I like people who have 'imperfect' voices. Joni, Neil Young, Sheryl Crow,
and Donald Fagen seem to bend downward at the end of lines in a way that
conveys sarcasm or disappointment to me. It may not be 'correct' but wow,
do I like it.
At the other end of the spectrum (for me) are the on-pitch "perfect" voices
at the music shows at theme parks. Around here, we have "Kings Island" but
there are many around. They hire talented kids, who have devoted lots of
time and energy and dedication to their craft, no doubt. I respect them.
But I *run* from them. Give me Louden Waintright III or Bobby Dylan or Tom
Waits any day.
The swing era folks had it right, in my opinion. Check out Jimmy Rushing,
Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra ("At the Sands") or even Rosemary Clooney.
They knew where the "one" was but also knew that taking your sweet time and
*just missing it* on purpose builds tension.
Uncle Lama
Lindsay Moon opined:
>> On another musical note, I heard Sheryl Crow sing a great song on the
radio. I felt like I'd heard it before, great tune, a ballad, with the
chorus, "and this is ho-o-o-me..." Another line about something 'tearing
me apart.' Maybe some of you know it. The thing that caught me though was
one of her guitar strings sounded out of tune and that's all I could focus
on. Ugh! I kept grunting! Tune the guitar! How could you record that
out-of-tune string! Anyone else hear it? To me, Sheryl's voice often
sounds flat. Is it me?>>
