Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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?

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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. :lol:

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.

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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.

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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.

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

Yes. There's also this. :lol:

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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.

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../mia_hello.jpg

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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).

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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.

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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...

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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.

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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.

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

Well obviously...one of us is wrong. :lol: ;)

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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

= J

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

Who?

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

I agree whole-heartedly.

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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.

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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

<div style="width:300px;"><object width="300" height="110"><param name="movie" value="http://media.imeem.com/m/491tKGSW6R/aus=false/"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://media.imeem.com/m/491tKGSW6R/aus=false/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="300" height="110" wmode="transparent"></embed></object><div style="background-color:#E6E6E6;padding:1px;"><div style="float:left;padding:4px 4px 0 0;"><a href="http://www.imeem.com/"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/embedsearch/E6E6E6/" border="0" /></a></div><form method="post" action="http://www.imeem.com/embedsearch/" style="margin:0;padding:0;"><input type="text" name="EmbedSearchBox" /><input type="submit" value="Search" style="font-size:12px;" /><div style="padding-top:3px;"><a href="http://ads.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=0&ek=491tKGSW6R"><img src="http://ads.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/152/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://ads.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=1&ek=491tKGSW6R"><img src="http://ads.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/153/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://ads.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=2&ek=491tKGSW6R"><img src="http://ads.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/154/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://ads.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=3&ek=491tKGSW6R"><img src="http://ads.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/155/10/491tKGSW6R/" border="0" /></a></div></form></div></div><br/><a href="http://www.imeem.com/driznasty/music/kYl9qtVQ/esau_mwamwaya_03_tengazako/">03 Tengazako - Esau Mwamwaya</a>

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

Well now I have. Thanks!

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

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

Re: Why do people like M.I.A.?
 

Energy. She has it.

Be present during one of her live performances.

E