DVDTalker002

I bought the CD over Christmas break. After several listens I can't understand what people see in this shit? She is completely monotone and uses what I'd consider a really annoying voice that carries no melody. It's so flat. What am I missing?

superfro

I'm assuming you bought Kala? If so, then check out Arular. IMO it's a much stronger album. I love MIA and even I still only really like the 2nd half of the Kala album.

As for why I like any of it though....probably mostly for the music. I do like her rapping/singing style as well, but the music itself seals the deal for me.

PopcornTreeCt

It may not be for everyone. I really like MIA for the music too.

I recommend treading carefully when seeking out music from boardies, here. They are an electic bunch.

RichC2

I like the music and some of her lyrics are pretty decent too. It's a bit overrated but enjoyable no less.

The Bus

I actually liked Kala more than Arular. The latter only had a few decent songs ("Galang" and "10 Dollar").

Kala I thought was outstanding. But M.I.A. is not music for everyone. It is relatively eclectic and absolutely energizing in the right environment. Her "live" "concert" (all lip-synched) was one of the neatest concerts I've been to in the past few years.

If you're going to ask me to pick someone whose music best blends a bunch of cultures and influences, then I'd go with Manu Chao.

And "Paper Planes" I think is one of the musically defining songs of this decade.

superfro

Yes. There's also this.

GHackmann

Sorry, folks, but I'm with puddytay here. "Paper Planes" is probably the most overrated single of last year. Rapping over -- er, I mean, sampling -- a good song doesn't automatically make another good song.

The Infidel

I just think she's hot. I couldn't give two squirts about her music. But that's me.

Hollowgen

You're right. Putting it all together to make something unique and ultra-enjoyable does.

GHackmann

And I'm still waiting for her to do that. I don't mind sampling as a principle, as long as it adds something on top of a good song. But take away the "Straight to Hell" loop from "Paper Planes" and you're left with annoying vocals punctuated with gunshot SFX (and, apparently, massive critical acclaim).

FantasticVSDoom

I like the song Paper Planes enough, but to me it seems like she gets praise for doing hip-hop that was done a long time ago by better artists.

Hiro11

She's definitely polarizing. I've experienced this myself: the first time I listened to one of her tracks ("Galang", I think) I was out jogging and wearing cheap-o headphones. It wasn't loud enough, I couldn't exactly hear the bass line and all that stood out was her (definitely grating) vocals. I kept thinking "what is this shit"? It just sounded amateurish and half-baked.

Later, I put the same track on my home stereo (featuring a big ol' subwoofer) and it suddenly sounded absolutely terrific. I untangled the subcontinent-style beat and the vocals sounded ferocious, not screechy. The music's meant to be played loud and you have to like the stripped-down UK garage sound (Dizzee Rascal, Lady Sovreign, The Streets, The Bug etc). I grew to like Arular so much, it was actually my favorite album the year it came out.

Having said that, I can completely understand how a lot of people might not like her music...

Hixx

I'm not a huge fan, but I do find her music to be fairly unique in the way it blends hip hop/electronic music and Bangra/Middle Eastern styles, plus it's fun.

atlantamoi

Funny, I like Kala a lot better and mainly the first half. I think she's very creative (good knack for interesting samples) and enjoy how she mixes up different styles. I don't consider myself much of a fan of hip hop, but I like her very much.

chino77

why do people like kiss and acdc(post back in black)? two more mysteries that will never be solved.
shit add these to the list....
buckcherry(this forum)
tv on the radio
justin timberlake

superfro

Well obviously...one of us is wrong.

Tarantino

I really only liked Paper Planes off of the newest album. I haven't heard Arular.

= J

nodeerforamonth

Who?

My Other Self

I agree whole-heartedly.

jrsl76

She is hot as hell and I love both albums. I was shocked when Paper Planes blew up off a nearly 1 1/2 - 2 year old album. This really isn't music for everyone though and I'm fine with that. She has given me almost 4 years (3 1/2?) years of listening pleasure from these two albums and I hope we'll get some new stuff in the not too distant future.

The Bus

Have you heard Esau Mwamwaya's version, "Tengazako"?


03 Tengazako - Esau Mwamwaya

jrsl76

Well now I have. Thanks!

Rypro 525

Prob because it was used as the unofficial theme song to 'Pineapple Express' since it was used in all the commericals for it.

jrsl76

Yeah, I knew that. It's just funny how something can fly under the radar for so long, then blow up.

DeltaSigChi4

Energy. She has it.

Be present during one of her live performances.

E