Don’t Cry For Me Argentina - Madonna

The person who convinced Madonna that she could act deserves to be taken out a shot to encourage the others. Has her acting ever been more than terrible? Thus we come to this song from the 1996 movie Evita. I always disliked the musical but that turned to disgust when I learnt about the true history of Eva Peron. This film tried to whitewash her and Madonna was terrible in the film and terrible on the soundtrack. It's a song that was out of her musical ability and it showed. 

Sorry, Madge, this musical should be deleted from your back catalogue. I'm a big musical guy but not this, no, not this. 

Score 👎

Wichita Lineman - Glen Campbell

Ok, I think Glen Campbell is a musical genius. He is certainly underrated as a musician. Thus is a fantastic pop/country song released in 1968 and doesn’t fit with other songs released that year. It’s instantly catchy and filled with memorable hooks. It’s one if those singles that is an organic version combining the talent of the songwriter, producer and artist. I love the orchestral arrangement which underpins the whole song. I’m a bit biased as I grew up on Glen Campbell and he was all I heard on the radio at the time. That being said, I don’t think another artist could have brought the song to life. The cover versions just don’t do justice to the song. It is one of those songs where the original is the timeless version and attempts to cover don’t work (See Love is All Around by The Troggs).

Score 😁😁😁😁😁❤️❤️

Sweets for My Sweet - The Searchers

This is classic pop, opens with the chorus, then verse/chorus three times and neat close out. Tightly performed and great guitar and drum work. Catchy and remains so. When we talk about how great some the 1960s pop output was this is one of those examples. Isn’t interesting that some of the more current hits followed this template.

Score 😁😁😁😁😁👏

Light sleeper - Neil and Liam Finn

Ok, I have to say it but Liam Finn is one of the most overrated musicians in New Zealand. I know his father Neil Finn is one of the greatest songwriters we’ve ever had but the talent did not pass down to the son. Neil Finn was a master at a great pop song but post Crowded House his output declined dramatically in quality. It was almost as if the skills he had deserted him once he went solo. Yes, I know his work was highly critically appreciated but that didn’t cover up the lack of decent single or memorable song.

But let me turn Liam Finn. He’s one of those artists who remain critically acclaimed but never seems to have popular success. Why? Because he’s a terrible songwriter. The songs are boring, uninteresting and meandering. He seems to lack the singular ability to write a catchy tune. Despite this flaw, he’s supposed to be one of the great artists in the music scene. Is it because of who his father is?

So what about this album. I listened to a sample of each track which only served to confirm my belief. “Where’s my room” sums up the problems with this album. It’s hard to believe that Neil Finn could write such a mess of a song but here’s your proof. I put it down to the influence of his son. All the strengths of Neil Finn as a songwriter are not here.

Score 🤦‍♂️

Welcome to my blog on my musical musings. Why do I do this?  I got into a really good discussion on music on Facebook and it occurred to me that I have a lot of music I listen to and lots of opinions. I don't like a lot of music and I'll explain why I feel that way. What I love about music is that it is so subjective so you may completely agree or violent disagree.  

I have thousands of songs and albums on iTunes and I have just gotten into Spotify. I use the latter as a way to try songs before I buy them.  Thankfully, I don't have to buy the whole album to get one song as we used to do in the pre-online music age. Kids ask your parents. 

I have some rules: 

1. The song has to be catchy and grabs my attention. 
2. Would I have this on my iPod? 
3. Would I buy this song/album? 

There is also something about music and the artists that seem to be eternal no matter what the time, genre, artist: 

• Most artists if they have a hit first album suffer the sophomore slump when they release their second album - see Hootie and the Blowfish, Spandau Ballet 
• Some bands will have a first album that doesn't make any real waves but they then come back with a hit album - see Culture Club 
• Some artists/band have only one hit song in them and that's it for their career. It must be an awful feeling to know it. 
• The ability to write a hit song is something to be admired, its a skill few people have - see Neil Diamond, Neil Finn etc. 
• Some artists/bands stay around too long and their creativity wanes - see Paul McCartney 
• Some bands/artists can produce great singles but their albums are full of filler songs - see Rolling Stones 
• Never underestimate the contribution of the producer and studio musicians, they have saved many a great song from being average - see Glen Campbell Wichita Lineman 

Please enjoy and let me know what you think about my choices!