I worked retail at a department store back in the late 90's and this kind of insipid Christmas music would nearly put me in a homicidal rage. Being a music snob it was literally the worst part of the job, even worse than rude customers. This was when the vocal style known as "belting" was in its heyday. Singers like Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, etc. all tried to wring every bit of emotion out of each syllable by extending a note as long and as loud as possible. And the uncultured American public gobbled it up, giving rise to countless imitators on shows like American Idol. I think the only thing more unsettling to my eardrums is autotune, which permeates every rap/pop song, like VD in a New Orleans brothel circa 1890.

 

I worked retail at a department store back in the late 90's and this kind of insipid Christmas music would nearly put me in a homicidal rage. Being a music snob it was literally the worst part of the job, even worse than rude customers. This was when the vocal style known as "belting" was in its heyday. Singers like Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, etc. all tried to wring every bit of emotion out of each syllable by extending a note as long and as loud as possible. And the uncultured American public gobbled it up, giving rise to countless imitators on shows like American Idol. I think the only thing more unsettling to my eardrums is autotune, which permeates every rap/pop song, like VD in a New Orleans brothel circa 1890.

 

I never worked retail but just entering a store around this time of year forces me to raise shields otherwise yes, I feel like going out for a slay ride! Was in a coffee shop with old friends this morning we was, and thankfully no Mariah Carey but still......Baby it's cold outside actually makes sense because it is very cold and a lot of fresh snow here but it is only December 1st. Stop the insanity!