Skip to main content

Latest Music Thoughts | Favoring Sia's "This Is Acting" LP


It’s been awhile since I’ve punched the keys on music. It’s actually not because I’ve stopped listening to music (who does that?), but because, well, I’ve just been doing just that – listening to music.

I’ll admit, there was a period – a few months ago - where I became a bit disconnected and upset with the music that was being released. Much of it felt forced, cookie-cutter, and for the most part, unmoving. And this was across the board in so many genres. For me, even as a casual country-listener (this city-kid dabbles a bit ya know), I always felt that genre of music always stayed true to its form with authentic writing – albeit mostly, and annoyingly, about love, alcohol, and pickups trucks – but it was theirs. Not anymore. Country is generic. At times weak, sounding like cheap rip offs of pop music.

Hey, just blogging.

I get that things change, and evolve, and new sounds are being produced. I give a lot of credit to Kanye West for this movement. Love the guy or hate him, he is part genius. Unfortunately, he doesn’t need us to tell him. Just check your latest tabloid news.

With all of that said, Sia’s recent album, This is Acting, released back in January, is one that I keep coming back to this year. For some reason, I’m all about it. Really, I am.

For starters, it’s Sia. The woman’s writing speaks for itself as she’s handed lyrics over for some of the best voices to ever lay tracks. In all genres. From all walks of life. Just look it up.

Yet, what got my intrigued for starters was indeed her breakout performance in giving the whole singing thing a try with “Chandelier” in 2014. Even more so is when I heard that this LP was a collection of songs rejected – yes, rejected – by many of the same singers she’s written for, including Adele, Rhianna, and Beyonce.

“I feel like they’re hits nobody wanted. So I said, let’s see, as an experiment, if I’m right."  
                                                                                                                    - Sia Furler

So she turned rejection into possibly, thus far, my favorite album of the year. The track “Bird Set Free” is obviously an ode to her jumping into the realm of singing her own words. “Cheap Thrills” with its island vibes and the surprise return of Sean Paul, who disappeared from our lives, is now being played on commercial radio and filling the dead silence on road trips this summer. And of course there is my favorite, “Alive”, which masterfully uses the art of the imperfect human voice (screw you auto tune) in a pretty powerful breakdown. Love the scratchy sound. So imperfect that it’s beautiful. Sounds weird, but give it a listen.

This is Acting isn’t the greatest album, but damn, for all of the elements involved – a first time LP at the age of 40, rejected lyrics, and an album without a dud on there, it’s a must listen. 

Recently Read Posts

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/21/23

3 Up 1. Jim Brown's Legacy - It almost felt like it went without notice (maybe, just for me?), but the great Jim Brown left us this week. A fantastic athlete, with a more prominent voice and presence, Brown reshaped and redefined the standard for using your platform, and of course, expanding your influence.  2. Indoor Farms - As our natural resources became scarce, in some ways, alarmingly damaged (that's another discussion for another day), we've seen some amazing alternatives come about. The presence of indoor farms has been such, especially this precise farm in Compton that has produced 4.5 million pounds of leaves. Most importantly, is a resource within the community that was not available before.  3. $11B Rural Clean Energy Project - I'm sure they'll be some political retort to this, because well, there always is. But bringing clean energy to many rural areas of the United States is very much part of the issue in advancing our clean energy. On the surface, it

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/28/23

3 Up 1. Memorial Day Weekend - There are a lot of people who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. It's more than a three-day weekend, or the unofficial start to summer - take some time and appreciate the many lives given to be where we are.  2. Tina Turner - An absolute favorite of mine, Turner leaves us with nothing but awesome songs, memories, and a vibe and energy that was unmatched.  3. Debt Limit Deal - Well, one week later and I think I understand the entire debt limit stuff. Nonetheless, we're giving it an "Up" as it's settled. Crisis averted? Go America.  3 Down 1. Target Rescinds Pride - Our society has become ridiculous. After conservatives railed liberals for "cancel culture", the right has doubled down with threats at Target regarding their Pride Month displays. All of this follows a Bud Light ban. We've officially become a country where we all cancel what we don't like. So much for discourse.  2. Catholic Church in Illinois -

End of the 22-23 Knicks Season

Josh Hart was wide open at the top of the key.  Julius Randle just didn't feel like the target of that pass.  Jalen Brunson turning the ball over felt like an apropos.  Regardless, the end of the 2022-2023 New York Knicks Season is here and it hurts. It definitely hurts. Yet, for the first time in SOOOOOOOOO LONGGGGGG, I have what's called, hope. Hope!  As the youngest team in the NBA Finals, and one that fell just two games short of the Eastern Conference Finals, this team - heck, this organization! - is very much on the right path.  This year was fun, and at the same time rewarding. Next year will surely come with some expectations, many of which have already started, including the latest need for a superstar. We all know how that goes. There is already a lot of dumb mock trades and ridiculous narratives that are driving me nuts.  Regardless, it was a good year. We very much need to say that more.  Here are five really salient thoughts as we head toward the off-season.  Jalen

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/15/20

  3 Up 1. Coronavirus Vaccine? - It's here...sort of. Regardless of the semantics, the announcement of a vaccine produced by Phizer that is 90% effective - Flu Shots are 40-60% effective!! - has some serious promise. As the virus hits a second wave here in the Fall, the news coming from big Pharma is starting to make this pandemic feel like it's in the 4th quarter. Regardless, don't be stupid - wear your mask.  2. Michelle Ng - THE first female General Manager in baseball! I just love it. Let's forget that Ng has tons of experience and success throughout her career and has only been given this opportunity at 52 when farrrrrrrrrr more white males with less have been given GM opportunities as early as in their late twenties. No, no, I won't remind you of the inequalities that are at play here. I'm just happy Ng is given her opportunity, and that baseball is progressing forward - something it always struggles with.  3. Chris Nikic - You want an inspiring story? Ho