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January 26, 2007
Bewitched by Bextor
Loosening up on a Friday after a busy week, I've decided to step out of my art rock spiderhole to bring you a less predictable object of my affection...
Sophie Ellis Bextor - "Murder on the Dancefloor"
When I was living in London in 2001, this song was second only to Kylie in the can't get it the fuck out of my head department. Piped out of every corner of not-so-cool Britannia, and on constant rotation on the myriad Saturday morning teen pop shows that our squatter quality flat's TV could receive, I would know every word by heart even if I didn't thoroughly enjoy it. Musically, it's pretty middle of the road, a thin disco-lite track punctuated with ball-less guitar squiggles that wouldn't be out of place as incidental music from a 90210 episode. But, the thing is that the backing track mainly gets out of the way, making room for her posh, enunciated delivery that is actually quite distinctive. It's not easy to roll those, "I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know"'s off the tongue so effortlessly. Also, there's something about those casual "goddamn"s that needlessly pepper the song. She slips them in pretty non-chalantly, but just the cadence of the word goddamn in any context sounds as if it automatically comes with an exclamation point. Goddamn would probably get an FCC fine in the States that no pop chart producer would risk, but it defiitely ups the sing-along quotient considerably.
But beware boys, belting out the "Heeeeeey" part WILL turn you gay, no matter the insincerity of Donnie Davies.
Sophie Ellis Bextor - "Murder on the Dance Floor"
This was what won my superficial heart, though. I think the impish charm on display in this clip is clearly evident. The title is literally interpreted to a lame degree, with Ms. Bextor using shady maneuvers and impeccable bone structure to win a dance contest. She mugs it up good, smirking through the motions in an adorable Rory Gilmore manner. My favorite thing about it though, is how the production values just seem slightly off, slightly cheaper than you'd think a smash hit song would deserve, and on a slightly different film stock that doesn't quite look right. It's as if it weren't made for MTV, but specifically for MTV UK. The college video department skit quality is what makes it really shine.
So, why do I still listen to it on my iPod, sans visual?
I think it's the "goddamn"s...
Sophie Ellis Bextor - "Catch You"
I think we can all agree that this is technically a better backing track, although you could argue that the vocal delivery is a bit more generic and processed. Lyrically, it's a "One Way or Another" retread, updated with an eye towards the modern ("cell phone") and the non-sensical ("coffee spoon"). But as far as the song goes its pretty sleek and enjoyable, never slowing down for more than a few seconds of atmospherica before going back to the grungy electro pulse. The cheese factor is still there a bit, but this is the high quality imported stuff.
Sophie Ellis Bextor - "Catch You"
As to the video, it definitely reeks of cash. The film stock is perfume ad glossy, the location picturesque, the gowns on loan. But Sophie sort of looks like an alien. She's gaunt not girlish, which ruins it for me a bit. That's a totally irrelevent gripe, as the song is dead catchy and already a hit in Europe (though it'll never be one here). Thankfully, it's still kind of goofy. Who is she chasing, anyway?
Mainly, I'm just glad the Britain specific pop star who's so specifically wrapped up in my memory of a time and place is doing alright for herself. I guess that's not very analytical, but what are you going to do? Musical affinity can't always be contained...
// Sophie Ellis Bextor - Read My Lips buy
Posted by Jeff Klingman at January 26, 2007 10:40 AM
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Comments
If even the slightest of desires could be fulfilled I think Sophie and I would be busted by the paparazzi for kissing in the corner. Now to find more of her music.....
Posted by: Kelli Douglas at January 26, 2007 10:52 AM
I've been streaming that video of "Catch Me" pretty excessively in the last week; thanks a lot for the mp3. Have you guys checked out Sophie's past band theaudience? I just checked out the album today, and there's some nice stuff on there. I'm looking forward to this new one, sounds very promising.
Posted by: Roland at January 27, 2007 12:57 AM
I can't think of a better way to describe the 'Catch You' video than as a perfume ad-you hit the nail on the head!
Posted by: Nilina at February 1, 2007 02:06 AM
