SZA

[Superscally]

4 minutes ago, crumbler said:

Reviews of her most recent UK appearances, sounds like a capital s Show, not sure if she'll be able bring all of it with her but fingers crossed:

https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/sza-o2-arena-london-live-gig-review-sos-world-tour-b1088689.html

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/14/sza-review-voyage-of-a-lifetime-with-genre-busting-rb-superstar

That does sound fun tbf...

[Acid_Haze]

6 minutes ago, Superscally said:

Yep, but Kendrick has the genius mantle. Pulled in loads of casuals. Just listened to Kill Bill and confirmed I've never heard it and I have Radio 1 on a fair bit.

It's also a bit dull in isolation. Maybe as part of a set it will go well. If she gets the gig, hope she does well, but I can't see it approaching Billie Eilish levels.

SZA's new album was ranked Pitchfork's best album of last year, she has a bit of a genius mantle too.

https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-albums-2023/

[SwallowOrSleepOnTheWetSpot]

Pitchfork's rankings are trash now, doesn't say sh*t about so-called genius mantles.

 

[Superscally]

13 minutes ago, Acid_Haze said:

SZA's new album was ranked Pitchfork's best album of last year, she has a bit of a genius mantle too.

https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-albums-2023/

With an 8.7? That ain't peak Kendrick territory (nor O-Rod territory)...also Pitchfork reviews are the biggest load of self-satisfied w*nk in journalism. Only worth your while if you're looking to prove a point and they agree with you. Next time they'll blow whatever way the wind is.

 

Not doubting her being good, nor ability to put on a good show, just feels like wrong time (too early for UK audiences) and whatever wizardry is pulled out of the back, it will be seen by a small crowd, many of whom just can't be arsed moving after Shania. Feels like a waste, but I guess they're desperate and it will look cool for them. I was only gonna be there that night if Stevie Nicks was on, so I'm not gutted for me and I'm sure she'll have a blast so f**k it. 

[Kaboom Boxer]

22 minutes ago, crumbler said:

Reviews of her most recent UK appearances, sounds like a capital s Show, not sure if she'll be able bring all of it with her but fingers crossed:

https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/sza-o2-arena-london-live-gig-review-sos-world-tour-b1088689.html

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/14/sza-review-voyage-of-a-lifetime-with-genre-busting-rb-superstar

“a cross between a Broadway stage musical, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and a live-action Spongebob Squarepants episode.”

I’m sold. 

[CaledonianGonzo]

But aside from the huge commercial appeal, the critical acclaim and the bitching live show, why should SZA headline again?

[Acid_Haze]

9 minutes ago, Superscally said:

With an 8.7? That ain't peak Kendrick territory (nor O-Rod territory)...also Pitchfork reviews are the biggest load of self-satisfied w*nk in journalism. Only worth your while if you're looking to prove a point and they agree with you. Next time they'll blow whatever way the wind is.

 

Not doubting her being good, nor ability to put on a good show, just feels like wrong time (too early for UK audiences) and whatever wizardry is pulled out of the back, it will be seen by a small crowd, many of whom just can't be arsed moving after Shania. Feels like a waste, but I guess they're desperate and it will look cool for them. I was only gonna be there that night if Stevie Nicks was on, so I'm not gutted for me and I'm sure she'll have a blast so f**k it. 

Yeah I completely agree she isn't anywhere near Kendrick imo, and Pitchfork is a load of rubbish. Though that is our opinion and we can't deny Pitchfork does have some cultural clout within the music industry whether we like it or not.

[Superscally]

2 minutes ago, Acid_Haze said:

Yeah I completely agree she isn't anywhere near Kendrick imo, and Pitchfork is a load of rubbish. Though that is our opinion and we can't deny Pitchfork does have some cultural clout within the music industry whether we like it or not.

More in America than here though...also not to the level of dictating festival main stages...

[Acid_Haze]

4 minutes ago, Superscally said:

More in America than here though...also not to the level of dictating festival main stages...

I mean it's not just pitchfork, she was best album on quite a few end of year lists. Rolling stone included https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-2023-1234879538/sza-sos-2-1234890220/.

Either way she's got definite commercial and critical appeal, she might not have Kendrick's genius mantle but she has the whole ~important artist of today~ mantle.

[Superscally]

1 minute ago, Acid_Haze said:

I mean it's not just pitchfork, she was best album on quite a few end of year lists. Rolling stone included https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-2023-1234879538/sza-sos-2-1234890220/.

Either way she's got definite commercial and critical appeal, she might not have Kendrick's genius mantle but she has the whole ~important artist of today~ mantle.

Fair play, but I wasn't doubting her ability...

[Superscally]

42 minutes ago, CaledonianGonzo said:

But aside from the huge commercial appeal, the critical acclaim and the bitching live show, why should SZA headline again?

...because there are other artists who would do the same and draw a bigger crowd. Despite all of the above, the biggest factor for crowd is "pull" and she doesn't have it yet. If you're not arsed about the size of the crowd and TV figures, then yeah, crack on. A calculated gamble, like I said.

[MEGABOWL]

1 hour ago, crumbler said:

Reviews of her most recent UK appearances, sounds like a capital s Show, not sure if she'll be able bring all of it with her but fingers crossed:

https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/sza-o2-arena-london-live-gig-review-sos-world-tour-b1088689.html

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/14/sza-review-voyage-of-a-lifetime-with-genre-busting-rb-superstar

“a cross between a Broadway stage musical, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and a live-action Spongebob Squarepants episode” Is a truly magnificent sub-headline 

[northernangel]

2 hours ago, sisco said:

Lana did Saturday tbf. 

Doesn't have to be the same day to be the same spot. If Dua Lipa is headlining Saturday, its very unlikely they would be opposite even though their sound and genre is nothing alike.

[Superscally]

Just working my way through SZA current setlist. First thoughts. This is sunny afternoon music, would not feel the vibe as a festival closer. Second. Hear a song and within 15 seconds think, this is good...look it up and it's a very well reworked ABBA cover 😁...but not by SZA 🤣

[Kaboom Boxer]

20 minutes ago, Superscally said:

Just working my way through SZA current setlist. First thoughts. This is sunny afternoon music, would not feel the vibe as a festival closer. Second. Hear a song and within 15 seconds think, this is good...look it up and it's a very well reworked ABBA cover 😁...but not by SZA 🤣

Need to know this song now. 

[Superscally]

Just now, Kaboom Boxer said:

Need to know this song now. 

It's really good!

https://open.spotify.com/track/4jpEe4aD78QXNoKhcGHNjC?si=QsaWQbOsTeiXpDZgP2wf_g

[Nduja]

For me, CTRL was one of the best albums of the last decade and SOS seems really good too, though I've not given it loads of time by comparison.

It's a really good booking for me, a top tier current artist at the point when they are achieving mainstream appeal and accolades. I get the where's the bangers question, but there's definitely space on the Pyramid for acts that evoke mood and emotion - Adele, Radiohead, Billie to name but a few.

With Dua and Coldplay on the other nights, positive vibes will not be in short supply, anyway.

 

[Superscally]

23 minutes ago, Nduja said:

For me, CTRL was one of the best albums of the last decade and SOS seems really good too, though I've not given it loads of time by comparison.

It's a really good booking for me, a top tier current artist at the point when they are achieving mainstream appeal and accolades. I get the where's the bangers question, but there's definitely space on the Pyramid for acts that evoke mood and emotion - Adele, Radiohead, Billie to name but a few.

With Dua and Coldplay on the other nights, positive vibes will not be in short supply, anyway.

 

Those acts all have bangers though. I'm enjoying this set in the background and just looked up my second song as it was cool, but again...it wasn't by SZA.

https://open.spotify.com/track/79N2DTtaeGZcwedj8pnInb?si=vEaV6rRMRLu1G-toR-01Pg

Just looked up the third one... Kendrick! 😄

Fourth one...SZA! Prom, off ctrl

F2F is lively enough. I can have that.

Edited March 4 by Superscally

[Alex DeLarge]

 

Sweet little track this one. 

[Superscally]

Just now, Alex DeLarge said:

 

Sweet little track this one. 

Currently on it. Agreed. Thinking so far that ctrl is better album...

[kalifire]

7 hours ago, CaledonianGonzo said:

But aside from the huge commercial appeal, the critical acclaim and the bitching live show, why should SZA headline again?

One could make the same argument for P!nk.

[CaledonianGonzo]

Nowhere near the same level of critical kudos.  SOS reviews are giving Sign O The Times / Miseducation of Lauryn Hill / Songs In The Key of Life.

Pink is more at poor man's Cyndi Lauper level.

That said, I'm sure she'll get the call one day.

[kalifire]

She’s done well with her two albums, sure.

[Acid_Haze]

Agreed that Ctrl is the better album. This one makes you feel things.

 

 

[Colorblindjames]

8 hours ago, Superscally said:

Those acts all have bangers though. I'm enjoying this set in the background and just looked up my second song as it was cool, but again...it wasn't by SZA.

https://open.spotify.com/track/79N2DTtaeGZcwedj8pnInb?si=vEaV6rRMRLu1G-toR-01Pg

Just looked up the third one... Kendrick! 😄

Fourth one...SZA! Prom, off ctrl

F2F is lively enough. I can have that.

Are we thinking headline other stage or support for pyramid stage?

Either way a great booking.