Messageboard

About PJW from The U.K.: Fan since '90.

Mariah's future albums (44,666) by PJW from The U.K. No matter what, Mariah will always release music. She's wealthy enough to do and is aware that record companies are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Around the CB era Prince really attempted to take her under his wing, probably after they'd (reportedly) recorded together for "Glitter". He had encouraged her to not sign a record deal. She spoke about it once on a talk show but basically dismissed his idea. Recently she's spoken twice on it, once saying that record companies are becoming obsolete and another time saying that Prince was "ahead of his time" for not having a record company. To go this route would provide Mariah the freedom she so obviously craves and we shouldn't rule it out at some point, perhaps sooner than we think. (Wednesday 11 June 2014; 23:52)

Illuminati (44,664) by PJW from The U.K. In response to the comment laughing at concepts like the illuminati, the only ridiculous things about it is the name "illuminati" or that Jay Z and Beyoncé are its leaders. The rest of it is real. They are the Freemasons, wealthy individuals who run the governments from behind the scenes or have huge control through their wealth and the companies they own. Be in with them and you'll do well. Rebel and you won't. Mariah's career is a perfect demonstration of it. There's too much detail to list on here re the structure of organisations like the Freemasons, so I'll keep it to Mariah and suggest people take their time to read up on it and especially illuminati symbolism. Once familiar, you'll spot it easily. Mariah herself has referenced the Freemasons on numerous occasions and visibly portrayed their symbolism. The "It's like that" video was completley about the "illuminatii", from the chequered floor, to the masks, columns, rigid dancing, surveillance and theme of transformation and freedom. The performance of "When you believe" at the Oscars was another outright one, even down to numerical factors. She was famous for having one eye covered then broke it with "Rainbow", itself an allusion to light. She's spoken about the powers that be and dark secrets. She's still not over it. Michael Jackson spoke outright of the illuminati, how dark it was and how evil Sony was. It can seem far fetched but it's not at all. (Wednesday 11 June 2014; 23:46)

I can't believe what I'm seeing (44,603) by PJW from The U.K. Mariah is out promoting a drink in a pink bottle called Butterfly, sipping it out of a champagne flute. She's even more out of rich (I meant to say touch but spell check put rich and it was so appropriate to this mess that it's staying) than I thought. Mariah; 1. You've halved your market and consumer appeal with the name and colour. 2. Drinking something marketed to the masses out of a champagne flute is bad, bad marketing. I had to re read three times just to double check this isn't alcoholic. As if non fans are going to bother reading at all. People perceive things by initial presentation and this isn't a good one. 3. You've got an album out. No one is buying that, let alone your drink. All the while J. D. Is telling lambs on twitter "enough is enough". Look, I understand what lambs can be like but starting on the fans is shooting yourself whilst you're already down. If you ask me, sing sing is burning down all over again. (Tuesday 10 June 2014; 13:37)

UK album position (44,587) by PJW from The U.K. Yeah, well, I've seen one a2 poster for it in a doorway on a back street. And I live right in the very centre of London. I'm surprised it did as well as it did. There are alot of people here who love her but, as many have said already, they have no idea she even released anything. (Monday 9 June 2014; 9:17)

Stevie Wonder (44,526) by PJW from The U.K. I think the mystery guest was Stevie Wonder. They have worked together before as she recorded with him after E=MC2, didn't she? And his appearance on the album is a bit of a mystery as he's not credited on the track list so the general public don't even realise it's him. (It irks me a bit that he's not credited. He still made a contribution. Just because it's on harmonica doesn't mean he's not featured.) But also, I'd take some things Mariah says with a pinch of salt; she often says something and forgets she's already told us or already given the game away. I mean, she said on Cribs that she didn't want to show us Marilyn's piano after we'd already seen it twice two minutes before. She speaks to so many people all the time that she loses track and then it's down to the editors of each article to make something sound bigger than it is or unwittingly contradict her. (Friday 6 June 2014; 9:28)

Give Will a break / Mariah's "fakeness" (44,424) by PJW from The U.K. The definition of the word fake is not genuine. There were points in the interview where her smile was plastered on and her eyes slightly glazed over as she was mentally processing. There were other points where she was visibly and literally squirming in the chair. Her body language showed she was un-comfortable and irritable. At one point I thought she was actually going to stand up. But, being media trained and this being an interview for her benefit, she smiled on, answered the questions (nicely, I hasten to add - again, honesty, maturity and comfort are not synonymous) and did her job. She consciously fulfilled what was necessary whilst sub consciously demonstrating she wasn't comfortable. She does it all the time. She's a celebrity and we don't see her real persona in interviews like that. That means yes, she's not being genuine and/or fake but that doesn't necessarily have to be a negative thing. That's for your individual interpretation or misunderstanding of a word and it's connotation and shouldn't leave Will open to the tone of comments he receives or the reading of the Mariah riot act for being observant and telling the truth. (Monday 2 June 2014; 17:30)

Meteorite (44,415) by PJW from The U.K. It was only this morning that I really paid attention to the lyrics of "Meteorite". I'm not a huge fan of the album version's production, much preferring and focusing on the alternate version and in doing so overly paying attention to the instrumentation but today it dawned on me that it's a pretty sad song, a meteorite being the metaphor for fame, her career and the effect it has. Mariah opens on Andy Warhol's 15 minute statement then goes on to sing about the world waiting but can you keep up because everyone else is racing (in this fast pace and increasingly desperate industry). She then talks about expectation to put on a show and "try to make it entertaining" but all the while she's like a meteorite; something from far away we view as dazzling and spectacular entertainment but in reality is fragile, speeding too fast, breaking down and burning up by the pressure put on it. She says fame is a flame, again something that can shine brightly but is fragile and can quickly be extinguished. Reading into her process further I was even thinking about her decision to go with the album version rather than the alternate and for me the alternate is prettier, more authentic sounding, more celebratory whereas the album version is heavier, almost drowning out her voice with its synthetic production, much more fitting to the lyrics. Then performing it at the WMAs, infront of the whole industry. Mariah really is a fragile, beautiful genius. (Monday 2 June 2014; 11:36)

Album promo (44,323) by PJW from The U.K. Me again. Lol. I was thinking about the album promo, how there doesn't seem to be enough, disgruntled fans, etc, but as people have said on here a) she doesn't even have a single right now and b) this album is a slow burner. So taking both into account, wouldn't it be wiser anyway if Def Jam waited a while? The album will be a top seller this week anyway (despite low sales) but once YDKWTD is released, has a video, people are taking notice of the track (I have absolute faith they will) and the album starts to simmer they can then invest some more into it. There's obviously a lot of hope in this theory and it's a strategy that could backfire but the albums so good that it's unlikely to do hardcore flop. And if it ends up a flop then really, what can you do? It's a fantastic album that speaks for itself, is acclaimed and I think at this point I'm beyond really caring if she doesn't do well chart wise, she's wealthy enough to provide us with music forever. Viva Mariah Carey. Viva MIAM. (Friday 30 May 2014; 18:43)

Clarification / To the floor (44,318) by PJW from The U.K. I just realised that in my last post I called "To The Floor" a marmite track, by which I meant that people either love it or hate it. Just wanted to give some context. Also, does anyone remember what we used to call "To The Floor" before we knew it's actual title? Was it "Tonight"? (Friday 30 May 2014; 18:13)

Singles (44,317) by PJW from The U.K. The two singles I'll always be annoyed about are "Sweetheart" and "If We". Sony pulled "Sweetheart" after it had been released (big mistake) and obviously "If We" was cancelled after the I'm Real/Loverboy/If We drama, which I still maintain was a silly move. I think both were really defining moments in her career and had Mariah gone ahead with these releases, I think things would've turned out differently and we'd have had TEOM, MOAIA and MIAM a long time before we did. Another totally silly single was "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life". That's basically been erased from history. Talking about "To The Floor", I've always found it strange how this is such a marmite track. I personally love it and have since the day it leaked. It's sleek, sexy, different, fits nicely where it sits on the album. Why is it that people don't like it? (Friday 30 May 2014; 18:09)

Skip and single choices (44,310) by PJW from The U.K. Yeah, I agree there has been debate between Mariah and the label as to what should be a single, but then there always has been. Mariah's very sentimental and personal with her choices which doesn't always translate well to a mass audience. Re what you said, there were a few reasons as to why each happened: "The One" got cancelled due to J.D.'s arrests at the time. It was too early after Glitter for those associations. Mariah herself then wanted "Boy". Likewise, she wanted BOTH. IKWYW was just featuring Mariah and was never set to be a single. After Busta's label realised how well it was being received they plugged it and Island requested it be "& Mariah" rather than featuring to jump on the bandwagon. Even then it never got a proper US digital or commercial release as his label didn't push for it. Would've gone to no. 1 with a single, in my opinion. Stay The Night was an option but Mariah said at the time she wanted FLAB and "has proven herself" so they chose that instead. Re Bye Bye, it was always confusing. She stated that it would be the single and promoted it on UK tv before the album came out. She then said to lambs here whilst on the same promo that the video was changing and she was going to film it here in London. Later in 09 Nick then took the rest of it and made the Love Story video. I don't think Mariah wants YDKWTD but they simply can't ignore the reaction it got although she mostly did and then went on pushing what she called "my single", Thirsty. (Friday 30 May 2014; 15:25)

In Mariah's defence (43,876) by PJW from The U.K. Look, I've never been shy of telling it how it is and giving an honest critique of whatever aspect of Mariah but reading a couple of messages on this board (that I have my suspicions about anyway) I have to say they're simply not true. Lyrically this album is good. There's no "The roof", but she's as good as ever, better, in my opinion, than albums like "Daydream". I don't want to ruin it for those who've not listened, but there are plenty of clever lyrical moments that once they click will make you smile as ahe references this or that. But we'll discuss them in time. Vocally there's a bit of everything. Whispers, full voice, belts, weak voice, hoarse voice, prettiness. There was even a moment on one track that made my heart stop as I've never heard her sing like that. That's not happened in years and I would kill to hear more. So don't worry about naysayers this early on, let everyone have time to fully listen and absorb then give an educated opinion. I'll concede, mine is just as early and uneducated, but it's honest and open to understanding the album more as I listen and at this point I think that's what it has to be. (Tuesday 20 May 2014; 19:02)

Brief review (43,860) by PJW from The U.K. It's fantastic. As I said last week this is Mariah, but a Mariah we've never heard before. The maturity of it is what stands out for me, there's none of the Mariah candy glitter we're so used to but smooth, adult RnB, with a smattering of disco and embellished with gospel touches. On some tracks she seemingly holds the opinion that more is more and so feeds the stereotype, giving you more riffs, layers and high notes than a flock of sparrows but if that's your thing, you're "in heaven". There will be many fans that don't like this album as it might be a bit too non "Mariah commercial" but personally, it's what I've waited for since TEOM; a classy, well produced, nicely sung varied album. It's going to take me a while longer to fully absorb it but thus far, I'm very happy. Overall, I'd say she was telling the truth much more than on Memoirs or E=MC2, this definitely is her through and through. (Tuesday 20 May 2014; 15:26)

You Don't Know What To Do (43,803) by PJW from The U.K. The song just debuted on radio and it's fantastic. The bass is sexy, production sleek and smooth and her vocals are gorgeous. And she scats too, albeit only a tiny bit. Wale sounds good on the rap, though his talking over the intro (just like on the live performance) is odd and out of place. Hearing the studio version it shows how good the vocal arrangement at the Today show was. The backing singers really added oomph to it which would have been nice on the studio version but it's really not necessary, it sounds great anyway. I actually think this is gonna be one of my favourite Mariah songs. (Monday 19 May 2014; 15:02)

Mariah's singing accent (43,801) by PJW from The U.K. I noticed her doing this live way back maybe most so when singing "got to be real" with Patti La Belle but it really got to me on both live and recorded versions of "If you should ever be lonely". I've never liked that track for that reason alone. I think she's still capable of the "Mariah voice", but doesn't use it for a few reasons, one of them being years of critics saying she had no emotion in her voice, another that it's a very pretty, girly voice and that perhaps doesn't fit with a few of her mental constructs on image or sit well with memories of her earlier career. There might be reasons to do with the ease of using this current accent voice, but I've no real idea about that so it's just a guess. (Monday 19 May 2014; 12:15)

Today show (43,762) by PJW from The U.K. I tried not to comment on her vocals but after listening YDKWTD for the umpteenth time, I had to. The version I'm listening to is one uploaded by jameschan. So she's obviously singing over a backing but that only gives weight to how good she sounds. Her voice is strong, she keeps up with and sounds the same as (sometimes better than) the track. The intro and "you don't know" just before Wale's rap are good examples of this. The only point she doesn't is when she doesn't hold the note for as long as she does on the recording, but then she's never been able to do that. And actually, when she does hold those notes on the performance, she holds them well, with power and clarity. Unless she makes some life changes, which she won't, we'll never get that syrupy fluid voice we once knew back but right now I'm very satisfied with what she delivered and if I could clink her champagne glass I would. (Saturday 17 May 2014; 17:49)

It's a wrap feat. MJB (43,736) by PJW from The U.K. Do you think they'll edit out the glass filling in the "It's a wrap" intro due to it also being on "Thirsty"? Surely two "splashes" is too much for one album, even for Mariah. (Saturday 17 May 2014; 1:36)

I presumed (43,731) by PJW from The U.K. That they were holding off releasing the single on iTunes so that when the albums released it will gain both from the album version and people buying it as a single (who've been waiting), giving it massive one week bulk sales pushing it up Billboard as far as possible? (Saturday 17 May 2014; 0:43)

Cry / No Way Tired / faded sticker, Mariah Carey sticker (43,671) by PJW from The U.K. Ah thanks, guys. I was aware of those songs. Although I'm slightly disappointed there won't be a gospel opener for a change, I just listened to "No Way Tired" and I'm sure it's gonna be a fanastic track. Thanks again. I also noted that "Faded" sticker and wondered but saying that, "Charmbracelet" had a "Yours" sticker on it and we all know that ultimately didn't happen (will we ever the JT mix?). Talking of stickers, I've still got my original "Mariah Carey" album (the first cd I ever bought) and the sticker proclaims "A new star has risen. Featuring the new single 'Vision of Love'." I knew I loved VOL but at that age I couldn't even perceive how long 24 years was, let alone how much joy this girl would bring me. I also got given a promo copy of "The First Vision" when it came out. It's in the cupboard now but says something along the lines of "Mariah has sold over 100,000 records". If only they knew what was coming... (Friday 16 May 2014; 10:30)

Edward / MJ's Cry (43,665) by PJW from The U.K. I don't want to speculate too much that it is that, but yeah, isn't it a great song and wouldn't it be lovely if it were? It'd be a beautiful opener for an album, she'd sound gorgeous singing it and if she took and accentuated the gospel elements (which I'm sure she would) it would blow my mind. (Friday 16 May 2014; 2:45)

Revolt (43,660) by PJW from The U.K. Okay, am I hearing this video incorrectly? Revolt writes that Mariah said "Thirsty" was her favourite track on the album and then talks about the vocal performance. They then have a video where, as far as I can see, she's actually talking about "You're mine (eternal)". Further, she says it's the first single from the album. Cough, cough, J.D. I get and appreciate they're promoting "Thirsty" as much as possible but really, that was silly. (Friday 16 May 2014; 0:55)

Two covers / Damizza (43,655) by PJW from The U.K. So I heard (via Liron, formerly of Mariah Daily who's heard the album) that there are two covers on Me. I Am Mariah. Obviously "One more try" is one of them but is the other "Cry" by Michael Jackson? I think Mariah would cover that beautifully and it'd be a nice tribute to him. As for Damizza, as mentioned before he posted about Thirsty, leaving a few mild comments about Mariah. I asked him why he would make comment on it, especially considering the magic they'd made together and the risk of tarnishing that through public put downs, despite any grievences they may share with eachother. He responded saying "we're just having fun, (there's) no hard feelings, (I've) nothing but respect for queen lamb". If it wasn't about him, I doubt he'd make himself look silly by responding to it all, so I stick by my theory, but his response made me question the seriousness of it all. It's all a load of fun, maybe, which is classic Mariah. The name throwing doesn't hurt if they're both in on the joke, it potentially gets his name out there a bit more and it gets people talking about the track a bit. It works all round. (Friday 16 May 2014; 0:22)

"Me. I am Mariah" so far (43,574) by PJW from The U.K. I just listened to all four tracks we've been given one after the other and you know, so far this is a really good album. It's managing to sound current, the productions on point, the arrangements nice and it still sounds like Mariah, though a very different Mariah than we've ever known. It'll sound stunning on proper speakers. Vocally (in my opinion) this may be her weakest album but if you listen objectively - objective being a key word - and don't expect Daydream esque tonal quality or Merry Christmas lung strength, the vocals sit well on each track. I'm really looking forward to hearing it all in context and definitely excited to hear the rest as it's always the deep cuts I adore. It'd be an understatement to say I'm aware of current popular culture but from what I do know, I don't think this will be sounding like anything out there right now. I can't wait. (Wednesday 14 May 2014; 1:54)

Damizza? (43,568) by PJW from The U.K. I'd say it's about Damizza? Either him or Marc Sudak, but most likely him. Her and Damizza were close, she was the biggest name he had and yeah, I guess you could apply the diss she throws to his career and Instagram - the latter is full of "throwback Thursdays" featuring the big stars he once worked with (Diddy, Eminem). He seems to have changed his name from Damizza to Young Damian Young and to tie him into her life recently, last year (or the year before?) she had to file a cease and desist against him for the autobiography he wrote with chapters discussing their relationship and despite the order he went ahead with it. That's my guess. My opinion of the track? It's not what I wanted from Mariah in any shape or form. Even as a hip hop club track, it lacks the uniqueness Mariah can bring. Saying that, it's a decent, bouncy tube with a catchy hook and so on that front does the job it sets out to, I'm sure. The production is overwhelming but one thing I'm grateful for is that the production on this album seems a step up from the last two. (Tuesday 13 May 2014; 22:57)

Well it was Sunday (43,471) by PJW from The U.K. So right on cue the holy have spoken and decreed all conversation must cease, record buying halted and opinion forming stopped unless it is in the absolute worship of Mariah, the queen of positivity herself. I mean, really, have you heard her speak? The woman loves a moan. Anyway, I'd rather be a realist than a hypocrite and I, for one, value everyone else's right to an opinion, even if I don't always agree with it. Isn't that why were here? (Monday 12 May 2014; 1:19)

MORE MESSAGES