One of the most distinctive voices in the world of Contemporary Soul has to be that of Macy Gray. Once heard you never forget that soulful rasp. Macy Gray has the same kind of vocal quality as Billie Holliday. In fact, stylistically, their voices are similar and pretty much made for Jazz. Macy Gray has often described herself as a Jazz singer doing Hip Hop/R&B/Pop. Make of that what you will. Today's featured track is the same as the title of her 2010 album The Sellout. In fact, it's the opening track of a marvellous album where Ms. Gray freed herself from the restraints of her record label and decided to do it her way. The end result is a much more jazz orientated sound that she has always aspired to achieve. The Sellout has one lyrical line that has to be a real classic:
"Yes, I wanna hold on to you
But you're slippery like the gasoline and you feel like fire
And I'm out on a limb"
But you're slippery like the gasoline and you feel like fire
And I'm out on a limb"
The title of the track pretty much summarises how she felt trying to break out of the restraints being imposed on her and doing something new. However you want to interpret the song you'll probably just end up getting lost in the sound of her voice which has that amazing quality of sucking you into the music itself.
The album should still be readily available on CD from the likes of Amazon UK at very reasonable prices. If you have misgivings about Macy Gray you should put them aside and give her alum a listen. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what your hear.
Click on her photo underneath to visit the Macy Gray website for latest info. on what she's up to.
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