Originally Posted By Doobie This topic is for discussion of the October 28th review of DisneyMania at: <a href="News-ID506570.asp" target="_blank">http://LaughingPlace.com/News-ID506570.asp</a>.
Originally Posted By litsurfer Serveal of these songs have been playing on Disney Channel --- I find them less than disney -- in some cases you can't even tell which song it is -- My 6 year old was less than happy with the "new" Little Mermaid songs. All these groups have great song but maybe they should stick with them!!!
Originally Posted By narkspud I didn't care for this CD purely because of its musical lack of merit. They just didn't manage to do anything particularly interesting. I don't mind having charismatic performers bring their own unique performance abilities to familiar songs, but that's not what goes on on this CD--it's youngsters of undiscernable* talent being put through every pitch correcting voice enhancing gizmo in the studio. If you're gonna take that route, the arrangement and the production have to rise to the occasion to carry the interest level. On some of these artists' other CD's, it does. Here it doesn't. *Disclaimer--by undiscernable I mean "can't be discerned one way or the other." I've never heard any of these performers sing without the electronic crutches. They might be great for all I know. BTW, I picked up this CD last weekend. . .at Goodwill for $3. So that's at least two people who didn't like it. While in Europe last spring I bought a similar CD recorded in Belgium. . ."Vlaamse Artisten Zingen Disney." It was much, much better. narkspud
Originally Posted By wilbear64 I must admit, I thought this album was horrible! I really wasted my money on this one. I thought the selection of artists were okay, but some of the songs selected to record were very poor. Tikki Room song?!! Are you kidding me? I only found two songs worth anything, Beauty and the Beast, and Reflections.
Originally Posted By Jim I haven't bought this CD yet, but I've heard and love the Jessica Simpson song. After a great debut and a mediocre second album, It's clear that Simpson has talent--if only she would take it away from Britney and Christina-style and do her own thing. This CD is aimed for youth, and I think that it does so well.
Originally Posted By ParrotHead I don't have a problem with Disney songs being performed by pop stars. However, I think Disney needs to be cautious about whom it chooses. Like it or not, these performers represent the Company when they start singing Disney songs. Are these really the people Disney wants to represent them?
Originally Posted By Trent It's good to hear that people have different opinions in regards to this latest CD. Narkspud, in regards to current tools used in a studio to make an artist sound good, that seems silly to me. Making an accusation about the talent of the artists, simply because they didn't use analog recording equipment seems out of line. I know from personal experience that certain tools are out there to be used. I do not think they are being used in the manner that you imply. ParrotHead, I'd be interested to hear what artists you see as being "undisney." Keep the comments coming!!!
Originally Posted By cstephens I heard part of the CD on Sunday because it was playing in a section of the Emporium. I heard the song "You'll Be In My Heart" and went to find out who was singing out. I'm a huge Phil Collins fan and don't like most covers of his songs, and I have no idea who Usher is, but I rather liked their rendition. Not enough to buy the CD though. /cs
Originally Posted By ParrotHead Trent: "ParrotHead, I'd be interested to hear what artists you see as being 'undisney.'" Me: Here's the way I see it... This Disney album is presumably aimed largely at the younger crowd. The question that needs to be asked is, are these artists creating music for the younger crowd? Check out the lyrics to a few Usher songs. Or take a look at Christina Aguilera's new video, "Dirty." Now, someone like Jessica Simpson I don't have a problem with--she's got a great image; it's very "Disney." S Club isn't bad, either.
Originally Posted By narkspud >>>"Making an accusation about the talent of the artists, simply because they didn't use analog recording equipment seems out of line."<<< As well it should, and that wasn't what I said. In fact, I went out of my way to state: >>>"*Disclaimer--by undiscernable I mean "can't be discerned one way or the other." I've never heard any of these performers sing without the electronic crutches. They might be great for all I know."<<< The "electronic tricks" I referred to were pitch correction devices, compressor/limiters, "aural exciters" (to give the voice a brighter, more breathy quality) etc. They are all very much in evidence on the majority of the DisneyMania cuts. These devices don't just make the performer sound good, they electronically alter the performance itself. Anyone from Mariah Carey to Clint Eastwood can be made to sound like an angel with enough studio gizmos. In the case of DisneyMania, they are used on most tracks to the point where the original vocal performances are unrecognizable. I have nothing against digital recording or production techniques. Heck-I was once an audio engineer myself--I LOVE a good production. I'm a big fan of the recordings of Phil Spector, The Shangri-Las, 60s/70s bubblegum and even some of the groups on this CD. But when you aren't hearing any of the performer's diction, phrasing, pitch, or dynamics, then you really aren't hearing any of their performance either, and thus can't evaluate their talent or lack thereof. Now follow me here. . .THIS IS NOT NECESSARILY A BAD THING! Good records can be made through fine performances and/or through fine production. The history of pop music is full of talented AND talentless performers having humongous, wonderful hits due to studio wizardry. A more current example: The A*Teens' "Bouncing Off the Ceiling" has electronic trickery out the wazoo, but I still think it's an excellent pop record. Great melody, great sound, nice harmonies. It gives you no indication what the A*Teens actually sound like singing in the shower, but it's still a good record. Are the A*Teens good singers? I haven't a clue. My point was that DisneyMania, for the most part, failed to deliver either performances OR production. The performances are buried under the studio tricks, but the production is generic and uninteresting. Hence, I can't enjoy the CD on either level.
Originally Posted By Trent Yeah, I will give you the Christina argument. I nearly got a disease by just watching that video. I think that Disney is in the entertainment business, and that is where entertainment is at. Look at the thousands of pre-teens that love Christina. I think they do see dollar signs before they see instilling values. I don't blame them for that, though. They are a business, and make money. They aren't pushing the envelope, they are simply employing artists that follow current trends. To think that kids will fall in love with Christina is not the case. I think they will love the CD because it has her, not love her beacuse she is on the CD. Just my opinion, I could be wrong. BTW, That song was recorded years ago, before she was "dirty"
