4/08/2009

The Audacity of Rock: Part 5

Spazzy dancing lead singers.

A lead singer has the responsibility to be the face of the band, whether that's mysterious, angsty, hardcore, or just plain weird. It's amazing how crazy some lead singers get to keep their persona and the band's energy up. Sometimes it's hard to interpret what exactly a lead singer is trying to do with their movement, but it's usually pretty entertaining.

"Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads

David Byrne's spazzy dancing is forgivable because it seems intentional. The band's music is usually outright bizarre. Occasionally a catchy hook and the bizarre lyrics merge to become great. David Byrne then flails to the music and we end up with a beautiful piece of rock performance.




"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay

I usually enjoy Coldplay's music, but I cannot watch it be performed. Chris Martin is just too enthusiastic and ADHD for my taste. Even in this video, Chris Martin is almost too spazzy to handle. Mostly I loathe how hilariously demonstrative he is with his gestures to match the lyrics.




Questions to Ponder:
1. Assuming it's a conscious decision, how does one decide that they want to move like David Byrne or Chris Martin?
2. Can I please take dance classes from either one of these guys?


Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of The Audacity of Rock.

4 comments:

  1. If I wasn't on campus right now I'd send you the link to any performance by Axel Rose--spazziest lead singer EVER! But, I'll admit, I kind of enjoy his Michael-Jackson-meets-the-49ers bob-and-weave.* (We'll call it a guilty pleasure of mine.) I think it's most obvious in the "Sweet Child O' Mine" music video. Definitely worth taking a look at.

    *Far too many dashes... but what can you do?

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  2. At least David Byrne has a brand-new-MTV which still doesn't know what a music videos is or what it's for to blame. Or credit or whatever. Chris Martin, though so handsome, is just spazzy. (And Axel Rose has the hair thing going for him.)

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