Open Up Your Mind

Havent posted on here for a while, but im back so you dont have to fret! Its so nice to look out the window and not see Snow or Grey skys. Today its bright with a hint of sun and its a decent temperature.

But that is not what i wanted to talk about. Yesterday i spent the whole day, when ever i listernd to music, listering to various R&B songs. Music from The Pussycat Dolls, Chris Brown, Justin Timerbake and even a bit of Rhianna. But it is the work of Timbaland that has interested me.

I first came across Timbaland with his amusing "Yeah" and "Take it to the chorus" from Justin Timberlakes 'Sexy back' (a brilliant song!) and now seems to be everwhere. Having made the One Republic song 'Apologize' (another brilliant song) very famous he has worked with artists such as Sean Paul, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Flo Rida and even Duran Duran.

However it is his latest work with Chris Cornell that has inspired me. Chris Cornell is one of the god's of grunge. His band Soundgarden were one of the big four grunge bands along with Alice In Chains, Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Cornell has embraced Alternative Rock, Hard Rock, Grunge, Post-Grunge and even Psychedelic pop, and now with the help from Timbaland will relase an album heavily influenced by R&B in march.

I personaly find it refreshing when an artist of Chris Cornells talent embraces new styles of music. Obviously it would be weird/awful if Iron Maiden did R&B or Coldplay did Heavy Metal but for someone like Chris Cornell who can flirt with different genres i really do respect him. He has been critiscised by hardcore Soundgarden and Audioslave fans but music is not about genre its about feeling and influences. Some of the new album can be heard on youtube and despite them being definitely R&B this is not a sell out. Chris Cornell is still very much part of the songs, his very strong voice lifts the songs and with the help of guitars and wonderful production a couple still have his early sound in them.

Timbaland has helped Chris Cornell embrace R&B whilst still sounding very much like the man who sang 'Black Hole Sun', 'Jesus Christ Pose', 'Cochise' and a very good remake of 'Bille Jean'. This is not a review of the album as it has not come out yet, its a tribute to a man who is very willing to take on new types of music.

If i could work with famous people from the music business i would love to work with Elton John, Keith Urban and Timbaland. And if i had to pick a lead singer for my dream band, Chris Cornell all the way.

Finally, as i said music is not about genre its about feeling and influence. Being stuck to one genre is not only boring but single minded. Obviously you can have a favourite genre but dont shut off other music...you will be a lesser person for it.