More goodness from the Popdose folks:
The Video Setup for Ear of Madness – click and watch this first
Yup, that’s me. And my iPod. And David Foster. Everyone knows David Foster, right? The penultimate overproducer. The musician. The songwriter. The record executive. The TV reality star? Yes, indeed. The Canadian who alienated millions of rock fans with his supercommercial reinvention of bands like Chicago and the Tubes in the 1980s and the man who brought us Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and John Parr — or, as one blogger eloquently put it, “the least likely person on earth to undergo an ironic hipster resurgence.” Well, let’s give it a shot then, shan’t we?
David Foster was my hero throughout adolescence. I had an unabashed love for romantic ballads, dramatic key changes, and all kinds of e-piano-flavoured 1980s goodness. I’ve never been afraid to admit it, even though my tastes have expanded over the years.
I recently discussed my faded affection for the king of soft pop with Jeff, our Popdose editor, and here’s the deal we made: over the next year I will listen to nothing but David Foster on my iPod. I’ve loaded the thing with over 1,200 songs produced, arranged, composed, and/or played by David Foster. I cannot remove any of the tracks, and I can only add new tracks if they’re somehow related to David Foster. A deal with the devil? I keep wondering.
I’ve agreed to share my experience with all of you right here on Popdose. Will it really turn out to be a journey “into the ear of madness”? Will I grow to hate the sight of my iPod? Will the series be axed after a week due to serious displays of aggravation from Popdose readers? Time will tell.
Just for the record: No, I have not lost a bet. I’m not being punished by anyone. And as far as I know my faculties are intact — so far.
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The Vinyl Soapbox:
I’ll admit that I went through enough of a David Foster period that I still own many of his solo albums. You know it’s bad when you own David Foster solo albums. And you’re actually still carrying the torch, hoping that some day he might even record another one.
But hey, if you’re a David Foster fan wanna-be, where should you start? Well, here’s a couple of albums that are essential:
The quick and easy route: Pick up Chicago 16 and Chicago 17. Those two albums are Foster in full bloom. They’re albums that are either much loved, or alternatively, pointed to as “the moment that Foster ruined Chicago as a band.” How you score it is up to you after you give it a listen.
Chicago – Stay The Night
In my world, the first time I heard “Stay The Night,” it launched a curiosity in me that would lead me to first pick up 17, and then eventually discover the entire Chicago catalog, including the ’70s stuff.
Foster’s work with Chicago ultimately left me wanting to know more about Bill Champlin, who is another longtime favorite.
So Foster is all good with me, but I certainly understand the Popdose project – he’s an easy target, and there’s lots of material! It’s going to be an entertaining year of reading!
Related Links:
David Foster’s official website
Shopping List:
David Foster’s River of Love CD is a who’s-who album of a lot of artists that were Foster-produced, who stopped by to lend a lead vocal to this Foster solo album. Chances are, you’ve heard Natalie Cole’s “Grown Up Christmas List,” which was on this album. And it’s apparently still in print, AND available as an MP3 download. How the heck did this happen?
Thanks for the plug! There are two of us, then – I like *parts* of the “River of Love” album.
I like his self-titled 1986 album better, but I’m pretty sure that’s just a nostalgic thing.
You know, until I looked at it, I forgot about some of the stuff on that self-titled album, like “Who’s Gonna Love Ya Tonight,” for example.
I loved that s/t as well, but for whatever reason, I spent a LOT of time listening to River of Love by comparison. And in a weird plot twist, my copy of River of Love seems to be missing. I might actually have to buy another copy if I can’t dig it up in the next few days! I’ve been fiending to listen to it now, thanks to this discussion!
I wore out The Symphony Sessions record. I always liked his soundtrack work. Yes, it was schmaltzy and glossy – but it so perfectly captured the era.