Music Monday: Mark Ronson-Version

What is there that can be said about Mark Ronson that hasn't already been said? The English as well as newer artists such as Bruno Mars, Adele, Amy Winehouse  and Christina Aguilera (all of which can be argued will be considered legends some day). The fact that he is sought out by artists of such caliber speaks to the kind of producer that Mark Ronson is. 

However, Mark doesn't only make music for other artists. Ever so often, he takes time to release his own album. The first was Here Comes The Fuzz, which was released in 2003. It would take Mark four years to release his follow up album. The criminally underrated Version.

Released in 2007, Version is a cover album that features three original songs. You have to understand, I'm extremely selective when it comes to cover songs. I've heard many terrible cover songs that do not do any justice to the original. This is why I was hesitant with Mark's album. An entire album dedicated to covers? Scary stuff.

Thankfully, my fears were set aside upon listening to the first track, God Put A Smile On Your Face.

A brass filled cover of Coldplay's 2003 song, Mark Ronson's version set the tone for the entire album. I have a soft spot for the brass filled jazz of the 1950's so Version was right up my alley. Mark chose the right vocalists for the right song when putting this album together, giving modern songs a jazzy feel. From The Smith's Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before to Britney Spears' Toxic, Mark was able to take all of these songs and give them new life. None however, depicts this as well as track number 5, Valerie.

Originally by the indie rock band The Zutons, the cover that Mark Ronson put together for the late, great Amy Winehouse feels like an entirely different song. Check it out for yourself.

So tell me reader, is there a cover version that you love? A cover version that you hate? Sound off on the comments!

-JSR

Music Monday

It's just one of those days where I listen to some old school tings...

Music Mondays: Robin Thicke "Love After War"

If your only knowledge of Robin Thicke is from his controversial yet massive hit Blurred Lines, you can be forgiven for believing that this is the only kind of music he makes. The truth is that Robin spent years out of the mainstream eye writing hits for artists such as Jordan Knight, Marc Anthony and Christina Aguilera.  After writing for other artists, Robin released his first album, A Beautiful World in 2003. While not a massive hit, it would produce a song that would give Robin his first taste at solo success. The song is When I Get You Alone. 

After this semi-hit Robin went back to the studio and reinvented himself. The result would the aptly named The Evolution of Robin Thicke. Evolution would be the album that would bring Robin to the mainstream with hits such as Lost Without U, Can U Believe and Wanna Love You Girl. 

After Evolution, Robin continued his hit parade with his follow up albums. However, one album seems to be lost in the pack. This album is 2011's Love After War. 

Unlike his most recent effort Blurred Lines (which he has gone on record to say is his least personal album), Love After War follows in the tradition of pure, unadulterated R&B that made his previous albums classics. Written around the theme of couples who make up after an argument, Robin explores what it takes to make a relationship work. This theme can be heard most on the tracks We A Family, I Don't Know How It Feels Like To Be U, and of course, Love After War.

In closing, I hope that this post has helped the reader see that Robin Thicke is much more than just Blurred Lines. Yes, it's his biggest hit to date, but it is far from his best and Love After War shows how great of an artist he is. So tell me, what are your thoughts on Robin Thicke?

-JSR-