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About Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales: Top 5 MC albums: 1. Me. I Am Mariah 2. Emotions 3. Butterfly 4. E=MC2 5. Charmbracelet

Thanks for the messages (44,274) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales Thanks to everyone who has replied to me. I'm glad that's how I come across as that's how I intend it. I genuinely do enjoy discussions and reading all kinds of opinions and reflections on Mariah's music and eras. Eternal, I'm glad I made you chuckle, I almost deleted it as I didn't want to come across too sarcastic but at that point I just couldn't help it. Some of my comments are meant in jest and good humour so I'm glad that's how they're perceived. Randy, I enjoyed our conversation. Sunshine, what a lovely message. Your messages do come across well to me. I think you're doing a fine job with English. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to try and convey your thoughts and feelings in a language that isn't your first so I think to come across as well as you do is great. And it's nice that we have a community of posters from all over the world. It's another thing that makes this website so great. So thanks as always to Eric for all the hard work in keeping up such a wonderful community. (Thursday 29 May 2014; 18:58)

Marcel (44,255) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales The reason you are particularly frustrating is one line you keep using "MC is not my life, I have a life and I live it". Well guess what? So do I. I come here to discuss Mariah, her music and her persona because that's a hobby of mine and something I'm passionate about (I'm also very passionate about video games and also post at a video games site). But guess what? I have a very good, well paid demanding job, a lot of friends, a big family and a husband so believe me, my life is very full and happy itself, thank you very much. You hear guys talking about sports together all the time - that's a guy thing. I don't really have the luxury of taking for granted that everyone I meet is an MC fan and will discuss with me her voice, this album, that lyric etc. It just doesn't happen, so I come here to discuss with (for the most part) like-minded people. It's just people discussing an interest or a hobby. I am in no way obsessed and stalkerish who's only goal in life is "all hail Queen Mariah". I am a humongous lamb, and proud, but when all is said and done, I do enjoy doing all the things "normal" people do. And you make me laugh with your comments - if you bother to read my posts, 3 of my top 5 MC albums were 90's (2 the "holy grail" that you consider, coming before '97, those being Emotions and Daydream). But I forget, you wouldn't have time to read those posts, as you're too busy having a life. (Thursday 29 May 2014; 9:09)

Randy (44,229) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales I feel many songs are comparable and even exceed some of those you mentioned. I love those songs you mentioned. They have a very special place in my heart as I'm sure they do to many people. You're just still not getting it. This album does not sound rushed, it does not sound juvenile, it does not sound throwaway. It sounds exactly like Mariah and like a Mariah who has taken great interest in the product. The textures in these songs, the minor details, the high notes, the sound effects, the experimentation in this album all screams a Mariah who continues to explore and discover not only her own voice and musicality but also a broader musical landscape. This album sounds like someone growing and flourishing. So I'll respectfully repeat - I get that you aren't a huge fan of it. But there is no evidence and no fact that this is an unfinished, flippant effort. None whatsoever. And I can't help but feel affronted that you keep banding around this notion that what you're saying is the truth. And may I point out, I don't like music because I'm "optimistic" (I don't even know what that means with regards to liking something). I like it because I enjoy what I hear. I think most fans are way way over a smash hit number one album. Most of us just wanted something incredible and I think a lot of fans feel that's what they got. I feel she probably does want to get out of the label, however that doesn't mean she has delivered a sub-par product. (Thursday 29 May 2014; 1:31)

Randy / Marcel (44,220) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales Ok, I get that you don't like it. But going as far to say that we're looking for a silver lining to every song, like we're making excuses? It's too much. You don't like it or think it's below par that's fair enough. But please, enough now trying to justify your dislike for it and also trying to demonstrate how Mariah didn't really bother with this album almost so you may come across as "right". The simple fact is many many people, namely her fans, love this album, to hell with sales etc. And owning and listening thousands upon thousands of times to her previous albums, we are allowed to think that this and some of the songs are incredible and her best. I'm sorry to address you directly. I can take you not liking it, I respect that you don't like it, but trying to find "scientific" reasons why your opinion that's it's not good is the right one is a little insulting. I'm 25 and have been with Mariah since 2012. Might not be as long as some of you lot, but she was the first artist I discovered on my own, and I have been a die hard lamb ever since, listening to everything, and importantly not liking everything she has done (for me, Rainbow sounds her least inspired and remains the least listened to album of hers). Marcel, I feel like your negativity has reached new lows, and I would politely invite you to "be nice or leave". (Wednesday 28 May 2014; 22:10)

This album / bittersweet (44,195) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales It's kind of an odd occasion, because it's so polarising. It seems like the straw that will break the camels back, cementing life long and always no matter what fandom or letting go and just appreciating what was. I do enjoy reading everyone's opinions (ok, a stretch of truth, I feel a bit uncomfortable reading really scathing, what I feel to be unfair reviews, but hey, I do accept completely that people do and often do haha have different opinions to mine). I just, I feel because for me this is one of, if not the greatest Mariah album (she has so many "greats" but this is probably what I would describe as the definitive MC album) that I thought everyone, especially fans, would love it. But instead it's almost like a "thank you for the years" album for some fans. I feel it's a little bittersweet and a little sad, but life is full of meetings and partings and I guess that's what this album represents. Which considering at one point it was supposedly going to be "The Art of Letting Go" is particularly fitting. Thanks for all the replies and again I really enjoy this message board. Now all is left for me is to enjoy this phenomenal gift that Mariah has produced for all of us, her fans. (Wednesday 28 May 2014; 9:43)

Should have been disagree (44,170) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales My previous message was supposed to say I disagree not agree. (Tuesday 27 May 2014; 20:37)

Lee / Tarraga (44,166) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales When you said you can't hear any of the old Mariah and for some that's good but for fans like you it's not, I agree because I can hear a lot of the old Mariah here. A hell of a lot actually. It's the first album I feel where her "old" and "new" personas not only meet but have joined into a super powered Mariah, like the power rangers, strong alone but combined unbeatable haha. I am genuinely not having a go or undermining what you say as I accept that's your opinion, but if I were Mariah reading your posts, I'd bang my head against the wall, like what exactly can she do for you to make you happy? I can't believe how incredible I feel the album is, and I feel a bit sad that you see nothing particularly good in it. Oh well. Tarraga, thanks for the shout out. Yep we have the same favourites haha. And I agree, best opener to an album, ever. Blown away from the very beginning. Listening to the album today, I was overtaken by Heavenly, especially the line "God is closest to the broken-hearted" or something to that effect. Sent shivers down my spine. (Tuesday 27 May 2014; 18:17)

Opinions (44,128) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales All are fair enough and all are valid. However, just for a different view, I love Supernatural and I almost cried the second and third times I heard it because I could really feel the love MC has for those kids and the love they have for her. It felt like watching a very tender and personal moment and I feel privileged to be privy to that. Just my two cents. (Monday 26 May 2014; 22:42)

I can't help but find it (44,107) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales Ironic that Triumphant was left off this album as, in my opinion, upon first listen, MIAM is a triumph. Wow. I am blown away. I seriously and genuinely cried when it got to the end of Cry (first impression - wth? Incredible song) and danced and bopped my way through until I got to The Art Of Letting Go (when I cried again). This is Mariah's most coherent album, and I can truly feel so many deep emotions coming from her. I feel it's her most "true" album after Butterfly. I feel so elated after hearing this piece of work. Mariah, I just want to say thank you. The Art Of Letting Go is the single most important song ever to me, for so many reasons, and I get a real sense of triumph over adversity in it, as opposed to be it being a sad song, I find it empowering (yes, I'd heard and loved the song when it was released months ago, and bought it naturally, it just seems even more powerful now after hearing the rest of the album). Thank you again Mariah. Even if you aren't even nominated, you genuinely deserve every best album award going. This album is triumphant. (Monday 26 May 2014; 12:59)

Elena / top 5 albums / Me. I Am Mariah... (44,106) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales Hey Elena, no you're not the only one who absolutely loves E=MC2. I always preferred it to TEOM personally. In fact, it's in my top 5 MC albums at number 3. My top five albums are: 1. Butterfly 2. Emotions 3. E=MC2 4. Charmbracelet 5. Daydream That's not including MIAMTEC. Which I'm just about to listen to. Downloaded it around 2am last night and waited to wake up after a good sleep to listen to it fresh. Needless to say I've felt like a child on Christmas Eve. I'll post my opinions after a few listens. (Monday 26 May 2014; 11:34)

I am completely confused (43,560) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales How anyone who is a fan of Mariah can say this song is nothing less than spectacular is beyond me. Mariah sounds current and stays true to Mariah. This is Mariah in 2914 and it sounds fresh, current and so welcome to her impeccable catalogue. I apologise to those who don't like it as I rule ugly feel you're missing out. (Tuesday 13 May 2014; 21:44)

PJW (43,352) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales Good point, and I completely agree, as that is also my experience. They just don't "get" Mariah here. And I don't "get" why haha. Oh well. I guess that's why it's so wonderful to have a place like this where we can all meet and share our passion. For UK users this could be Mariah Fans Anonymous haha. (Thursday 8 May 2014; 15:18)

Geronimo (43,351) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales My husband is from the Phillipines as is his mother. You're speaking from visiting experience, I'm sharing my husbands views and his family's as Filipinos who were actually born and lived there. He doesn't speak for all Filipinos just as I don't speak for all British but his opinion is as valid as any other. I don't know who you think you are with your "you can tell a lot from the posts on this board" comment. I simply said that the States is not seen as the devil by everyone. (Thursday 8 May 2014; 14:08)

The UK and Mariah (43,329) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales So, it is widely documented and there is evidence to show that Mariah, having conquered so many nations and reaching unbelievable success around the world, cannot seem to connect with the wider UK audience. I think this is because of a few things, these being that the UK love an underdog, and immediately default to derision of success. If you in any way acknowledge or bask in your own success, you are no longer considered "down to earth", they are arrogant and unrelatable. Mariah has been massively successful and shock horror refuses to downplay or ignore her success. Quite rightly, in my opinion. The UK perception is that we all have bad teeth; the reason for this is, we are too embarassed to have a brace in juvenile years then too juvenile in later years to correct it. To be beautiful is not to be "true" to anything. This is changing slowly, but for now, Mariah will continue to turn off viewers, not as a reflection of her, but as a reflection of how negatively people here view themselves. Love to everyone. (Thursday 8 May 2014; 1:44)

America the Beautiful (43,328) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales As a patriotic Welsh man, I applaud Mariah for having the guts to show her patriotism for her country. PJW, the US may not have the greatest international reputation, but guess what, nor do many countries. And I for one love the American ideals. Personal opinion aside, I love Mariah singing this, regardless of nationality. The world could do with a bit more pride - pride in not only our own countries but the countries and continents of the world. My husband is Filipino, and there at least, the US is not the devil. Thank you, Mariah, for sharing this. I cannot wait for this album, God praising and patriotic as it may be. (Thursday 8 May 2014; 1:37)

The album (43,205) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales Is now available for preorder on iTunes UK. Preordered my copy this morning. So freaking excited. (Friday 2 May 2014; 9:44)

This news (43,175) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales Made it worth getting up this morning. I love the title, I love the cover, I love everything about it except that it's not available for pre-order on UK iTunes yet. Haha. I am so excited for this album. Mariah, you are truly the last surviving megastar. Long may you continue. (Thursday 1 May 2014; 22:43)

This is Mariah Carey (43,008) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales We're talking about. Girl has sold stupid amounts of singles and albums, had successful world tours, generated conversation about her voice (for better or worse) and had 18 American number one singles. This is Mariah Carey. She may not be who or what people here want her to be, but she is an enigma, a woman who knows what to do and how to do it, but says screw it, I'll do what I want. I not only admire her, I applaud her and implore her not to change. So few will ever come close to achieving a tenth of what my idol has achieved, so to every naysayer I say [censored] it. Mariah did it her way. And judging by her behaviour, she loves it like that. And whether you folks buy the record or not, there will always be at least one who will buy her work and love her. That being me. I understand you Mariah and adore you. Don't change for anybody. (Monday 28 April 2014; 23:42)

Wow (42,987) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales I really don't understand people here getting so upset about the album release, to the point of threatening to boycot the album. It's really not that deep; it's an album from a music artist. There is no possible reason for anybody to get so upset or angry about this. It's not personal. Some people need to learn to relax and shock horror - buy the album if you like the music, don't buy if it's not your taste. Why the drama and hysterics I'll never know and frankly don't want to. Looking forward to listening to the new album (be it May 6th 2014 or 2024). (Monday 28 April 2014; 17:45)

I wish (42,898) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales I knew for sure when the album would be released. Ever since TEOM I've taken a day off work the day her album comes out (actually, for that particular album, a day off school, as I was only 16 at the time.). I'm so excited for this album - listening to the songs she has released in a specific order, you really do get a sense that each song is a part of an overall body of very strong work. I know TAOLG wasn't what many of you expected or enjoyed, but for me it has become one of my favourite ever MC songs. Bring on the new music from the worlds premiere diva. (Friday 25 April 2014; 20:00)

Eric (41,846) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales You missed out most of my original message. I'm sorry if I broke a rule. What the previous message said was that I love You're Mine and think it's an incredible song. But, and here comes the but, I feel it is better as a fantastic album cut. Some songs just naturally translate well to radio and I feel that this song doesn't really have the radio appeal. I love the song though and I'm glad she wrote it. The intro and outro are so haunting and it has a satisfying climax with that sublime final note. I can't even know what to say about the video, though. I'll just politely state I think it's less than stellar and move on. I don't think any good comes from focussing on negativity. (Thursday 27 February 2014; 21:07)

You're Mine (41,814) by Anthony Basco from Cardiff, Wales Well, how appropriate a song for me lately because I got married. Well, technically I entered a civil partnership but it's soon to be considered a marriage in the UK. (Thursday 27 February 2014; 8:00)