Sia

I'd like to think that i'm hip to the pulse of the music scene.....except when it comes to music I'm supposed to know about. Songs that my parents friends know about. Or even songs that my kids know about. Yet I'm in my own world seeking out 'cutting edge music nobody has ever heard of'....whatever the Fuck that means.

When I first heard Sia; I immediately knew this is probably an artist I should know about. I got that feeling that if it already hasn't blown up the radio...it was only a matter of time because it sounded like a perfect concoction of Rhianna and Katy Perry.

Oddly, as I later started looking into Sia Furler, I learned that she wrote songs for Rhianna and Katy Perry. So at least my head was in the right place!

Oh and did I mention that she has collaborated with (per Wikipedia): Christina Aguilera, Eminem, David Guetta, Flo Rida, Afrojack, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Lea Michele, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, Leona Lewis, Hilltop Hoods, Katy Perry, Kesha, Rita Ora, Britney Spears, Jessie J, Oh Land, Celine Dion, and Maroon 5.

She also co-wrote and featured on Billboard Hot 100 top ten hits, 'Titanium' with David Guetta, with whom she also produced the single 'She Wolf (Falling to Pieces)', she also wrote the song 'Perfume' for Britney Spears for her album Britney Jean and 'Wild Ones' with rapper Flo Rida.

Jesus H. Christ. She is like the modern day Carole King, but faceless and with platinumer blonde hair. Sia is the fucking ghost behind the wizard who is behind the curtain.

So anyhoo, when I asked Tim to listen to this 'Chandelier' song that had me dancing around the house in a leotard a couple of days ago, he had a spot on observation: 'It is like a math formula, plugged into a machine, that makes songs that are supposed to move you." Little did I know at that time, it was probably Sia who had a hand in creating that fucking formula....for better or for worse.

In her new album 1000 Forms of Fear I think it is for the better. This time the formula has gotten a grasp of my nips and won't let go. Every. fucking. Song. And I'm not embarrassed to shout it from the roof tops of my Barrio. I refuse to shy away from some pop shit that makes me feels.

BUT...I still haven't gotten to the most interesting part of Sia. I haven't heard of her...and if you haven't either it's because she is 'anti-fame'.....she doesn't really put herself out there. And while I'm not going to speculate whether this stance has been formed from insecurity, anxiety, or a slap in the face to the media who loves to build a star up just to tear them down years later, the point is: I don't care. Each one of those conjured up motives are, in my opinion, acceptable. It's why in the pictures you see of her she most likely has a paper bag over her head..or is faceless.

Read her manifesto from last year. This is one of the best things I've read all week because I completely agree with her. I sure as Fuck wouldn't want to be famous because you can't put a price on privacy. And at 38 years old, she has had a front row seat to the demise of pop star after pop star.

Why do I mention this? Because it's one of the underlying themes to the incredible songs on this album. Underneath that 'formula' are genuine feelings, life experiences, and fear. I feel her stance.

Seriously, don't be a pop snob. 3 songs on this album are just about perfect: 'Chandelier', 'Thread The Needle' and 'Hostage.'Check out Sia. In fact, this album is so great that Joel felt he needed to add some words.

Joel says

I had no idea who Sia was when I let Del talk me into giving her an insertion into the holes on either side of my scrumptious face. Once the chorus on 'Chandelier' hit I remember putting my open palm to my chest and saying myself "OH MY GAWD WHO IS THIS?" and then waving away tears in me eyes.

Seriously, I might've had a moment of weakness, but jesus balls on a rectal mercury thermometer what better time to accept the weakness than when it SOUNDS SO DAMN STRONG!

I apologize for knowing nothing about you before Sia, regardless of what song you sung on what HBO show I never finished watching, but now that I know I know, I'll have you know I know not knowing is a "no no bro" from here on out bro. WOW THO BRO.