Seeing Shakira at the inaugural celebration the other day (on TV, that is) reminded me that it’s been awhile since I featured her on the blog. Having picked a ballad last time, I’ve decided to go with a more fast-paced tune today.
‘Ojos Asi’ is the closing track on Shakira’s excellent Donde Estan los Ladrones? album. It mixes Latin beats with Indian and Arabic influences into a heady, sultry dance track. The titles means “Eyes Like Yours” in Spanish, and having not looked into the translation, I’m assuming this is another love song.
Talk about squandered talent.
I feel bad for Michael Penn. Here’s a guy with great songwriting chops and a nice voice who can’t seem to buy a hit. And to top it off, his brother is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors and his wife (Aimee Mann), while not a big star by any means, has massive critical respect and indie cred.
I’ve been thinking a lot about sampling lately. I’ve always been very much against the idea of sampling, as epitomized by what Puff Daddy did with ‘Every Breath You Take’ or even what Vanilla Ice did with ‘Under Pressure’ way back when. When the most memorable part of your song belongs to somebody else entirely, how is that ok? I don’t mean financially, because I know the writers of the source material are paid, but artistically.
Ten Best Songs of 2008 – #1
