Very savage article on MIA by NY Times writer Lynn Hirschberg…
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/magazine/30mia-t.html
The saga continues…
http://www.spin.com/articles/hot-beef-mia-vs-new-york-times
Now on to M.I.A’s new LP “Maya”… it is dropping soon and I just read in Stool Pigeon that her new single “Steppin Up” sounds like Stigmata era Ministry remixed by Adrian Sherwood?! Check the track on her myspace and keep your eyes peeled for the new LP shortly…
Here’s a review I found…
By shelz.
"It’s been three years since M.I.A. has released an album and her fans are decidedly anxious about her upcoming offering. There has been plenty of press, drama and whispers since Kala, claiming M.I.A. is only a political rebel in a chic, staged, press baiting and fan retaining sort of way. Accepting Time Magazine’s honor of being one of the most influential people in the world while hawking high priced hoodies and jackets from her now defunct clothing line didn’t help matters. Not to mention being engaged to the heir of a liquor empire.
However, the fans march on in their staunch support of Mathangi Maya Arulpragasam as they anticipate her eponymous release. It’s an expected title as her first release, as the previous two were named after each of her parents. After hearing this album though, I’m going to really hope she doesn’t have any siblings.
M.I.A.’s sound has always incorporated a myriad of genres. Her reggaeton foundation touched with electronic and Hip-Hop elements. Pop and odd sound effects held the sound together. However, on this third album, even though MIA said it was the outcome of her “puking confusion” it seems much more focused. Only problem is it’s focused on some really noisy, confusing industrial electro production. Even one of the albums producers, Diplo, said all the beats on the album gave him nightmares, minus his of course. Then again that might just be the rant of a spurned lover.
The feeling and point of the album is most definitely resistance and a few pots shots at technology. MIA starts with “The Message,” a new millennium take on the “Dry Bones” song that of course connects your fingers to your keyboard and your Google search directly to Big Brother. This song is also a perfect introduction to the heavy handed production that permeates most of the album.
The intro to “Stepping Up” sounds like your local tire store’s work area and the noise of this cut will work your speakers over something terrible. This must be the song that reminds Diplo of Skinny Puppy. M.I.A. does mention something about getting her leg humped. Bingo.
“XXXO,” the second single, is one of the least noisy of the songs with a pop feel that also makes it the album’s most melodic, featuring a delivery hovering more in the melancholy realm than the rest of the songs. The fast-paced track of “Teqkilla”, with its horribly loud warning chime and odd industrial components, swallow up anything interesting M.I.A. may have said.
“Lovealot” finds itself on the opposite side of the rattle and rumble scale with a more laid back track. M.I.A. is in a more pensive mood discussing the need for self assurance and self defense in a world that doesn’t expect that from women. Coming from the Islamic perspective (even her album cover looks a lot like an internet-inspired Burka) makes the content interesting.
Some interesting vocal distortion surfaces on “Story To Be Told” as well as a pretty dope foundation under all the tweaks going on behind the boards. M.I.A.’s voice is folded into the song and buried underneath some of the production, as she addresses the folks who accuse her of being more style than substance. The song is bookended with the sound of a jet taking off which may refer to her issues with traveling these days.
“It Takes a Muscle” refers back to her love for Caribbean music. “Born Free,” the album’s second single, is Maya getting her punk on courtesy of a beat jack from Suicide’s “Ghost Rider.” The foundation for “Feds and Meds” is a sample of Sleigh Bells’ “Treats,” the best cut on their album. This song is dance floor worthy if you’re carrying a glow stick in a fingerless gloved hand. There are a couple other songs that close out the album, relatively meh and not really worthy of mention.
Maya is a sharp left turn from what M.I.A. is known for, especially to the casual fan. In an attempt to make the production seem cool and haphazard it’s over produced with plenty of tricks of the noise trade forced in to small spaces together. M.I.A. isn’t the best vocalist in the world and her rap flow comes across forced and halting. It’s always been her subject matter that set her apart, but when her words are covered by layers of digitized clamor, it’s hard to even give her props for that."
Upcoming Shows
6 Jul 2010 16:00
LA STATE HISTORIC PARK - HARD LA LOS ANGELES, California
17 Jul 2010 16:00
LA STATE HISTORIC PARK LOS ANGELES, CA
24 Jul 2010 16:00
vernor’s Island – HARD New York New York, New York , US
1 Aug 2010 11:00
Victoria Park – Underage Festival London, GB
5 Aug 2010 20:00
Sudoeste Festival Zambujeira do Mar, PT
6 Aug 2010 20:00
Lokerse Feesten Lokeren, BE
7 Aug 2010 20:00
Big Chill Festival Herefordshire, GB
11 Aug 2010 20:00
Oya Festival Oslo, NO
13 Aug 2010 20:00
Way Out West Festival Gothenburg, SE
14 Aug 2010 20:00
Flow Festival Helsinki, FI