Rock'n Out in a Universal Language
Rock Music - Would you love it the same regardless of the language it's in? Or is language a barrier for you?
Scott Hardie | July 7, 2010
Since I don't pay much attention to lyrics in English anyway, I find foreign-language songs easy to like, maybe even easier to like than native fare. I've been really enjoying Yelle lately, to the point where I considered adding her as a birthday card in Rock Block, even though I comprehend maybe a third of what she's saying. I don't care that her songs are cheesy pop music that feel stuck in the '80s (with videos to match); speaking French makes anybody sound hot.
What creeps me out about foreign bands is when they sing flawless English with no hint of an accent. Do they get someone to sing it in natural English and then coach themselves to match that phonetically? Or does singing somehow iron out your accent until it's unnoticeable? I'm reminded of an old SNL bit where the Weekend Update anchor was pretending to interview Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, who muttered and wheezed and slurred their answers into gibberish, until Dylan started strumming a guitar and suddenly their answers became eloquent.
Lori Lancaster | July 7, 2010
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Erik Bates | July 9, 2010
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Steve Dunn | July 9, 2010
Anybody ever listen to Pink Martini? They sing in several different languages on their records. It's almost a bit too self-consciously cute for my tastes, but I don't find the language barrier detracts from my enjoyment of the songs. Then again, I'm a guy who doesn't pay much attention to lyrics anyway.
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Lori Lancaster | July 6, 2010
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