundation which is support through his fans charity, Grobanites for Charity. His foundation supports children's causes mostly and the arts programs. Did you read of his contributions in North Carolina after he had to postpone his concert there because illness? How many artists do that today? This is not a bashing of you personally Spencer. It is just commenting on your style of reviewing, that is all. It is something you have to put up with if you are going to be reviewing others, right? LOL By the way, have you listened to the Album you reviewed yet? If not, you should, it is most beautiful!!! I know you are going to love it.

Spencer Williams

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:28:00 -0800

No offense. First I'm not sure why lip syncing and screaming is called "music" - I think we agree in that regard. Quality and popularity don't together in music as well. I sang Josh Groban's music in front of my classically-trained vocal teachers in college (as a part of my curriculum) and they hated it. Quality does not equal popular. Why is "outdated" the incorrect adjective? I was talking about classical music - Who listens to classical music, goes to the symphony, the opera, ventures to study Bach, Beethoven, Verdi etc...? It's very few and far between (especially 20 somethings). Josh Groban was able to bridge the gap between classical (with his use of Italian arias and other art songs) and popular music to create his own genre. So yes, he did bring back "classical" in his own unique way - and again, that's why I respect his efforts and continue to listen to his music.

Trishpop49

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 08:23:37 -0800

Spencer, didn't mean to offend you. And YES, I am a huge fan of Josh Groban. The problem you describe regarding the formula of his sucessful albums is the exact reason he has an enormous fan base. So why mess with success? Why is it people in the review business are looking to change the very thing that has made the singer stand out in an industry where lip syncing and screaming is now called "music". I don't think the word respect in a bit much at all. If those cross-over artists are so good, why aren't they on the top of the charts and selling out tours in minutes? And obviously "outdated" would be an incorrect adjective to describe this music because when the quality is high, it never goes out of popularity.

Spencer Williams

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 07:41:45 -0800

What? Goth? No. (If I don't like quasi-classical/pop music I love goth music??) Most Groban fans are SUPER fans, meaning they usually are in LOVE with him. And yes, I do know people who do not like him. He has a wonderful voice and I'm sure I will listen to his new Christmas album, probably a lot. The problem lends to the fact that each of his CD's follow a particular mold (as mentioned above) and they aren't changing it. It seems to be a little old (still enjoyable) - but that's just my gothic opinion. ;) As far as his voice needs to be respected...that's a bit much, there are thousands of classically-trained singers that sing just as well or better than Groban, he's just the only one that has crossed over into the popular realm (and has thousands of twenty-something single woman fans). That is why he should be respected; he actually made an incredibly outdated genre popular again.

Trishpop49

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 22:25:14 -0800

What is this? "Either you love him or you hate him" in reference to Josh Groban and his new Christmas album NOEL. What is to hate about the greatest voice of this century? Spencer must only listen to Goth. This is the finest album and Josh Groban's voice is to be admired and he deserves to be respected for the amazing voice with which he has been blessed.