This entry isn't the most mind blowing, but I'd like to announce my official annoyance with the Autotune. It's one thing to hear rapper Little Wayne making it as an R&B singer by making his voice sound like some futuristic rap wizard, yet my tolerance for this new music making technology hit it's climax, when I heard a song from Argentine reggae and rap artist Fidel Nadel sing a sappy, and irritating reggae R&B love song. I don't mean to judge to harshly on Fidel's style, but just having some dreadlocks and a beard doesn't make you Gregory Isaacs. This song is a classic example of what's wrong with some of the Argentine reggae scene. This isn't to say that all of the reggae coming out of Argentina is outdated, but adding the computerized autotune voice effect diminishes the movement's effect.
First of all, some of the charm that gives reggae it's everlasting sound is the classic soulful vocal parts by many of the best lead singers from Toots Hibbert to Steel Pulse's David Hinds. Reggae is a music typically light on the instruments, which leaves room for singers to contribute a soulful presence. The problem is that the autotune now allows everyone from Akon to your tone death Aunt Margret to sound like Michael Jackson. This is an incredibly attractive but ultimately deceptive feature.
The futuristic robotic voice has seemed to work for artists like Little Wayne because he uses his creativity in both his lyrics and booty shakin' and contemporary electronic back beat rhythms. Fidel's new Te Robaste Mi Corazon has all the making of a innovative, and catchy new tune until he begins to sing the refrain. The classic reggae feel is lost immediately and the soulful sound turns into a semi cartoonish, chipmunks voice unable to convey the true heartbreak which the lyrics strive to fulfill. However I shouldn't be such a tough judge, the hypnotic reggae piano staccato might leave society's minds numb to the painful mechanized shrills!
See his new video and be the judge for yourself
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk_e1pkGYyA
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