Lopez Blogs

ASTON ~ BORN THIS WAY: Everyone is currently very busy analysing and commenting on the latest Lady Gaga video for Born This Way. Frankly, I'm just disappointed she wasn't birthed in a pool of crystallised tears from magical unicorns while wearing a placenta hat. But whatever. Making up for that disappointment is the latest in a long line of immensicles cover versions by classical band Aston. They've already tackled Telephone in the past and now they are turning their talents to a lovely rendition of Born This Way. There is a properly fetching video of them recording the tune above and there are several things I like about this video - there's the guy with the beard (oh I need to learn their names, do comment and correct me, this is frightfully rude) who has a jolly good smile as he plays the violin at the start. I like to see musicians genuinely liking what they do. Then the guy on the drums is wearing an ever so fetching pink jacket as he pounds away. Both boys have very good popstar hair that just looks a mess when I try to pull it off. I also like that the piano has off colour keys which means it is very well used. No point in having a piano that just sits around looking pretty. And everyone has amazing teeth. None of this necessarily tells you about the music, but presentation is important also. Basically, like all their musical creations, it takes the tune to a completely different level with gorgeous piano chords, sumptuous strings and a knowledge of how to keep the melody key while creating a layered aural treat for everyone. As an instrumental cover, there are obviously no vocals, but never has singing along (whatever your vocal ability) to "no matter gay straight or bi/lesbian, transgendered life/i'm on the right track baby/I was born this way" sounded so elegant and empowering. You could do far far worse than to buy this track and their astonishingly brilliant debut album from this link here. I remain, entirely smitten. EDIT: It's Daniel on percussion, Michael on violin, Will on guitar, Hanna on cello, Eliza on violin and Ella on piano. I'm no longer rude and ignorant! Hurrah!


CIMORELLI ~ PRICE TAG: The other track du jour that seems to be very popular and buzzy at the moment is of course Jessie J's lolloping anthem Price Tag. Austin Jennings pointed me in the direction of this vocal harmony group cover and I've been enchanted with them ever since. They are essentially six sisters from California who have built up quite the internet following thanks to their delightful blend of voices taking on today's popular hits. So essentially a bit like Wilson Phillips. What I love about groups like this is they way they manage to weave their voices together in the same way that instruments bring a song to life and Cimorelli are no different. They each take a vocal element of the song, melody and backing track, and layer them together with an ease that belies how difficult it can be to successfully pull off this type of track. The chorus with the added "uh" and "yeah" give this version a bit of a kick and is totally dreamy to watch. Not exactly a replacement of Jessie J's version but a fully accomplished and wonderful alternative :)