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

Tory / more on album images (43,459) by PJW from The U.K. I really struggle myself with the aesthetics of the photoshopping used on the album covers but I was wondering if the direct contrast between the authenticity of the back cover and the plasticity of the front is intentional. Recently she's spoken a bit about the image both herself and Marilyn Monroe present(ed) laughing about it, saying it's just image and people can think what they want and going on to talk about them both being empowered, intelligent, women who know what they're doing. Then she gives us the album. On the front of the physical product she presents herself as Mariah Carey the pop star, the singer, the icon. There's a polished image that is part of the total package you get with celebrity nowadays and it serves her brand on one level, her smokescreen on another and in a lesser/greater part, her ego (pick and choose as you wish). On the back, behind the front and put with the actual substance of the album and herself - the tracks - is the childhood image, the true her, the purity. It's like her message with the artwork aswell as in interviews is "don't believe what you see on the cover/surface. It's all fake, a show. The real me still has purity and substance." It's an extension of the "looking in" message, something else she's used recently. Perhaps I'm reading into it too much, but perhaps not. like I said in other posts, she loves symbolism and I think she's very skilled at using it. (Sunday 11 May 2014; 13:24)

Nikki's comments on the video (43,457) by PJW from The U.K. Two points I'd like to comment on r.e. your views on the video are that of course Mariah has input into the colour scheme used in promo photos and we've much evidence for this. Aside from the common knowledge that Mariah is meticulous and somewhat pedantic about her image/presentation and wouldn't overlook or release control of something like that - and especially not as the drawing is such an important factor here - we have in-your-face examples of her use of colour to convey moods/ feelings/ emotion/ theme, i.e. Butterfly and Rainbow artwork or even better, "pink yet lavender". On her father and her marriage, I agree, reconciling with her father perhaps healed a lot but behavioural patterns, traits and psychology run deep, especially when related to childhood incidents or experiences, and can't be eliminated simply by reconciliation. (Sunday 11 May 2014; 12:36)

Me. I am Mariah analysis / Monarch control / illuminati (43,447) by PJW from The U.K. Thanks for the video Gilbert. Agreed, it's very interesting. I've thought for a long while that it's evident she's a lot of issues around the absence and disconnect of her father, her image and overt sexuality being one of the symptoms. I think I've mentioned it in the past, but her psychology is incredibly interesting and, I find, quite sad. I feel for her. I'd be very interested to read the posts about the monarch control too. I've been aware of the hints she's dropped and subliminal messages in her work r.e. the "illuminati" over the years but not a lot of people talk about it in regards to Mariah and the trauma it's obviously caused her (as opposed to how much it's debated about other artists). She presents it quite clearly in some videos/live performances but I bet there's a lot people haven't picked up on. (Sunday 11 May 2014; 1:26)

Live MTV performance (43,426) by PJW from The U.K. I was there for the recording of this show and yes, she did sing each song (TTR, BOTH and Yours) thrice but each performance, though different, was absolutely fantastic vocally and I'm pretty sure it's more a case of MTV wanting to cut and paste rather than instruction from Mariah. (Saturday 10 May 2014; 10:47)

Japanese album cover (43,409) by PJW from The U.K. I could give it a miss, personally. What on earth have they done to her left arm? She's must've grown a second elbow. (Friday 9 May 2014; 22:27)

Anthony / Mariah in the U.K. (43,343) by PJW from The U.K. I agree, but I don't think the UK is really a fan of Mariah's vocal style either. It's the first thing I hear about from non fans, everytime. That and her diva image, the sarcasm of which has gone over everyone's head as she's persisted in the joke thus voiding it's humor as it's all we see. But yeah, it's odd and sad that people like Kylie are heralded as UK greats but Mariah isn't. (Thursday 8 May 2014; 10:04)

For the record (43,341) by PJW from The U.K. I didn't ever state that I personally dislike the United States not did I "bash" it. G.G. sarcastically responded to my comment by claiming that the U.S. Is the most popular country on the planet as "everybody looks towards it to lead the way, especially on money". This is incorrect and biased and I have a right to respond to that. I don't believe I actually criticised the U.S. Per se, but I did clarify it's position by guiding G.G. towards information that will educate, inform and put things into context. The only place I can see where people might take offence is by my saying that externally, America is not seen as "The Beautiful", and even then offence isn't justified as it's a fact. I can't lie just to please others. To use your comparison Edward, it'd be like Leona releasing "Rule Brittania" as the international bonus track. You'd have every right to question it and highlight how odd it is, stating both political fact and public opinion that Britannia's rule is rather diminished. I wouldn't take it as a "bashing" or criticism because a) it's true and b) I'm an individual. Bringing in your point Anthony, I agree, the politics of the entire G7, including my own country, pretty much disgust me. I lean more towards Bhutans stance on GDP (or GDH we should say) But then I wouldn't respond to something in a cocky and uninformed manner that only goes towards reinforce stereotypes of the country I seek to exult. I love Americans. I love the U.S. I lived there, my family are there. I've been in relationships with Americans, I'm even considering moving back there. There's a lot about it that's incredible. Saying that, I have a right to find it odd and question why Mariah would include a track like "America the beautiful" as an international bonus, and express (using fact and in context of it being international) how this isn't appealing to persons outside the U.S. in a similar way to how Beyonces "Proud to be an American" wasn't. Much love to all U.S citizens, please don't take my comments personally. (Thursday 8 May 2014; 9:33)

G.G. (43,325) by PJW from The U.K. I explain a lot here but it's a Mariah forum so I'll leave it at this; research the G7, the EU, the tiger economies, European cultural influence, China's economy/trade and sphere of influence and foreign views on US foreign policy and you'll get a better idea of who looks to who, who holds financial power and what "popular" actually means through a global perspective. "America the beautiful", sadly, doesn't fit the world view of the U.S. and it's policies; economic, cultural or financial. If you'd like to chat more on it, please feel free to email me. (Thursday 8 May 2014; 0:13)

America the beautiful (43,322) by PJW from The U.K. I mean, really? As a non American, I only became aware of this track (and only cared for it) with the advent of the Internet and Mariah's performances of it. Which is what makes this even more silly; we've seen her sing this both live and pre recorded - the same version we'll get on the record - for 24 years now and Its been possible to download this "since 1902". Aside from all that, why oh why would non Americans want to hear this more than a couple of times or consider it worth paying extra for? No offence to American lambs, but the U.S. isn't exactly the most popular country on the planet. And it's not even like listening to the Star-Spangled Banner. America The Beautiful is almost cringe worthy glorification. It's a poor decision, in my humble opinion, and I hope it won't make the U.K edition as it won't be warmly received. (Wednesday 7 May 2014; 21:49)

TAOLG (39,875) by PJW from The U.K. I admit, I dismissed at first listen. I found it incoherent, lacking fluidity, a reclamation of Mine Again for the new decade, cousins to those unequal sisters My All and I Only Wanted. But then I listened again and the beauty of it dawned on me. Mariah doesn't quite talk, doesn't quite sing, but flutters and flows with beauty, ease and within her range, something I've asked of her for so long. The instrumentation is fantastic, the arrangement beautiful. It demonstrates a lot of maturity, I think. I've actually caught myself singing Aretha's Natural Woman and maybe feel songs in that vein have been an inspiration in some way. R.e. VOL being compared, it totally see it. The original VOL was, I reckon, very 50s, very simple, very slow "shoo-bop". Listen to live and especially acapella versions, especially of late, it's very apparent to me that was her intended direction with it. With TAOLG, it fits perfectly over that format, it's almost a modern re interpretation of a 50s/60s slow "shop bop" ballad. I absolutely adore it and am really looking forward to this album. (Sunday 17 November 2013; 12:11)

Thanks guys (38,747) by PJW from The U.K. To all who engaged the conversation, thank you. I appreciate and enjoy your thoughts, posts, opinions and feedback. I had to re-read my own post after the response I've had and it only reassured me as to my stance. You'd think I'd asked for a 3000 word essay from MC on my desk by 9am followed by a Times Square press conference. I didn't. All I actually asked was for her to be real, show us the real her and stop the facade. The word admitted was used once and then taken out of context by fans. The word owe (a particular favourite of the prosecution) wasn't used at all. My post has been deconstructed, sentences dismissed, context ignored and run with to the level that it's become a non related discussion, even after my disclaimer in the last post. I and many others have said it before on this board but at this point, it's really tedious to have to defend yourself against people that can't be bothered to do as much as read your posts properly and thus we lose some great people and potentially great discussions on here. It's a shame. Eitherway, big love and thanks to those considerate enough to engage. Even more love to the detractors. Peace. (Friday 19 July 2013; 9:44)

Jaker20 / vocal damage admission (38,726) by PJW from The U.K. Jaker20, not only was it evident that you'd not properly read or processed my thoughts, but your response is actually aggressive and offensive, not just to me but many others on the board. We all have opinions and the right to share them without being spoken to in that manner. Eric, to be honest I'm surprised you've allowed it to be posted and with all due respect, I use this message as an official complaint/flag of Jakers comment. Back to the topic. If I'm honest with myself, she's already known as the diva with the damaged voice. Trust me when I say that despite whatever sympathetic review you'll read, today's news is tomorrows chip paper and the general public will soon forget the physical injuries and see that the voice is indeed damaged. Infact, please lets not even kid ourselves. The fact that they all scream about her lipping is evidence of their awareness, they're not stupid. Who does Mariah think shes' kidding by not being honest about it? As I said, (some of us) as fans listen with our heart not our head. Non fans listen objectively and it's plain for all to see and so the continued marketing of the golden voice is a flawed project that'll ultimatley fail. Singing songs like Looking In is a good tactical move. It uses mostly her head voice, still her strongest, it's slow so allows breath and can give an impression of vocal strength and it conjures up emotion and thus loyalty amongst fans. But the chest notes were weak and like in the CB era, whisper tactics can't last long. I shouldn't have to write disclaimers, but I will as as usual on this board words and opinions are put in peoples mouths/misconstrued and I'd rather be clear and save the hassle. I don't want Mariah to make a press release, twitter announcement, an album liner note or stand on the top floor of the penthouse declaring her voice is damaged. I just dont want false marketing, false claims, lipping or poor arrangement. I agree with other users when they say that no, the voice hasn't completely gone and there's alot of potential for it to come back to a certain level and sound stunning and also that she should work within her boundaries. I'd be more than happy and believe me, I'm grateful everytime she does. Christmas at the White House was stunning, even if she didn't finish the song properly because it was genuine, real, professional and to the best of her ability at the time. The general public is not convinced by her lipping or even her statements, it's glaringly obvious to all. If I had a pound for every time an acquaintance has volunteered up the information "but she can't sing anymore, can she?", I'd be writing this from a beach somewhere. I just ask for honesty and respect to us, the loyal fans, at the very least. (Wednesday 17 July 2013; 20:51)

Response to Joe (38,708) by PJW from The U.K. Joe, she could paint herself purple and call herself dahling sparkles for all I care, just as long as she does what is said on the tin. I agree, it's none of our business who she marries, what she calls her kid, what she wears, what surgery she has, but her voice is our business because we're being asked to invest in that product (and have been asked - and have done so,loyally - for 23 years). Not only are we being asked to do that, we're asked to request, promote, attend, follow, so on and so forth. I've literally spent thousands on this woman and she's living a life of material luxury due to our love for and faith in that product. If you tout yourself as "the voice", if you claim in interviews that your vocal condition is as good as ever (she's recently gone as far as saying it's the better than ever before), if you say that you're singing live when there's evidence you're not, you're not only selling a false product to the masses, but you're falsely selling it to those who've loyally supported and invested in you and who, to be honest, would accept and love you even more for being real with us. That's the difference. It'd not be acceptable with any other product, so I don't see why it's different with singers? Yes, I love her as a person, but we're all here foremost for that voice. It's what distinguished her from the Rihannas of the world and why we choose her over them. So if that isn't there now and she's not being honest, what right does she have to ask these things of us? (Tuesday 16 July 2013; 18:00)

Responses to my post (38,705) by PJW from The U.K. The world can't count you out if you acknowledge, embrace, work with and own your issue. Humans are emotion led creatures and alot of our perception and thus understanding of others (including our sympathy and empathy) come from knowing another has an issue, identifying wih that factor alone, acknowledging their bravery and accepting. It's why people love a comeback. It's why people will laugh at Lindsay but love Britney. It's why Mariah spoke out after the breakdown. And the exact same principle works with Marian's current physical injuries and people's/fans' response to it, so why do we disregard it for her voice. It's all about ego, what's deemed as acceptable by cultural conditions etc. Really, it's all made up. None of it is real. The truth will always set you free (I could go into alot more MC psycho analysis re the voice and her methods to gain acceptances for its flaws, but that's a whole other post). And re singing with cracked ribs and a dislocated shoulder, I've done both and it didn't once affect the clarity of my voice, no matter what pain. Maybe you'll be tired or the ribs might make breathing tight, but we're clutching at straws with that argument. "Ill voice" is psychological. You know like when as a kid you'd say in your poorliest voice "mum I'm sick". That besides, I'd maybe get your point if she was syrup voiced last week, but she wasn't. She hasn't been for years. This is a recurring issue. (Tuesday 16 July 2013; 14:17)

The voice / benefit performance (38,694) by PJW from The U.K. I've re-written this about 10 times, thinking how best to be positive about the situation, but here it is straight up: a bit of emotion from her doesn't sway it for me. Mariah's voice (with the exception of her head voice) is screwed. And personally, as a fan since I first heard VOL in 90, I'm offended by how it's passed off to us that nothing has changed, that she's as good as ever. She doesn't even have the dignity to be honest with her ridiculously loyal fans and for what? To save her ego? I can't anymore. And it breaks my heart to write that. If she admitted vocal damage, I wouldn't mind, but she won't even do that and then drinks like a fish on top. Her prerogative, admittedly, but then at least admit you're making the compromise. Hero at the Benefit was the final straw for me. Her voice was weak and broken, disguised as ever by riffs or key changes that are of no benefit to the song, messy backing arrangement and the skill of Mary-Ann Tatum to replicate Mariah's voice. Remember, this is Mariah Carey we're talking about. She of the syrupy, fluid, rich but soft, powerful voice. All this swooning just boosts her already fragile ego and gives her the impression she's singing beautifully. She's not. We, as fans, are listening with our hearts and not our heads and so it's easy to pull out looking in and say how great it is but really, she could barely hold a chest note. Sorry but at this point I don't want to be lied to. Show me that real you you speak of, Mariah, but don't lie. (Tuesday 16 July 2013; 0:58)

Performance problems (38,026) by PJW from The U.K. Okay, so this is going to be slightly controversial, but has anyone noticed that more often than not, there's a "problem" with Marian's performances in the last few years (let's say from DFAU at the AMAS). And by that I mean she "couldn't hear herself" (all the time) and has to take the earpiece out, she "couldn't get in to her dress/her dress popped" (a few times now), the backing track messes up or there was a problem with the post edit (again, a few times). I mean really, how often can this - and especially the same problems - happen? Where's the professionalism from her or any of her team/the external teams? I'm not going in attacking her here, there are just certain things that keep happening during important performances and I don't understand how. (Friday 24 May 2013; 19:42)

The Beautiful video (37,780) by PJW from The U.K. Oh, I don't even know where to start. The cinematography is nice, the lighting a bit too much at times, but basically it's as if someone drove straight from the "Loverboy" race track to pick up the crazy "Butterfly" horse whisperer at hers. And she was onviously desperate for the bathroom in that barn. Gosh, I'm so bored at this point. (Friday 10 May 2013; 10:40)

Mariah's success/Chase, Nick, Jacker (37,308) by PJW from The U.K. Chase and Nick, you wrote it perfectly. To say I've been a dedicated fan is an understatement. At 31 I've been a fan since 1990 and after leaving much else behind, I've still got a box in my cupboard with every album, single and import in it. I campaigned tirelessly for her career, radio requested at home and abroad, went to the tours, the tv shows and spent many an 8 hour stretch outside a hotel. But my, and Mariah's, priorities changed. I no longer have the time or devotion to go request or multi buy like crazy and nor do I think we should. Despite radio resistance in the last decade, 2005 alone shows us that a hit can still be a hit if the work and passion are put into it. I doubt there were 200 million phone ins for WBT during its peak week and besides, at this point we also know how detrimental mass requesting and purchasing can be. Believe me, I'm always proud of Mariah's chart positions but it's not Billboard that gives me that tingle at the top of my neck, it's that voice, those tones, that arrangement, that fluidity sometimes not heard since the 90s deep cuts. That's what I love and cherish right now, not refreshing mediabase for another +0.55 rise. Let's enjoy her and nothing else. (Monday 25 February 2013; 9:43)

Left side of the face article/Mariah's vanity (37,095) by PJW from The U.K. Contrary to Paul's thoughts, I felt the article was spot on. Mariah, although beautiful, is quite insecure with her physical and so in turn quite vain. On one hand she's obviously very comfortable in her femininity and very openly embraces her (numerous) great assets, but I think she feels under massive pressure to always look "incredible" and that manifests in her egocentric behaviour in that video. I first saw it the day it came out. I couldn't believe what I was watching. The posing when singing, the photoshoots, the reclining, the sexy outfits I can handle and actually love. No matter what she looks like on screen, if you've seen Mariah in real life you always remember how physically stunning she is in person. But this was something else and although it's not her fault, it's going too far now and could damage her image in a time when she's looking to boost it. (Wednesday 16 January 2013; 17:21)