Karen O benefits greatly from her band’s (and solo) amazing catalog. However, it is her versatility that lands her in the top 5. She could do it all, from sweetness to hotness to rock goddess. Her vocal performances are raw AND pretty. The quality of her voice can go to a whisper sometimes, but the honey is sweet even when it isn’t thick. Here’s what I wrote of Karen some years ago, and it bears repeating since I feel the same way about her singular pipe: “It could be the taunts. It could be the constant breathing. It could be the pulsating music. It could be the primal, quivering voice. But I think I just had my la petite mort.”
In the name of versatility: Oh so pretty …
(the cool kids, they belong together)
… somewhere in between …
… oh so deadly…
… and then there’s this.
{My 50 ALL-TIME FAVOURITE FEMALE VOCALISTS list continues (tagged Female Vocalists)! The criteria are simple: they are female of the species, I love their voice, and they have attempted to sing in English at one point in their career. The present list is focused mostly on the quality/uniqueness of their tone (voice box), and their ability to emote the hell out of the songs.}
Shirley Manson can do pretty and vulnerable, as well as cool and beastly, seemingly without effort. She doesn’t stretch herself as much vocally as some other folks on this list. That’s probably reflective of her modest persona, which isn’t something you’d associate with a rocker. But she still has hands-down one of the most distinct and sultry voices in music, ever, and that’s no small feat.
{My 50 ALL-TIME FAVOURITE FEMALE VOCALISTS list continues (tagged Female Vocalists)! The criteria are simple: they are female of the species, I love their voice, and they have attempted to sing in English at one point in their career. The present list is focused mostly on the quality/uniqueness of their tone (voice box), and their ability to emote the hell out of the songs.}
With this sexy track about … pots and pans, the Kills is back! This is a relief because I was a bit worried after the release of Satellite earlier this year. It sounded a little too close to The Dead Weather for my liking, and then the follow up free track, DNA, kinda eased that worry a smudge. Now I can’t wait for them to buhring me on some Blood Pressures!
When I give you an uppercut, throw your chin up and thump your chest, it’ll make it look good. When I slap you, don’t anticipate it, it’ll look fake. When I’m driving, grab the wheel, ‘cause I’ll let go at some point. When we’re walking, walk ahead of me, and don’t look back, I promise I’ll be there, looking down. When we’re in there, don’t say my name, at least don’t say my real name.
Conquest (Patti Page cover) - The White Stripes (Icky Thump, 2007)
Conquest is the final song of this White Stripes tribute series. It very much exemplifies the band’s spirit: paying homage to yesterday’s greats, continuing their tradition, while making it all their own. So closes the curtain on one of the greatest, coolest, most sophisticate and complete rock bands ever.
Part of CKBT’s White Stripes retrospective month: Everyday until March 5th, a White-Stripes track (A or B-side) will appear by magic to remind you how singularly talented they were.
Rag and Bone - The White Stripes (Icky Thump, 2007)
It’s rare to see the duo being vocally playful on a song - not since It’s true that we love one another at least? Not to mention how appropriate is this?
They’re just things you don’t want. I can use ‘em. Meg can use ‘em We can do something with ‘em We’ll make something out of ‘em
Part of CKBT’s White Stripes retrospective month: Everyday until March 5th, a White-Stripes track (A or B-side) will appear by magic to remind you how singularly talented they were.
