LAO-TZU REVIEWS THE TOP TRACKS OF 2007

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Marco Kaye

"Umbrella" by Rihanna [ft. Jay-Z]
Such simple words on such a simple beat.
You cannot deny its melody.
Let it rain and it will wash over you.
Dance and it will reveal itself.
Create cover versions and you will find success.
Ella, ella, ella. Ay, ay, ay.
The Rainman is back.

"Paper Planes" by M.I.A.
As paper planes fly, the paper crane is grounded.
Like the song's sample,
it is untouchable and perfect.
The sound of gunshot and cash register
make censors cry out in fear.
But they are necessary.

A song for protest is effective.
It becomes a weapon,
that everyone can share.
From afar, it is lovely.
Up close, it is as sharp as a knife.

"Rehab" by Amy Winehouse
Its instrumentation recalls the past.
But its message speaks of the now.
It is from this old school
that all new ideas emerge.
Soul is born in Motown.
Bad seeds are born in the bottle.
As art imitates life,
so the singer is consumed with drink.
But change is of no use.

Force her to seek therapy,
and you will be met with fierce opposition.

"1 2 3 4" by Feist
A good song promotes itself.
A better song promotes music.
The best song promotes electronics.

It risks overexposure,
but has a place in your heart.
It risks being twee,
but there is weight to it.
It risks using simple addition,
but there is strength in numbers.

How do I know this?
Look at the music video.

"D.A.N.C.E." by Justice
Children sing.
Do the dance. Stick to the beat.
It is simple. Memorable. Attractive.
The beat is elastic.
It fits like a pair of skinny black jeans.

You cannot refuse it.
You cannot hide from it.
You can rid it only by listening more.

It travels from club to work.
It was born in Williamsburg,
but has roots in the King of Pop himself.

"Lip Gloss" by Lil Mama
When you first hear its words,
You think, "It is not possible."
When you first hear its beat,
You think, "It is too easy."
It is both.

The key to effortless grace:
Take a small object
from your childhood.
Contemplate upon it.
Look upon it as a child would.
Amplify its importance.
Make the beat minimal.
Then drop it.
This is the true Way.

"Crank That" by Soulja Boy
The Soldier rules with a light touch.
He knows the Web.
He uses society.
He punches to the left.
He punches to the right.
He cranks it three times.
He thanks them for the add.

Small gestures make great acts.
In this way, the Soldier exerts supreme influence.
But beware.
His hook is catching.
His words are foul.
Dive deeper inward,
and you will find trouble.

"Reckoner" by Radiohead
Start with modesty,
and then let intricacies emerge.
Balance beauty with anxiety.
The sacred with the profane.
The discordant with the harmonic.
Move away from Kid A.
Return to the source.
Listen to your allies.

Like the drunk man,
sing in a meandering way
and all will listen.
Like the drunk man,
offer your hand
and ask for a donation.
You pay eight pounds.
I pay zero pounds.
Pause for a few moments.
How much is music worth?
It weighs nothing.
But it is the heaviest thing in the world.