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Thank You Bruno Mars

#41
I gotta agree with the downer of the negative classic rockers vibe here. Open your mind for just a second! Bruno does pay a significant homage to JB, but what's wrong with that? Those are some fine giant shoulders to stand on, and I think Bruno is standing and doing his own thing from that perspective. His music and show will progress with time. He may even fall from pop favor as he increases the complexity and nuance. But for now he and his band pump with sincere energy and intensity, I cannot fathom not at least respecting his abilities.
 
#48
wraub said:
Bruno Mars, imo, would make for one hell of a tribute act on the Casino circuit.

JB, Motown, Prince, et al. were on stage more than Mr. Mars. I'm curious to know what he could do if he wasn't so heavily aping previous greats.
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Kind of like how every musician ever , within context, was ripping off all of the previous styles/artists

Including everyone you named.. its not an insult, it's just memetic
 
#49
avvie said:
There's PLENTY of "him" to see and judge by.

And why is it okay if The Beatles influence everybody but you're a hack if you're influenced by James Brown?
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Whatever, I thought Oasis was derivative too. Not a hack move to be influenced by anyone, let alone JB. Prince was dissed as a JB ripoff at first, but eventually rose above it.
 
#50
This wasn't a musical performance, it was a lip-syncing act dancing around to studio-recorded music. I have no idea how people think they can see "talent" at a display like this, other than talent for recording in the studio maybe... If you've seen Bruno previously, maybe, but not at this particular exhibition.

Now with that said, I think Bruno Mars is great. His music owes a lot to 70s funk and 80s R&B/soul, with a few modern elements tossed in. Frankly, it would be great if this type of music catches on again in the pop scene. Some of his songs aren't really all that original -- more of a blend of previous licks and styles. They're stylistic throwbacks, and frankly, we need that once in a while. You know, with people playing instruments rather than samplers and pre-recorded loops.
 
#51
I too thought Oasis was highly derivative. Nevertheless, they wrote some excellent songs. Being derivative doesn't mean the song is necessarily bad. Lenny Kravitz is also highly derivative.

But I do see a point here: will he progress in his artistry, will there be an interesting evolution where he develops a more unique style, where his influences blend more seamlessly into an organic new whole. I hope so. As far as Bruno Mars vs Oasis, just as an example, I like Bruno's music and energy much more.
 
#52
wraub said:
No offense taken. :)
To his credit, the man is a capable and successful pop songwriter, and is obviously a fine showman. But, he did start as a child Elvis impersonator, around 3 or 4 years old, fwiw. He should be a good performer by now.

Just saying that I didn't see much displayed by him that made me say, "Wow, this guy is really good." Mainly I saw a capable performer, mostly performing in the style of others. I didn't see anything that, to me, said "Bruno Mars is a performer for the ages."

Again, an obviously skilled performer, backed by obviously skilled performers, but nothing fresh or new. Not bad, just not... I dunno, just not a lot of "there" there.

All, of course, imo and all that.
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Thanks for taking it that way. No always the case here.
;)

Lots of folks start at an early age. Most give up. A handful reach his level. I give him props for that.

It actually isn't easy to write authentically in the styles he has. IMO its a lot harder to write truly catchy pop than most other music. He wrote "Forget You", an absolute monster hit that resonated with a ridiculous number of people.

I really wonder which artist(s) come(s) to mind with "Locked out of heaven"?
 
#53
I have two things to say on this...
1. The "Pre-recorded" track really shouldn't be a surprise. It's the SUPERBOWL! It's a football game not a rock concert and the time frame to pull it all off and the gazillions of dollars involved means nothing is left to chance. The NFL is calling the shots here, and the exposure it brings to the artist is off the hook. Let's face it nobody but us musicians are complaining about this today. Unless there is a horrible sound mishap, non musisicans aren't noticing this at all.
2. Bruno Mars entertained with an amazing performance, I didn't think the RHCP were necessary but all in all a high energy and solid halftime "show". Bruno definitely wears his influences on his sleeves but there ain't nothing original in rock n roll. I thought his James Brown dance moves were a tribute more than a rip off and the whole act screams motown. In a word FUN! Haters will always be hating.
 
#55
One thing people are missing here. Yes, it is prerecorded but there is a damn good reason. Think of the massive logistics involved in converting a football playing field to a highly automated performing stage in the matter of a just a couple of minutes. Oh, btw, no pressure, there over a hundred million viewers watching live and waiting for the show to go on. No time to trouble shoot if there is an audio problem with any of the equipment. The producers have to keep to a strict time table and minimize the risk that Murphy will visit while all this is being done. It's no wonder why the producers of the show would insist that it be prerecorded. Side Note: For those of you who have gigged a lot, think of how many times you have had an equipment problem after having the luxury of an hour or two of set up and a full sound check . Sh*t Happens!
 
#57
Personally he his only one of a few mainstream pop acts I can actually stand these days. I believe he has huge potential to be something great in many years to come as well. Him along with his backing band, especially last night kind of remind me of the Jackson 5. Honestly I was not too impressed with the RHCP portion.
 
#59
Troph said:
This wasn't a musical performance, it was a lip-syncing act dancing around to studio-recorded music. I have no idea how people think they can see "talent" at a display like this, other than talent for recording in the studio maybe... If you've seen Bruno previously, maybe, but not at this particular exhibition.

Now with that said, I think Bruno Mars is great. His music owes a lot to 70s funk and 80s R&B/soul, with a few modern elements tossed in. Frankly, it would be great if this type of music catches on again in the pop scene. Some of his songs aren't really all that original -- more of a blend of previous licks and styles. They're stylistic throwbacks, and frankly, we need that once in a while. You know, with people playing instruments rather than samplers and pre-recorded loops.
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I don't see how someone could look at it and not see "talent". And if they were curious as to whether they could actually do the same in a normal live environment... it wouldn't be very hard to find out.
:)
 
#60
I enjoyed every second and the seamless shift into "give it away" kept the energy at a high level. Both bands were doing their thing and it was a great combination. Bruno to me channels both James Brown and especially with his wardrobe, Jackie Wilson, two greats from the past. (I've gone and dated myself...lol)
 

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