I almost feel a complex sort of shame for admitting it, but I really, really like the new Paris Hilton single, "Stars Are Blind." (listen) I suppose I can feel a little better knowing that stereogum likes it, as well. [1]
Fact it, it's good, 80s-style pop, with great (tending towards over-) production, & hints of Blondie & Gwen Stefani. And while it's not perfect--it starts to meander a bit towards the end, the bridge is lackluster, &c.--it's far, far better than I'd ever have expected from Ms. Paris Hilton.
In fact, I'd go so far as to say that it's quite fun!
[1] Though the comments there are quite fascinating, by the way. There are, I'm sure, people that genuinely dislike the song--well, okay. But there are also a lot of comments by people saying they'd like it if Gwen Stefani was singing it; that they think the song's okay, but aren't willing to give Paris any credit; &c.
Um, what? Since when is music, and perhaps pop music in particular, ever only about the artists? There are always producers, songwriters, sound technicians, &c. involved, and I find it completely bizarre that people are willing to overlook that when it's some group of indie rockers--or, worse yet, fucking Radiohead--but are unwilling to give Paris--along with her group of handlers, producers, songwriters, music agents, &c.--credit for creating a good pop song.
I feel awkward admitting that it's not bad.
:-/
Posted by: deleted. | June 05, 2006 at 12:22 AM
Ben wants people to like this song so much that he told me tonight "hey, listen to this new song by Gwent Stefani." After I admitted that it was good, he punk'd me with the "it's Paris Hilton!" line. This is what I have to live with.
Posted by: Mena | June 05, 2006 at 12:38 AM
mena> lol! I'll listen to it then :)
Posted by: Yann | June 05, 2006 at 02:04 AM
The reason this song bugs me is because I have a hard time imagining she's passionate about it. That's the reason Taylor won American Idol, because even though the girl had a better voice and was more attractive, he loved to sing. Paris loves to make money and have sex. I agree, kudos to the songwriters and technicians, but if they're the masterminds, then let them take the spotlight, not the ditz with a hot body.
Posted by: Jesse Gardner | June 05, 2006 at 08:35 AM
+100 PlasticMind
Posted by: Papi Chulo | June 05, 2006 at 09:07 AM
I'm not quite as out about pop music as you, but, yes, this satisfies my cravings quite nicely. (And not just because I'm picturing Paris in night vision, LOL)
PlasticMind: It's POP music! Passion and credibility just detract from the mindless bubblegum beauty of it all :)
Posted by: Daryn | June 05, 2006 at 04:16 PM
It's gotten alot of really good reviews.
Have you seen the video?
Posted by: rachel | June 06, 2006 at 02:47 PM
God, I thought I was alone on this. But I actually like it cause it reminds me of that Blondie song, "The Tide is High"
The tide is high but I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
I'm not the kind of girl
Who gives up just like that
Oh, no
Posted by: Charm | June 07, 2006 at 11:31 PM