Britney Spears - Blackout

http://www.genk.be/upload/25091480/images/humanleague.jpg

http://www.the-planets.com/britney_spears/britney_spears_lyrics.jpg

'cause we were never being boiled
we have too much time to find for ourselves

<i>'cause we were never being boiled
we have too much time to find for ourselves</i>

This is beyond the pale.

Listen to the voice of Buddha
Sayin' you're underprotected.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/bunchoffives/200px-Dionne_anyone.jpg

what you say today is indexed by google for ETERNITY! Please take a moment to consider this!

I don't get the jpeg

I hate what happened to my Britney thread.

All Depeche Mode synths and bizarre Knife style vocoder twists.
-- I know, right?, Saturday, October 20, 2007 7:00 AM (5 hours ago) Bookmark Link

haven't heard the britney album (and hopefully never will), but god, you're giving her waaaaay too much credit here; no way she's comparable to these doods. to quote alex in nyc: britney spears is incapable of making any music of quality and distinction.

The clips are okay but they sound like SO MANY of the electro-tinged pop records that have been knocking about for four or five years now. I'm hesitant to judge on the basis of a few clips but they all sound competant rather than magical.

Or maybe I've heard too many records like this now to be excited by another one, even if it is Britney.

(Okay three or four years maybe)

In Britain maybe. We've only been getting this kind of stuff for a year or so here.

I was originally going to post a snarky message about massive American pop stars suddenly going mad for a style of music we got here years ago (Will.I.Am, Kanye, Britney) but decided against it.

It's kind of odd though, over the 00s we've become accustomed to big US pop productions sounding really fresh, and now suddenly they're taking the cue from a style of music that's just become somewhat old hat in Europe.

But it's true. I find the whole hiphop/europop crossover thing rather fascinating. And it does sound fresh to American ears because most never heard this kind of stuff when it was big in Europe.

On a related note, what have the recent pop production trends in Europe been?

I mean, probably the only non-ilxor person I know who's heard of Girls Aloud or the Sugababes went to college in Britain from 2001-2005 or so.

There is no pop music in Britain any more.

Like the ancient prophets predicted: it ate itself.

I mean, the trend in the UK is either flimsy pop-ska as sung by drama school graduates who were too shit at acting to make a career out of it, or flimsy acoustic strumming from drama school graduates who were too shit acting to make a career out of it.

There's the good old 'make the guitars sound as much like synths as possible, make the synths sound as much like guitars as possible and then pile them together' school of production as well but Xenomania have been doing that for years.

But mostly there's just bad haircut indie.

There's more than one Lily Allen? That sucks.

I don't think it's possible to be too shit at acting to make a career out of it as long as Hollyoaks exists.

they call this one kate nash
http://www.theclerisy.com/afor/images/katenash.jpg

she actually looks like a shit actress come to think of it.

Worst thread ever.

In April 2007, Nash and other up-coming London acts were attacked through a parody of Nash's song entitled, "LDN Is A Victim." The unknown acts posted the song on their MySpace profile [1]. Lily Allen responded via MySpace, stating "Kate Nash is well better than you". The syntax used in Lily Allen's assertion displays a trait for which both she and Kate Nash are known; namely, for speaking and singing with incorrect grammar in the style of an informal conversation. [6]

wikipwn.

lol British

britney spears is incapable of making any music of quality and distinction.

-- stephen, Saturday, 20 October 2007 17:21

oh come now. really?

at least she's a great mother

Leave it Hoos, he's not worth it.

At least with Alex in NYC I can resort to "u old," but Stephen is a good dude! Just smh, I guess.

oh come now. really?

Some of her songs are very good, e.g., Toxic, but she isn't the one writing them. I guess that's a "rockist" criticism, whatever that means, but that doesn't make it wrong. It's also not a criticism meant to demean her; she's a very good performer (but not a good singer).

Having said that, I'm rooting for her on this disc and in her career. At this point, she's one of the more genuine figures in pop culture. She seems incapable of presenting herself as the sterile, boring "media product" that I expect with young pop stars. She seem interesting.

(But also keep in mind that "I old," as BH might say).

Some of her songs are very good, e.g., Toxic, but she isn't the one writing them. I guess that's a "rockist" criticism

I don't give a fuck if it's a rockist criticism or not, I was just chafed by the idea that nothing good can ever come from her; as you say, she's been involved with some good (I might say really good) stuff: Toxic, Slave 4 U, even Hit Me is sorta a quintessential late 90s pop tune.

Like you I'm also rooting for her just cause I wanna see someone triumph over the depressing Glitz Machine that drives so many talented people crazy. Bonus points for her beating the Glitz Machine if only because she's been so publicly fucked over by it.

I'm sure Alex will tell me I need to raise my standards or get some taste or whatever, but such as it is.

I don't give a fuck if it's a rockist criticism or not, I was just chafed by the idea that nothing good can ever come from her; as you say, she's been involved with some good (I might say really good) stuff: Toxic, Slave 4 U, even Hit Me is sorta a quintessential late 90s pop tune.

Like you I'm also rooting for her just cause I wanna see someone triumph over the depressing Glitz Machine that drives so many talented people crazy. Bonus points for her beating the Glitz Machine if only because she's been so publicly fucked over by it.

Yeah, I totally agree. I'm not so sure Alex would disagree, either.

I'm in the same corner as the two of you. I wouldn't consider myself a fan, really, but I think good can come out of this.

If Alex truly doesn't like "Toxic," then I feel sorry for him. I have a hunch he's just pretending not to like it.

Having said that, I'm rooting for her on this disc and in her career. At this point, she's one of the more genuine figures in pop culture. She seems incapable of presenting herself as the sterile, boring "media product" that I expect with young pop stars. She seem interesting.

She seems incapable of being a mentally healthy human being you mean? Her handlers are unable to keep her in shape and off of drugs. She's only genuine because she spiralled out of control. I don't have a problem with that, I just think it's funny that one of the only 'honest' seeming pop stars is a result of a demeaning media parade of her constant fuck-ups.

I'm really sick of this concept of "handlers."

i'm so excited

I'm really sick of this concept of "handlers."

I'm really not sure if she has handlers, but she certainly has a personal trainer, and voice training, and a number of people's careers whose success are somewhat contingent on hers, yet she still fails to perform. And what's wrong with handlers if they're there? You've got 15 year olds who suddenly have access to exorbitant amounts of money, it's expected they'll get investment advice, why not some degree of watchfulness. I know it's kind of unfair, but young people aren't that responsible, and young people like Britney Spears who has been a money generating machine since she was a child, are probably not learning a whole lot other than how to perform. That said, I don't follow this stuff at all, and am probably terribly off base.

my fear that someone will google this thread is costing me sleep

Hey John I handed someone this ancient Quito Ecuador QSL card in Pittsburgh and told them to take it to you, did you get it?

Now an amateur radio operator or shortwave enthusiast might find this and be even more confused and put off :D

i plan to get this album why because it looks intertsing

She seems incapable of being a mentally healthy human being you mean? Her handlers are unable to keep her in shape and off of drugs. She's only genuine because she spiralled out of control. I don't have a problem with that, I just think it's funny that one of the only 'honest' seeming pop stars is a result of a demeaning media parade of her constant fuck-ups.

I mean that -- for whatever reasons -- Spears isn't a polished, sterile pop star anymore, and she's a more sympathetic figure as a result. I have no desire to see more misery worked on her. To the contrary, I want her to get her act together and succeed. If you're implying that I'm rubbernecking in the hopes of being amused by Spears continuing to embarrass herself, you're wrong and I don't know how you'd get that from what I said.

trashthumb,

You're correct in the main, I think. I was speaking more generally to the idea that a pop star has "handlers" that are the puppet-masters to her artistic decisions & public face.

i find the sympathetic aspect of the whole debaucle interesting. i have felt it strongly, and am intrigued to find that others have as well.

If you're implying that I'm rubbernecking in the hopes of being amused by Spears continuing to embarrass herself, you're wrong and I don't know how you'd get that from what I said.

I'm not, I'm just saying that the reason that she's in a position to be honest is because of all this awful stuff happening to her. Didn't Mariah Carey's music become more personal after she had problems? I was just observing, not accusing you of schadenfreude.

I'm just saying that the reason that she's in a position to be honest is because of all this awful stuff happening to her.

---

That would actually have me MORE excited about the new album.

Imagine a record full of claustrophobic Neptunes-produced paranoia/anti-paparazzi songs.

-- BIG HOOS aka the steendriver, Saturday, July 28, 2007 6:03 PM

BREAK

THE

ICE

hi ramzi

hey! was just thinking of you tonight -- i saw a brooklyn boy with your face.

oooh

guys

i just realized that if you listen to get naked" on headphones, you hear this soft monster of little britneys singing "whatcha tryin to do" in the middle

all the production on this song is kind of ridonc. never got it.

how did I miss that post actually

xpost I love that song!

yeah "get naked" is the best song on the album imo

guys this album soundtracked a very particular period of my life and i think its going to be a long time before I can really listen to it again : (

just like britney!

that said

http://www.factmagazine.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3162&Itemid=105&limit=1&limitstart=10

This album is still so amazing. sigh

guys this album soundtracked a very particular period of my life and i think its going to be a long time before I can really listen to it again : (

― ❊❁❄❆❇❃✴❈plaxico❈✴❃❇❆❄❁❊ (I know, right?), jueves 13 de agosto de 2009 19:37 (2 months ago) Bookmark Suggest Ban Permalink

I feel you. :(

sorry for sleeping :(

at least you're here now

lol still can't believe this album happened. i just did a cover of piece of me at a show. it was fun.

A chance hearing of 'Break The Ice' last week has got me listening to this again on a daily basis. What an incredible album, time for a ten-year anniversary vinyl edition please :)

Jeez, forgotten what "meritless offal" Alex in NYC was.

Ha -- I misssed this yesterday. My favorite Britney songs. This album dominates.

I went back to this album following this thread revival: it still holds up and sounds great.
I also discovered "get back" on the extended version on Spotify. It's pretty good !

not today i'm not! how shall we break this down? deliciously ironical lyricky self awareness? 'stars are blind', 'fighting over me', 'screwed'. blithely wealthy industry appropriation of modern musical trends? 'turn it up', turn you on'. fuck you world and you yes you in particular? 'jealousy'. all britney has over paris is a vague hazy rage and people's insane lust for electro-toss and hacky robodiva crit; paris only covered 'do you think i'm sexy' once, not 12 times.

whh-tshh!

― r|t|c, Wednesday, October 31, 2007 6:27 AM (nine years ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

haha note to self only think whh-tshh next time do not type

― r|t|c, Wednesday, October 31, 2007 6:30 AM (nine years ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

In fairness, electro-toss and hacky robodiva crit is 90% of the reason I prefer this to the Paris record.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, October 31, 2007 6:40 AM (nine years ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Also do the whh-tshh again.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, October 31, 2007 6:41 AM (nine years ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

whh-NO I WILL NOT BE EXECUTIVE PRODUCED DAMN YOU PAPARAZZO

― r|t|c, Wednesday, October 31, 2007 6:50 AM (nine years ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

great thread

this thread is weird. remember when ppl cared how much credit britney deserved or didn't deserve for making amazing music? feel like that was a big topic when i was in college. first it went 'britney is talentless hack' then 'even if she makes good music other ppl deserve the credit for doing it for her' then 'well she probably deserves some credit for curating this' then 'well she probably deserves lots of credit bc u know this is her voice and her decisions and her album' then 'fuck u britney is awesome'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNrnmDmffRc

Please do not invoke "Being Boiled" when discussing the meritless offal that is Britney Spears. Thanks.

this otm tho. "Piece of Me" compared to this is laughable

Human League have 10 other songs better than the offal known as "Being Boiled."

u know, i knew Perfect Lover was great the 1st time, but when i heard it the second time i really got it

― Surmounter, Friday, October 26, 2007 12:43 PM (nine years ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

love this too

'Being Boiled' is an absolute classic. Good to see people comparing nonsense to synthpop classics isn't a new thing on here.

uh Blackout is a synth pop record, most of it good or classic.

this thread is weird. remember when ppl cared how much credit britney deserved or didn't deserve for making amazing music? feel like that was a big topic when i was in college. first it went 'britney is talentless hack' then 'even if she makes good music other ppl deserve the credit for doing it for her' then 'well she probably deserves some credit for curating this' then 'well she probably deserves lots of credit bc u know this is her voice and her decisions and her album' then 'fuck u britney is awesome'

― Mordy, Saturday, February 25, 2017 12:24 PM (two hours ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

the "this is her decisions and her album" argument almost always bothers me, because in order to combat the "talentless hack" argument -- I mean, a legit goal -- people tend to overcompensate and misrepresent/gloss over reality, generally business/industry reality. Britney is a rare case where some of this is actually public (i.e. she's still under a conservatorship, meaning "this" quite literally is not her decisions and her album)

It's that phenomenon whereby non-critics who like music don't much discuss who produced albums or how it was made but when it's Britney they never fail to point out how many people are involved in making it even when they don't know their names.

xp Also plays to the old rockist argument of the importance of the person the record is credited to be 'controlling' the content as a producer would - wgaf when it's firing on all cylinders.

Fuck happened to Danja tho huh?

I wouldn't call that a non-critic phenomenon -- with pop artists, this sort of thing tends to crop up among professional, somewhat old-school critics

glad this thread got bumped, I almost forgot how fuckin' strange this was. I hated Ms. Spears for a long time but as soon as "It's Britney bitch" dropped I changed my tune. I remember hearing the single for the first time and just being in disbelief, felt like it just had no commercial potential whatsoever. then I heard the full thing and it was like 12 "Windowlickers" in a row. its even better than the Teen Mom album.

20 years since ....Baby One More Time

Pete Paphides:

True story. At the end of 2009, employed as The Times’ chief music correspondent, I was commissioned to ask my colleagues for their favourite albums of the decade & collate their nominations into a Top 100.
When the votes came in, it transpired that I had been the only one who voted for Britney Spears’ Blackout. Which meant that it barely scraped the 100. This was clearly an unacceptable state of affairs. So I bumped it up to number 5 anyway. #noregrets