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On the Shelf 138: Mark Ronson
Apr. 3rd, 2015 04:48 pmBack in 2007, I was stunned by a little album called Version by producer Mark Ronson.
8 years ago? How is that possible?
In any case, it might been a bit more 'pop' than some of the Pitchfork-approved bands that I listen to, but it was a solid bit of work.
Of course at that time, Mark wasn't even the most famous member of his family (Remember Sam?)
But the album was solid. The soul version of the Smiths' "Stop Me if you've heard.." was a love it-or-hate it divider, but I thought it was clever. Amy Winehouse's take on the Zutons' "Valerie" was among her best songs. There was Robbie doing a pretty faithful but funky cover of the Charlatans "The Only One I know"; and maybe more memorable all of these was Ol Dirty Bastard rapping over Britney's "Toxic"
Ronson looked to be a man on the rise, with his work with Winehouse, Lily Allen and Adele making a strong statement, but 2009-2012 would probably have to be considered a disappointment. The follow up Record Collection saw little fanfare. A collaboration with Duran Duran ended up getting some positive reviews, but came and went.
Ronson found his mojo again, though , co-producing Bruno Mars hit "Locked out of Heaven", and getting plaudits for Paul McCartney's New.
Winter 2014-15 saw Ronson put together his more all-star cast together and ruling American radio (with Mars) with the smash hit "Uptown Funk". Uptown Special besides Mars, has cameos from Stevie Wonder, Mystikal,Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, Kanye West producer/collaborator Jeff Bhasker, and most surprising, lyrics from novelist Michael Chabon.
My hopes for Uptown Special were high.
However, my first experience with it (like most everyone) was the single "Uptown Funk" and I was slightly disappointed.
It certainly has sold well, but to me it reminds me of great 80s songs, but doesn't sit beside them. For example, it might remind you of Micheal Jackson's best songs like "Billy Jean" or that classic 80s period of Prince/Time and especially "Jungle Love".
"Uptown Funk" isn't a great song, it reminds of great songs. It isn't like the 1st single off a classic album like Thriller or Purple Rain. It's closer to the fifth or sixth singles off the album - say "PYT" or "Take Me with you".
It's not an instant funk classic like "You Dropped a Bomb on Me", "Word Up" or "BrickHouse". It's not a modern day classic like Gnarls's "Crazy" or "Blurred Lines". It reminds you of those, but it isn't one of those.
Which doesn't mean the album can't be good.. but it isn't.
The album follows the pattern on the single. Good, enjoyable..sure but not great. A carbon copied version of what makes a hit. Nothing here meets "Uptown Funk" as obvious radio material.
It is a nice album and certainly worth the listen, but given these arching expectations, I have to say I am disappointed, and I also can't say I will keep it around all that long past its intial listening run.
I also feel like I should make some comment on Chabon's contribution (at least based on where I see his name in the credits). Even then, I don't know what to say. They are fine pop lyrics, but nothing that jumps out and grabs as being unique or different -either good or bad,
In any case, Ronson's probably going to make a boatload of money on this, but I am disappointed.
8 years ago? How is that possible?
In any case, it might been a bit more 'pop' than some of the Pitchfork-approved bands that I listen to, but it was a solid bit of work.
Of course at that time, Mark wasn't even the most famous member of his family (Remember Sam?)
But the album was solid. The soul version of the Smiths' "Stop Me if you've heard.." was a love it-or-hate it divider, but I thought it was clever. Amy Winehouse's take on the Zutons' "Valerie" was among her best songs. There was Robbie doing a pretty faithful but funky cover of the Charlatans "The Only One I know"; and maybe more memorable all of these was Ol Dirty Bastard rapping over Britney's "Toxic"
Ronson looked to be a man on the rise, with his work with Winehouse, Lily Allen and Adele making a strong statement, but 2009-2012 would probably have to be considered a disappointment. The follow up Record Collection saw little fanfare. A collaboration with Duran Duran ended up getting some positive reviews, but came and went.
Ronson found his mojo again, though , co-producing Bruno Mars hit "Locked out of Heaven", and getting plaudits for Paul McCartney's New.
Winter 2014-15 saw Ronson put together his more all-star cast together and ruling American radio (with Mars) with the smash hit "Uptown Funk". Uptown Special besides Mars, has cameos from Stevie Wonder, Mystikal,Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, Kanye West producer/collaborator Jeff Bhasker, and most surprising, lyrics from novelist Michael Chabon.
My hopes for Uptown Special were high.
However, my first experience with it (like most everyone) was the single "Uptown Funk" and I was slightly disappointed.
It certainly has sold well, but to me it reminds me of great 80s songs, but doesn't sit beside them. For example, it might remind you of Micheal Jackson's best songs like "Billy Jean" or that classic 80s period of Prince/Time and especially "Jungle Love".
"Uptown Funk" isn't a great song, it reminds of great songs. It isn't like the 1st single off a classic album like Thriller or Purple Rain. It's closer to the fifth or sixth singles off the album - say "PYT" or "Take Me with you".
It's not an instant funk classic like "You Dropped a Bomb on Me", "Word Up" or "BrickHouse". It's not a modern day classic like Gnarls's "Crazy" or "Blurred Lines". It reminds you of those, but it isn't one of those.
Which doesn't mean the album can't be good.. but it isn't.
The album follows the pattern on the single. Good, enjoyable..sure but not great. A carbon copied version of what makes a hit. Nothing here meets "Uptown Funk" as obvious radio material.
It is a nice album and certainly worth the listen, but given these arching expectations, I have to say I am disappointed, and I also can't say I will keep it around all that long past its intial listening run.
I also feel like I should make some comment on Chabon's contribution (at least based on where I see his name in the credits). Even then, I don't know what to say. They are fine pop lyrics, but nothing that jumps out and grabs as being unique or different -either good or bad,
In any case, Ronson's probably going to make a boatload of money on this, but I am disappointed.
