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| source: http://weadiamedia.com/2014/06/lana-del-rey-has-a-few-issues/ |
I have to say, I'm not really a big fan of Lana. I like her, but her lyrics put me off a bit because they're always so submissive. She's portrays herself as a victim in a lot of her songs, desperate for a man to save and protect her. Although I'm not out there burning my bra yelling 'girl power!,' I have some respect for the (sometimes fragile and impressionable) minds of women. Plus, what does it teach men when women are out there encouraging this (somewhat abusive) mindset?
But I also have to say that I respect her and am pretty impressed by her background. Lana Del Rey, or Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, came from a wealthy family and lived in New York until she was sent to a preparatory boarding school at 15 as a kind of rehab for her alcohol dependence. She studied a branch of Philosophy called metaphysics (a concentration that explored the bridge between God and science) at Fordham University and played at clubs in New York for fun. The last two sentences make me want to sit her down between a couple of drinks (not too much!) and talk to her because I am positive she would be so interesting! And as much as I'm not so agreeable on her lyrics, I really like her melodies. I gravitate toward a jazzier, blues sound myself so I understand the appeal Lana Del Rey has on her fans.
As for "West Coast," it's a bit different from what I expect from her. She got a little help from Dan Auerbach for this song so I know why I like it. It's that The Black Keys signature blues-y organic guitar coupled with the rambling and sexy percussion arrangement that really puts some flavor into this song. Lana's languid vocals get a bit lost in the music though, especially during the pre-chorus. I understand the intent of blending her whispering vocals to give the song that smooth sound, but I'm not too keen on it. Because what is smoothness without something special to accent it? And that's the biggest problem I have with this song. It's a bit too buttery smooth for a single. I'm sure in the scheme of her album, it fits, but as a standalone song that is being pushed as a single, it doesn't draw me in. Although that's more of a critique of her label.
Instrumentally, this song is brilliant, and doesn't showcase her vocals too much because in my opinion, her vocal style is on the weak side. I also enjoy the lyrics, which is rebellious, sexy, and film noir in tone. Overall, I like the song. But I'd like it more if it didn't have the weak points I stated above.
As for "West Coast," it's a bit different from what I expect from her. She got a little help from Dan Auerbach for this song so I know why I like it. It's that The Black Keys signature blues-y organic guitar coupled with the rambling and sexy percussion arrangement that really puts some flavor into this song. Lana's languid vocals get a bit lost in the music though, especially during the pre-chorus. I understand the intent of blending her whispering vocals to give the song that smooth sound, but I'm not too keen on it. Because what is smoothness without something special to accent it? And that's the biggest problem I have with this song. It's a bit too buttery smooth for a single. I'm sure in the scheme of her album, it fits, but as a standalone song that is being pushed as a single, it doesn't draw me in. Although that's more of a critique of her label.
Instrumentally, this song is brilliant, and doesn't showcase her vocals too much because in my opinion, her vocal style is on the weak side. I also enjoy the lyrics, which is rebellious, sexy, and film noir in tone. Overall, I like the song. But I'd like it more if it didn't have the weak points I stated above.
Lyrics:
"West Coast"
Down on the West Coast they got a sayin'
"If you're not drinkin' then you're not playin'."
But you've got the music, you've got the music in you, don't you?
Down on the West Coast I get this feeling
Like it all could happen that's why I'm leaving
You for the moment, you for the moment, Boy Blue, yeah, you
You're falling hard, I push away, I'm feelin' hot to the touch
You say you miss me, and I say I miss you so much
But something keeps me really quiet, I'm alive I'm a lush
Your love, your love, love
I can see my baby swingin'
His Parliament's on fire and his hands are up
On the balcony and I'm singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, baby, I'm in love
I can see my sweet boy swayin'
He's crazy y Cubano como yo, my love
On the balcony and I'm saying
Move baby, move baby, I'm in love
I'm in love (I'm in love)
I'm in love (I'm in love)
Down on the West Coast, they got their icons
Their silver starlets, their Queens of Saigons
And you've got the music, you've got the music in you, don't you?
Down on the West Coast, they love their movies
Their golden gods, and rock and roll groupies
And you've got the music, you've got the music in you, don't you?
You push it hard, I pull away, I'm feeling hotter than fire
I guess that no one ever really made me feel like a child
Te deseo, cariño, boy, it's you I desire
Your love, your love, love
I can see my baby swingin'
His Parliament's on fire and his hands are up
On the balcony and I'm singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, baby, I'm in love
I can see my sweet boy swayin'
He's crazy y Cubano como yo, my love
On the balcony and I'm saying
Move baby, move baby, I'm in love
I can see my baby swingin'
His Parliament's on fire and his hands are up
On the balcony and I'm singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, baby, I'm in love
I can see my sweet boy swayin'
He's crazy y Cubano como yo, my love
On the balcony and I'm saying
Move baby, move baby, I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
"If you're not drinkin' then you're not playin'."
But you've got the music, you've got the music in you, don't you?
Down on the West Coast I get this feeling
Like it all could happen that's why I'm leaving
You for the moment, you for the moment, Boy Blue, yeah, you
You're falling hard, I push away, I'm feelin' hot to the touch
You say you miss me, and I say I miss you so much
But something keeps me really quiet, I'm alive I'm a lush
Your love, your love, love
I can see my baby swingin'
His Parliament's on fire and his hands are up
On the balcony and I'm singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, baby, I'm in love
I can see my sweet boy swayin'
He's crazy y Cubano como yo, my love
On the balcony and I'm saying
Move baby, move baby, I'm in love
I'm in love (I'm in love)
I'm in love (I'm in love)
Down on the West Coast, they got their icons
Their silver starlets, their Queens of Saigons
And you've got the music, you've got the music in you, don't you?
Down on the West Coast, they love their movies
Their golden gods, and rock and roll groupies
And you've got the music, you've got the music in you, don't you?
You push it hard, I pull away, I'm feeling hotter than fire
I guess that no one ever really made me feel like a child
Te deseo, cariño, boy, it's you I desire
Your love, your love, love
I can see my baby swingin'
His Parliament's on fire and his hands are up
On the balcony and I'm singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, baby, I'm in love
I can see my sweet boy swayin'
He's crazy y Cubano como yo, my love
On the balcony and I'm saying
Move baby, move baby, I'm in love
I can see my baby swingin'
His Parliament's on fire and his hands are up
On the balcony and I'm singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, baby, I'm in love
I can see my sweet boy swayin'
He's crazy y Cubano como yo, my love
On the balcony and I'm saying
Move baby, move baby, I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
Rating: 3 Records
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Photo: weadiamedia.com
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