Will I Still Be Andrew Lavigne?
Everybody knows how much I love Avril Lavigne. No matter how much I get into Bjork or any other acts, Avril has always been my #1. The question is, will she still be my #1?
I have a fear. I am quite afraid that I will stop respecting her. And it is not because my musical taste has changed throughout the years. I mean, even though Aimee Mann has become a more important singer-songwriter than Skye Sweetnam to me, I will still be able to play an air guitar whenever I put Noise From The Basement into my casette tape.
Under My Skin hints her musical direction moving slightly towards Ashlee Simpson instead of Alanis Morissette, which is not really a good thing. It is not a bad thing, either. But I would like to see Avril grows into what she was originally meant to be. No, not that beautiful country music queen like Faith Hill or, goddamn, Shania Twain (although I really love her leaked Let Go unreleased B-sides which majority are country-pop songs, but that is another story). Former Avril’s manager, Cliff Fabri, planned her to be a cross between Fiona Apple and Sheryl Crow. And that is what truly excites me! I want her to be as respected and influential as Joni Mitchell one day. I want her to be treasured more than The Beatles, if possible. Or at least, I want her legacy to stay and that she will not fade away. That it is! I want her to be remembered for what she had done. But I would rather she be remembered as the one who sang those great songs instead of the one who spawned unimportant hits or whiny clones. I do not want her to be blamed as the ancestor to some untalented kids pretending that they are rock stars 50 years from now.
Her third album is set to be released on early 2007, unless her recording company pushed back the released date and I will have to wait for another year (she had us waiting for almost 2 years for Under My Skin, and now, she is having us waiting for almost 3 years already for her third major studio album). I am very anxious about it, much more than waiting for Kate Bush’s long 12 years hiatus from The Red Shoes to released Aerial. I do not have many problems if she want to have some break after her marriage with Sum 41’s frontman, Deryck Whibley (although it broke my heart, LOL). I do not mind her trying her hands on other careers. Acting, modelling, what is next? Launching her own cosmetic line? Publishing an autobiographical book? Please, Avril! You are not Paris Hilton! That attention whore! Let me calm down and inhale a breath for a while. Okay, I do not mind her new Gucci lifestyle, as long as she can still deliver us more sonic masterpieces. I do not care that she is no more a girl with a sk8board and a tie and excessive black eyeshadow, as long as she is still a great singer-songwriter-musician.
But let me raise my question again, will she still be that great? As I have previously stated, she was moving towards Ashlee instead of Alanis with Under My Skin. Now that I understand why someone used to tell me that she rocks better on Let Go than Under My Skin, I can assume that if she proceeds to pursue this path, I will stop respecting her and I will pass her throne to someone else. Tori Amos, Bjork, PJ Harvey, I still cannot tell. Do not get me wrong, though. I love Under My Skin as much as I love Let Go. And if you force me to pick either (only one) with me to a desert land, my brain will shatter into pieces. But the problem is, Under My Skin is a record that believes that loud sonical density equals to rock music, while it takes much more than just that. Luckily, Under My Skin is still able to understand that there is much more to rock music than raising the dynamic level to an earbreaking volume. And it lives to my expectation. Therefore, still, it rocks!
But then, will her third album still rocks? If she decides to enter the world of Hilary Duff(s), I am already completely hopeless. If so, I will not raise any other questions. I will definitely begin to start a collection of Trent Reznor’s lyrics on a scrapbook. Else, I will begin to solve Tool’s pretentious hidden message using Fibonacci patterns. Fortunately, once I read from an online news that she has been listening to Fiona Apple lately and she was inspired to do more artistic statements instead of commercial hits. That would be good if she truly injects the essence of a Fiona Apple into her music. Let us just hope that it is not some rumors made up by some filthy mouths (also known as the media).
But then, there is another problem. Her marriage seems to be affecting her music in a bad way. No, I do not mind that she is married to Deryck. I do think that he is hot, too. Although if I were born as a gay, I would rather to cum all over Thom Yorke and his dick which he named Kid A instead. But since I were not, I would rather have Lindsay Lohan and her huge tits printed on my favorite underwear. Nah, that is just some dirty jokes. I do not think that Deryck is hot. He is just, uh, okay. What I was trying to said is that I do not mind Sum 41’s punk-pop music. I even adore Green Day and I really enjoy blink-182, as generic as they are. But from what I have read from the filthy mouths, Avril is going to have Deryck working on some of her songs. I have forgotten what she exactly said, but it was something like this, “I give my pop songs to ….. (I forget already, but I guess it is Butch Walker, correct me if I am wrong), I give my experimental songs to ….. (I do not even have a clue what the name was), and I give my rock songs to Deryck.” Okay, so there will be some pop tracks. A little pop in the ingredients is always good. She said that there will be romantic love songs, because that is what she is feeling. Fine. I am a human-being too, I can relate to love songs. Beside, I do not wish her to divorce with Deryck just so I can have another angry or depressed Avril song (and that I will still have the chance to technically change my surname under the name of law and sacred wedding, LOL). Great, so she will try to do some experiments with her music. I can see the light that she will not only grow as a singer-songwriter-musician, but also as an artist. Of course, she is not yet an expert to compete with the innovativeness of Bjork or Radiohead, but at least I can see the light. Let us just assume that the pop and experimental songs will be successful, unless what she meant as pop is Aly&AJ and what she meant as experimental is a ton of overpolished studio gimmicks from the latest Paris Hilton’s record.
But I have an allergy called The Musical Couples Syndrome or something like that. Say, the collaboration between Hilary Duff and the Madden twins of Good Charlotte’s fame is a total disaster. I mean, I admit that songs from her self-titled sophomore album (and to a less extent, some songs from her debut album) work well for my guilty pleasure. But what is up with Wake Up, Beat Of My Heart, and Break My Heart? Horrible, horrible nightmare. As in Avril’s case, I cannot expect much if she lets her fast, catchy, upbeat songs to be contaminated with Sum 41’s style. Do not judge me so harsh, I do think that Sum 41 is a nice band with some cool songs, but I doubt if their musical context is suitable for Avril. Avril and Deryck are currently chemically bonded with love molecules, in which I am sincerely happy for. But their musical collaboration might give birth to a disappointing hybrid. After all is said and done, Avril is the next Alanis. She is not the next Sid Vicious. Even though if she is, I would pretend that she is not. You know what? The Sex Pistols is utter bollocks! I cannot comprehend why some people has the idea to associate Avril with punk music. It seems that the world is overpopulated with morons. Avril is that type of tough women who would have been asked to join Lilith Fair if only Sarah McLachlan was not more interested to have her own 2004’s Afterglow Tour. It would even be better for Avril herself to be more Liz Phair (early Liz Phair, dumbass, late Liz Phair is Lindsay Lohan in disguise) than to be more The Clash or, say, Nirvana. Because that is where Avril’s talent lies. And that is how I am able to respect her.
Enough of my ramblings. Let us just wait and hear how her third album sounds like. That will answer my question, “Will I still be Andrew Lavigne?” I hope so.
November 5th, 2006 at 6:55 pm
Long, hard, erecting critics…Well, how long did u prepare for this, huh?
Avril’s changed to this feminine chic and yes she looks very beautiful. But to those hard-rocking-black-eyeshadow adorers, this might bring hefty disappointment.
I like her singles in common, but not the album in specific.
My most favorite? “I’m with you”. This single brought me a hair spine once when I felt so lonely and her yeah yeah shouts in the single (know rite?)was a perfect melancholy.
Okay, enough said, tel me who Fibonacci & Lilith Fair is and indeed, Lindsay’s tits are fabulous.
Regards,
Ivan Spears to Andrew Lavigne always lar. (ehehe)
November 6th, 2006 at 6:06 am
I spent about two hours to write that on my mobile phone before I sent it to my computer and published it on this blog. But to be honest, I’ve been wanting to post this article for about a week. It was just that I did not have the time to begin it (you know, that exam stuff and everything).
Goddamn, I really do not care about her getting more feminine. It is about her music that I care about. It seems like she is going to degress (I would not say that she is indeed degressing, since her third album is still on the way, so I cannot give any comments about her being degressing/progressing).
And my purpose for having written this is to announce that I “might” stop being an Avril fan, if her third album sucks. But I will always be a fan of Let Go and Under My Skin. It is just that I “might” stop adoring her as a person.
But thanks for your comment, anyway. I respect it. I hope that I will still be Andrew Lavigne, though. ^^
*** Note:
Actually, Wikipedia can help you to know more about Fibonacci & Lilith Fair. But I do not mind to explain, though.
First of all, I cannot believe that you do not know what Fibonacci is. I mean, I do not know WHO Fibonacci is, but I know WHAT Fibonacci is. Do you know that famous sequences of numbers (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987, 1597, 2584, 4181, 6765, 10946, 17711)? In which 0+1=1, then 1+1=2, 1+2=3, 2+3=5, 3+5=8, 5+8=13, and so on. This is the Fibonacci pattern. As for WHO Fibonacci is, I just checked from Wikipedia. Well, he is a famous Italian mathematician.
Lilith Fair is not a person. It is a famous music festival founded by Sarah McLachlan. This is an all-female tour, particularly for “strong” (some people would call it “strong”, but you can call it “confessional” if you want to) singer-songstress. The name “Lilith” itself is taken from the legend that Lilith was Adam’s first wife (Eve was created from and for Adam, but his first wife is Lilith), which means that Lilith Fair is a music celebration for women. Years ago, female musicians are always slightly less respected than male musicians. A female musician’s existence would not be noticed unless she used her sex appeal to sell her music. Sarah was frustated because concert promoters refused to feature two women (in which it was Sarah herself and Paula Cole back then) in a row. Sarah established this tour by herself so that she and Paula could tour together. The tour was successful. Ever since, Lilith Fair has become a tour that invites the greatest female acts all around the world (it has also ever featured Anggun, our Indonesian ladyrocker). In short words, Lilith Fair is a festival that supports feminism.
November 7th, 2006 at 1:57 am
Uh, hi, i juz read u-r ngg..i could say “magnifico” blog and fiuuh ! boy, what a serious crisis we’re having here concerning Avril Lavigne. (n_n;)
Eh i don’t mean to tease you, but why don’t you chill down a bit and give the newest album of hers a go first, then let’s decide what to do after that. ( I’m also a fan, well not a fan, the term ‘fan’ is quite heavy, juz say that i also like some of her singles too. )
And do you mind if i drop some of my opinion ?
For me, personally, i’ve never done such a deep review like yours, i mean…if i like a song, i’ll juz keep listening to it or try to get the lyrics and sometimes sing along, but if i dislike it (doesn’t mean that the song sucks, but maybe juz it digs-me-not or juz a common song or maybe i’m juz not in the mood for some ordinary music)… well, ok, fine, no problemo…doesn’t make me disappointed or upset !
Let’s say that i’m juz a non-block listener, a mere enjoyer, but i can’t do what u-re doing here,i need a great review from somebody like you ….have i mentioned it before ?
Magnifico !
Fantastico !
And hey, don’t forget the Lilith Fair thing…where could i know about if not from you ?
November 7th, 2006 at 6:08 am
First of all, thanks for your comment. I truly respect it. And thanks for your praise, too.
I do agree with “give her newest album of hers a go first”. Yes, I will definitely take a decision after I listen to it. As for now, I am just announcing my worry-ness (if anybody cares), saying that I “might” be no more an Avril fan. That is what “blog” is about, right? Opinions.
Since this is a blog, and I allow people to post comments about this article, I do not mind other people’s opinions, be they positive or negative.
If you would like to see more reviews, you are invited to check this site:
http://www.geocities.com/andrew_album_reviews/
I warn you, though, that some reviews there are far from “nice”. They are very bias. I diss albums that I hate all the way to hell and I rate my favorite albums as high as the freaking sky.
As for the Lilith Fair thing, you are welcome. Feel free to ask other questions if you want to. Perhaps you would like to know who Trent Reznor is? ^^
November 9th, 2006 at 1:00 am
And who again is that ?
(n_n;)
Btw, any review for mandarin music ??
v(n.n)v
Can hardly wait for your next blog d(n.n)b
November 9th, 2006 at 4:34 am
I’m not interested with Mandarin music. But I’ll have a few Mandarin music reviewed on my site. But I guess I’m not going to review them in near future.
I don’t often update my blog. I’m just too lazy. Beside, I’m not too confident to share stuffs, especially with things that concern with my personal life. But I certainly will update my blog, but rarely.
Trent Reznor is the frontman of Nine Inch Nails, an industrial-rock band that often write explicit lyrics. I have Nine Inch Nails reviewed on my site too. But I have to warn you not to try any of the band’s album before you’re acquainted with “different” music. Their music is very hard to be digested. Their material is too “heavy” for casual music fans. I myself even find it hard to “enjoy” their music at first place. But their music might grow on you.
November 12th, 2006 at 6:26 pm
ehem ehem cincin n iva..ckck this boy english rocks ar..hehe.aku mau pakai bahasa indo aja e sai bo haha..jadi phai seh.andrew spend 2 hours to write the blog. i spend my 10 minutes to write my blog hihihi..eniwei andrew please keep up the good job with ur blog..jgn terlalu panjang ar..bingung aku hehe
November 14th, 2006 at 2:56 am
First of all, thanks for your comment.
Fine, there’s nothing wrong with using Indo.
Hehe… anyway, don’t know when I’ll update my blog again. I already have something in my mind. But I haven’t even begin writing it. Still not in the mood.
And… sorry. But my next post is going to be even longer. Haha.. Unless I skip that “something in my mind” and post another stuffs.
November 15th, 2006 at 3:23 am
No problem to me.
Create sumthing hard and not good for our digestion.
We sometimes need a little of violence in life.
But make it quick, Andrew ! Hahaha ..
November 15th, 2006 at 4:45 am
Okay, just wait. ^^
November 16th, 2006 at 6:50 pm
i miss Avril lavigne’s new album so much..
but, Will she make new album ??
she’s changed to be feminim..
and.. become model ??
November 17th, 2006 at 12:13 am
Let us wait and see.
Her next album is set to be released on early 2007.
One of the songs would be titled “Keep Holding On”.
November 19th, 2006 at 4:55 am
good english usage.. keep it up.. hmm…
November 19th, 2006 at 7:16 am
Thanks, Rosalind.. ^^
Can’t believe that you really read the whole long post.
But thanks for the compliment, you make me feel ashame, hahaha…
November 20th, 2006 at 6:45 am
I’ve listened to “Keep Holding On”. It’s not guaranteed that it’ll be on her third album. I’d rather not, well, just so I can have more songs on her third album. “Keep Holding On” is a good song. I haven’t lost all my faith on Avril. “Keep Holding On” does not prove Avril going to the direction of “confessional” singer-songwriters. In fact, it’s like a Krystal Meyers song, only that Avril’s “Keep Holding On” is a lot of time better than anything Krystal Meyers has.
December 20th, 2006 at 5:32 pm
Guess what?
Avril’s third album is set to be released on April ‘07. Titled “The Best Dam Thing”, here’s what Avril has said about it:
“I promise you guys will LOVE this record — it is my favorite one…And I can’t wait! It is really fast, fun, young, bratty, aggressive, confident [and] cocky in a playful way … all the good stuff,”
The first single is called “Girlfriend”, which will be aired on February next year.
Uh… doesn’t sound too promising. I mean… The Best Dam Thing? Bratty? Cocky? And worst of all, Girlfriend?
Damn! I’m getting really worried now. It seems like she’s really getting a little too Ashlee Simpson than Avril Lavigne. Let alone my expectation of her being treasured more than The Beatles.
March 31st, 2007 at 6:10 am
Okay, so now I’ve listened to several songs from The Best Damn Thing. And now it’s time for declaration.
Well, by far. I’ve listened to:
- Keep Holding On (although the one to be featured on the album is an alternate version)
- Girlfriend
- Everything Back But You
- I Can Do Better
- When You’re Gone
- Alone (just a B-side)
And I’d be happy to say that.. well, I am still Andrew Lavigne, by far. I still have to wait until The Best Damn Thing gets released this April, though.
Avril is neither moving towards Ashlee or Alanis here. It’s obvious that the Deryck’s influence is there, having Avril moving towards punk-pop (the likes of Green Day, blink-182, and Sum 41). But thanks God, all the punky thing is saved by Avril’s unique persona.
If you still remember Avril’s He Wasn’t from her 2004 Under My Skin, well, this is it. You’re going to hear a lot of He Wasn’t on The Best Damn Thing.
And one thing noteworthy is that the new songs has been a little more drum-oriented than before. The drumming is now more intriguing, fast, and upbeat.
March 31st, 2007 at 8:49 pm
And now, I’ve previewed all the songs from The Best Damn Thing (just 30-seconds samples, though). Still… urm, confused. Split decision.
April 3rd, 2007 at 6:17 am
Ehm, before I go with my several comments, *cough, cough*, I wud like to know how u judge a singer as good or as bad? Cos I have found some inconsistencies here.But I guess I’ll throw u those remarks after u answer this one. (Anyway, i dunno if u hav ever given ur judgment cos I havent gone over all ur blog postings), so mind u, if u alredi posted it, simply tell me the title of it,If not, u gotta bother urself to answer my question as it will be the groundwork underlying my comments later.Btw, ur work is always thorough
April 5th, 2007 at 6:47 am
I’ve listened to the whole The Best Damn Thing now. Downloaded it on internet. But I’m buying the album after it’s released, anyway.
And after all, still can’t decide. There’s something about it that gets me thinking “it’s not so good compared to her early works, it’s interesting, though” while at the same thinking “it’s actually as good as her early works, it’s only that this album works out in a different way”. Still confused.
April 5th, 2007 at 7:07 am
In regards to Ms. Catherine’s comment, I’ve posted an article about the criteria to judge music titled “What are the criteria to judge music?”.
There, I admitted that I have yet found no “effective” criteria to judge music. I listed some common criteria used by most critics (as well as listeners). And I’m still using these criteria to judge music, anyway, as not effective as they are.
If you visit my album reviews site, you’ll see that I do realize and inject my own taste (personal subjectiveness), as well as the criteria, while reviewing music. Because you know, if I do feel a strong emotional response to an album, that’s gotta mean something, right?
I do have my problem, though. While judging an act, I do have the tendency to judge that act only from “some” of the criteria (not “all”). Usually the “some criteria” I’m using are the ones being the most obvious strength and/or weakness of the act.
Like for example, when I’m judging Bjork’s works, I have the tendency to praise her to the freaking sky for her “originality” while forgetting about the other criteria, especially the “listenability” factor (most of Bjork’s songs are still catchy, but even though, the “originality” factor is already winning over my opinion that I sometimes ignore to analyze the “listenability” factor).
Another example is Mariah Carey. I often bash her for having no “sincerity” while delivering her songs. If you see my reviews on her two latest efforts (Charmbracelet and The Emancipation Of Mimi), you’ll see me complaining a lot about her while forgetting to mention her definitely existent vocal twist and exploration. But when it comes to me reviewing her early works (in which I truly respect), I praise her vocal delivery like she’s a goddess while forgetting that the music are generic throwaway materials.
April 5th, 2007 at 7:14 am
Oh yeah, and I love your comments.
I’ve been waiting for someone to POINT these things OUT. Because I know my self-believing-that-I-am-musically-experienced can be a boomerang. But nobody came out with it before you.
I knew my problems right from the very beginning. And I’m waiting for you to SOLVE everything.