Prince has laid the smacketh downeth and threatened to pursue legal action if Christer Falck goes through with his plan of releasing a "tribute album" with 81 Norwegian artists. Falck claims to have worked on this project for a long time, and had plans to release the "tribute" as a 5-cd box set to commemorate the occasion of Prince's 50th birthday in June. To Dagbladet, Falck states that he's feeling miffed, and doesn't understand why Prince would veto this project. falck also speculates that Prince maybe hasn't realized that this is a tribute......
I think there's a much simpler solution; Prince, or at least someone in his organization, has aquainted himself with the music usually released by Christer Falck. 'Cause at the end of the day, Falck is the transitional douchebag who takes "glamour models", shoves a mike between their plastic tits, tells them to sing along with some karaoke version of a famous song and releases it. Remember that awful version of "Survivor"? Yup; that's Falck all the way. What about the cover version of Sabrina's "Boys Boys Boys"? Sure was. Add to that the recent launching of Lene Alexandra as a "pop sensation", and you've got the picture. Sure; there might be the odd fifth place Idol "star" mixed in, but that doesn't change much.
Having falck release a trubute album to Prince would be an honor for the short purple dude in the same way as having the guy who writes "for a good time call this number" on the walls of public bathroom stalls do a tribute collection to Leonardo DaVinci. I leave you with two examples of the craftsmanship obvious from releases from Christer Falck artists:
I think there's a much simpler solution; Prince, or at least someone in his organization, has aquainted himself with the music usually released by Christer Falck. 'Cause at the end of the day, Falck is the transitional douchebag who takes "glamour models", shoves a mike between their plastic tits, tells them to sing along with some karaoke version of a famous song and releases it. Remember that awful version of "Survivor"? Yup; that's Falck all the way. What about the cover version of Sabrina's "Boys Boys Boys"? Sure was. Add to that the recent launching of Lene Alexandra as a "pop sensation", and you've got the picture. Sure; there might be the odd fifth place Idol "star" mixed in, but that doesn't change much.
Having falck release a trubute album to Prince would be an honor for the short purple dude in the same way as having the guy who writes "for a good time call this number" on the walls of public bathroom stalls do a tribute collection to Leonardo DaVinci. I leave you with two examples of the craftsmanship obvious from releases from Christer Falck artists:
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34 comments:
Dang. I was just reading this story in Dagbladet. I think you nailed it, W-meister.
..I mean; that looks to be the most logic explanation by far...that Prince actually familiarized himself with the producer/whatever in question and vetoed it based on it's merit
Or that some people around Prince have checked out mr. Falck's track record. Can't see how Prince himself would bother listening through all that crap...
...tru, tru
Damn, i just realize that the chick in survivor is supposed to be the pilot. no surprises that the plane crashed.
Good call
Good point! Because Prince would never work with trashy glamour models himself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcQGnnfie5o
LOL...no denying that, but the fact remains that while Prince arguably has created his own genre of music and many a memorable tune (be it good or bad) over a long period of time, Falck has done jack and shit except push crap, and I just saw Jack hightail it out of here.
On the org chart of music, Falck is beneath whomever discovered Los Del Rio
pls, read the tracklist b4 commenting. There are serious and worldwide famous norwegian artists making their tributes here. B4 commenting, read the story and know the product. Otherwise agree with all the crap released on his label.
Hey Mr. Anonymous. Got a link to that track list? Would be interesting to see which Norwegian artist Flack has wrestled into contributing to this release...
http://farojournalen.gan.no/id/717
This was the first thing that came up RE the tracklist.....
My allegation stands
Warlocks, Christer Knutsen, Corazon, Karen Jo Fields, Snuten, Tungtvann, Hell even Sofian is all names you should know of course.
The Lene Alexandra / Linni Meister era and Falck actually has a story behind it.
Reading last 6 tabloid headlines and then posting this without even having the slightest idea of the track list is just plain wrong. Your follow up on being corrected is even worse:
"Would be interesting to see which Norwegian artist Flack has wrestled into contributing to this release.."
The complete list of tracks is here:
http://www.nrk.no/lydverket/prince-stopper-norsk-hyllest/
There is a myspace space with exerpts here
http://www.myspace.com/shockadelicanorway
It IS a very high quality product.
Falck has always released trash artists on the side to be able to finance his more serious loves in music like:
http://www.myspace.com/hildemariekjersem
Hope this helps in clearing some stuff up. :
Warlocks, Christer Knutsen, Corazon, Karen Jo Fields, Snuten, Tungtvann, Hell even Sofian is all names you should know of course.
Your premise is flawed in that it assumes that I don't have any knowledge of the artists you list here. I know of these artists, and that does nothing to assuage my fears of said product being of less than stellar quality.
Reading last 6 tabloid headlines and then posting this without even having the slightest idea of the track list is just plain wrong. Your follow up on being corrected is even worse:
Two things here Chief; 1) you're attacking the wrong guy here, and 2) neither Anders nor myself have been "corrected" as you say. Reading comprehension, bro. It'll be good to you once you master it.
The complete list of tracks is here:
http://www.nrk.no/lydverket/prince-stopper-norsk-hyllest/
Thanks. Have to admit though; this doesn't really look like the high-quality product it is purported to be. Ye olde cover version as launch vehicle for small-time artists appears to be in play...
Falck has always released trash artists on the side to be able to finance his more serious loves in music like:
http://www.myspace.com/hildemariekjersem
While I appreciate your opinion, I seriously disagree. Or rather; I have painted Falck as a cynical yet business-savvy guy who's not afraid to take the low road in order to accomplish his goals. What you're saying here is that he pushes music he knows to be of a lower quality in order to finance music he both prefers and knows to be of a higher quality.
If Christer Falck was all about this artist, he'd push her rather than Lene Alexandra - not push Lene Alexandra and then give charitable donations to other artists. He certainly has the opportunity to provide facilities for launching any artist provided said artist is good enough and can be marketed. And if Tylden Records have taught us anything, it's that you can buy commercial/hitlist success through TV ads. So if Falck really was all about the music here.....
Here are a couple of more thoughts about this project:
1. This could just be a media stunt to get publicity for this release. Flack is known for playing the media, so it's not unlikely that the whole thing is made up.
2. There aren't 81 great artists/bands in Norway that are Prince fans and willing to contribute to a Prince tribute. Sorry, that's just the facts, and the track list really shows my point. Probably a handful of good songs in there, but most of it is just fill and crap like Lene Alexandra (yeah, I'm sure Prince is her musical idol and has been for ages). So the whole project is basically way too large for a tiny country like Norway.
Pick the best 10 songs from the 81 artist, and I'm sure you would end up with a decent tribute CD. That's my suggestion.
Tor Erik said...
Reading last 6 tabloid headlines and then posting this without even having the slightest idea of the track list is just plain wrong. Your follow up on being corrected is even worse:
"Would be interesting to see which Norwegian artist Flack has wrestled into contributing to this release.."
Except for the fact the he (Wilhelm) didn't write that follow up. I did. And I really can't see that Wilhelm has been "corrected", he just stated his opinion.
There aren't 81 great artists/bands in Norway that are Prince fans and willing to contribute to a Prince tribute.
...which is what the list clearly states, if you look at it. Some known artists interspersed with the "happy to be here" crowd. Nothing wrong with that, but this is hardly the elite project it's made out to be
Except for the fact the he (Wilhelm) didn't write that follow up. I did. And I really can't see that Wilhelm has been "corrected", he just stated his opinion.
Oh no; you've done it now - Tor Erik is going to argue that "Don Juan Dracula", "Fitts For Fight" and "Ost & Kjex" are names we of course should know. Tungtvann weren't there, by the way.
Actually; completely disregarding any form of quality criterion and just going by how many of these artists I've heard or heard of, I'm getting a ratio of ~one in four (0.26).
Falck sure knows how to cut the stash, if you know what I mean. Lots and lots of baking powder in this white wedding
I'm getting a ratio of ~one in four (0.26).
A quick look, and it seems that we are about equal (got 0.25).
Lots and lots of baking powder in this white wedding
:-D
Tungtvann weren't there, by the way.
Unless they appear under a different name, neither was Warlocks, Corazon, Karen Jo Fields or Snuten. In fact, of the artists Tor "In The Know" Erik mentioned only Sofian (at best an up and coming name) and Christer Knutsen are on the CD. I guess the "posting this without even having the slightest idea of the track list is just plain wrong" kinda back-fires, no?
Maybe he just rattled off a short list of his favorite Norwegian bands.
...in which case, I'd love to see Pagan's Mind, Jørn Lande and Conception do cover versions of Prince tunes
Don't know why I bother, but sometimes I just get too annoyed with opinionated people who haven't got a clue...
On the one hand you criticise Christer Falck for releasing stupid music for the masses (in your opinion). On the other hand you criticise his project for not having enough well-known artists. And according to you few well-known artists excludes it from being an "elite" project. Sounds slightly like a contradiction to me. Most of these artists have no interest in becoming rock stars. But that says nothing about their quality.
I am quite sure that Christer Falck had no intention of creating an "elite" project. Yeah, he wanted Fitts for fight instead of Sissel Kyrkjebø. Falck has a love for Norwegian music, music and Prince in particular, that none of us could match. So the selection of artists here is very diverse and he has obviously put a lot of effort into it.
Another obvious thing is that you guys know much less about Norwegian music than you think, and you probably have a narrow interest in music when it comes to genres. Which is fine. But why do you have to have so strong opinions about it then?
Take Ost&Kjex as an example. Noone "should" know who they are, but if you had any interest for or knowlegdge about underground house and techno music, you probably would. Just as several other Norwegian artists in the genre they are getting a lot of response internationally and are held in high regard by their peers. They are a perfect choice for covering Dirty Mind.
Tor Eriks list of artists, by the way, was a list of artists previously released on Christer Falcks label. To argue that he has a record of releasing interesting music as well.
Don't know why I bother, but sometimes I just get too annoyed with opinionated people who haven't got a clue...
...you should take it up with them, champ
On the one hand you criticise Christer Falck for releasing stupid music for the masses (in your opinion).
I absolutely don't. I stated that he releases crap. If the masses are offered quality at the same rate as crap, it's no reason to believe they won't also purchase quality. The "for the masses" is all you. So in looking at his record company's web page, it's apparent that artists like Linni Meister and Lene Alexandra are being pushed quite hard. These artists represent high quality in your opinion?
On the other hand you criticise his project for not having enough well-known artists.
The well-known thing was actually put in by Tor Erik. Kudos on your reading comprehension, Chief.
And according to you few well-known artists excludes it from being an "elite" project. Sounds slightly like a contradiction to me.
...which again came as a response to what Tor Erik wrote. Keep up. You're not being opinionated, are you?
Most of these artists have no interest in becoming rock stars. But that says nothing about their quality.
So according to you, they have no interest in being able to live comfortably off of their music. Would they state the same if asked? How do you know that, by the way?
...and as a fan of rather obscure metal, I have a general idea of commercial success not necessarily being proportional to quality; yeah. Sure you're talking to the right guy here?
I am quite sure that Christer Falck had no intention of creating an "elite" project. Yeah, he wanted Fitts for fight instead of Sissel Kyrkjebø. Falck has a love for Norwegian music, music and Prince in particular, that none of us could match. So the selection of artists here is very diverse and he has obviously put a lot of effort into it.
....so you know for a fact that he didn't ask any bigger names to participate, and that this is his dream list? Pray tell; how come you possess this insight into the motivations, wishes and love for music of Falck? And as to the "putting effort into it" bit; if it was a product coming out of your company, wouldn't you give it your best? Would you expect anything less?
Another obvious thing is that you guys know much less about Norwegian music than you think, and you probably have a narrow interest in music when it comes to genres. Which is fine. But why do you have to have so strong opinions about it then?
Unlike you, I wager? And actually; no - quite the wide range of music in terms of genres. In terms of how many genres I can claim to know a lot about - sure. What about you, Chief?
Take Ost&Kjex as an example. Noone "should" know who they are, but if you had any interest for or knowlegdge about underground house and techno music, you probably would.
Aside from you yet again mixing in statements made in conjunction with Tor Erik's comment, take a minute to read through what you wrote here....
Tor Eriks list of artists, by the way, was a list of artists previously released on Christer Falcks label. To argue that he has a record of releasing interesting music as well.
...."as well" is an interesting choice of words. So you agree that he releases a lot of crap? Now why would someone with such a fierce passion for Norwegian music choose to utilize his resources on having some glamour model do a cover song when he could've pushed a Norwegian artist with actual talent who does original songs?
...and if you bothered to read all of this, you should have figured out that I know full and well that there are MANY great artists in Norway. However, people like Falck are one of the main reasons why quality is abandoned in favor of lowest common denominator like Lene Alexandra.
Wilhelm said...
The well-known thing was actually put in by Tor Erik. Kudos on your reading comprehension, Chief.
LOL
Why is it that annoyed men on the critizes you for not reading, but can't seem to grasp the general concept of different authors or bother to read the whole thread before going off on a rage about everything that is wrong in this world?
Nils said...
Another obvious thing is that you guys know much less about Norwegian music than you think, and you probably have a narrow interest in music when it comes to genres.
Well, that might be a fitting description on me, but Wilhelm likes music from a pretty large numbers of musc and is pretty up to date on Norwegian music in those genres. Can't voche for his taste in music, though...
Take Ost&Kjex as an example. Noone "should" know who they are, but if you had any interest for or knowlegdge about underground house and techno music, you probably would.
House and techno is crap. Still haven't heard anything in that genre that I even remotly like. Would be hard pressed to even call it music. Does that mean that I have no idea about Norwegian artist? Well, I was pretty updated on what's going on in the Norwegian blues scene, and are still better then average updated on that front. Different tastes, and only Bjørn Berge and Knut Reiersrud if I remember correctly. And they are known way outside the regular blues crowd, and their music can't really be classified as blues anymore, so mr. Falck haven't put much effort in getting the Norwegian blues artist in, no?
Tor Eriks list of artists, by the way, was a list of artists previously released on Christer Falcks label.
He should have said so. Why use people not contributing to the record for making a point that we haven't read the track list? And even after reading the track list, I feel that at least my comments have been spot on.
All I can say is wov.
You see,
I know about 9/10 of those artist on the list, and I am mighty impressed.
The myspace exerpts also sound mighty good.
I would seriously doubt "Willhelm" and "anders"'s knowledge about the norwegian scene. As far as I can read into this list, it's very much an elite project, and not only regarding being "famous". But more so about quality.
Willhelm, regarding your comment posted 2:21 am latter part.
Of course he will push that artist. Wait for this fall, that record is not out yet.
Altough the shadows of a hype is already creeping in trough serious media coverage on by:larm, Lydverket on the recording etc. I recognize a plan like that when i see it.
And there absolutely are 81 interresting norwegian bands/artists. Jørn Lande is not amongst them.
Anonymous said...
I would seriously doubt "Willhelm" and "anders"'s knowledge about the norwegian scene.
Well, mr Anonymous, I sure hope your musical knowledge surpasses your reading skill, since I just posted a lengthy comment above yours were I admit that I don't have a good general knowledge about the Norwegian music, maybe with the exception of blues related music (though I have seen Röyksopp live before they made it big. That got to count for something?).
As far as I can read into this list, it's very much an elite project, and not only regarding being "famous". But more so about quality.
....
And there absolutely are 81 interresting norwegian bands/artists.
Taste (and quality) is subjective. I do not like any kind of electronic music at all; some might even claim that I only like acoustic music. So for me, this CD is not going to be a real treat. The fact remains, though, that most tribute albums, at the best, are pretty average albums. And that is a 10-20 track normal CD; I can't see how 81 artist is going to do anything but water out the good stuff that might be on a collection like this.
But, disregarding quality and genre, it's seems that many of the artists on the list are relative unestablished (just a few major releases at most) and are piggybacking a few established artist and the PR skills to mr. Falck on their way to national attention and fame. But that might just be me...
Anonymous said...
And there absolutely are 81 interresting norwegian bands/artists. Jørn Lande is not amongst them.
Agree about Jørn Lande. He is a brilliant vocalist that surpasses most of the more estabilshed/ famous ones, but his style and music leaves me cold. Though it would be fun to give him a good Prince tune, and hear what he can make of it. I'm willing to bet that the result would be much more pleasing to me then whatever the Brie&Ritz guys have cooked up.
Why is it that annoyed men on the critizes you for not reading, but can't seem to grasp the general concept of different authors or bother to read the whole thread before going off on a rage about everything that is wrong in this world?
..it's the good advice...that you just didn't take....and who would've though; it figures. Isn't it ironic..
Anonymous
You see,
I know about 9/10 of those artist on the list, and I am mighty impressed.
Good for you - kudos. Now how does that relate to anything beside a larger overlap with your particular taste in music?
I would seriously doubt "Willhelm" and "anders"'s knowledge about the norwegian scene. As far as I can read into this list, it's very much an elite project, and not only regarding being "famous". But more so about quality.
Thanks for not only putting quotation marks around my name, but also misspelling it. But now we're getting into it - somehow you claim to have a good working definition of quality of music that goes beyond personal tastes. Care to share this with us? And feel free to include how that excludes Jørn Lande as a high-quality artist. Don't be afraid to include musical theory here - I'll manage. Unless you're just looking for ways to justify your own taste, that is..
Willhelm, regarding your comment posted 2:21 am latter part.
Of course he will push that artist. Wait for this fall, that record is not out yet.
Cool - he should. If anything, he should put all of the effort currently spent on vacuous glamour model on this artist. I listened to two samples, and although it's not something I'd buy myself, she can sing (unlike some other artists Falck pushes), the recording and production appeared professional, and unless you tell me otherwise, it's original material. Like I said; not my cup of tea, but I thought it was good.
But you didn't answer my question; why does Falck go the long way about pushing this artist? Why doesn't he push her instead of pushing crap and then taking fractions of that revenue to quality artists?
I recognize a plan like that when i see it.
Cool - so why not answer the above question?
And there absolutely are 81 interresting norwegian bands/artists. Jørn Lande is not amongst them.
Outstanding - tell me how, using your objective criteria - how Lande is of less quality than Lene Alexandra, or Ost & Kjex for that matter.
Me:
Why is it that annoyed men on the critizes you for not reading, but can't seem to grasp the general concept of different authors or bother to read the whole thread before going off on a rage about everything that is wrong in this world?
Wilhelm:
..it's the good advice...that you just didn't take....and who would've though; it figures. Isn't it ironic..
Hu? Waddayamean?
(expect for the awful spelling errors in my comment, due to the fact that it was written in a hurry...)
..ah....excerpts from "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette....that kinda' backfired on me, it appears :-/
..ah....excerpts from "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette....that kinda' backfired on me, it appears :-/
Wouldn't it be great to know how to completly delete a comment without leaving a trace in here?
:-D
Nah. I get it. Now. I'm a bit slow, you know. Or "special".
Wouldn't it be great to know how to completly delete a comment without leaving a trace in here?
:-D
I've heard tales of such accomplishments.
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