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Pop Talk
With David Segal
Washington Post Music Critic
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001; Noon EST

He was raised in Rhode Island, where he became obsessed with the following bands in the following order: the Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Steely Dan, Elvis Costello, the Dead Kennedys, the Clash. Before deciding to become a journalist he was a high school teacher, a speech writer and a lay-about. He enjoys Chinese food, beach vacations and MTV's "Real World" reunion shows.

Join David Segal as he discusses pop, rock, country, hip-hop and alternative. There's a lot going on and he'll talk about it.

A transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

washingtonpost.com: Sorry for the delay in getting started. We hope to have David here soon.

David Segal: Hey people,

Sorry that I'm late. Some serious technical difficulties. Word of advice: never upgrade your home computer, for any reason.

Let's get to the chat. Plenty to cover.

Off we go...

Washington, D.C: Can you explain the cameo thing in music -hip hop- videos. The whole "featuring" thing.

Missy Elliot or Nate Do double g in every other video or Ja rule added in with the J Lo to make more money on a recycled song?

Are they just admiting their music stinks with out the aid of a big name?

David Segal: I think the best way to understand hip hop, especially the gangster variety is to think of professional wrestling. Every rapper has a posse, and every posse helps out every other member of the posse. It's a sort of mutual self-promotion thing, with some brand building to boot. Sometimes you get some really good cameos; they can serve as a way for an established artist to introduce someone who is great but not yet known. Jay-Z did that with Beanie Siegel, who by the way is not related to me.

Washington, D.C.: Submitting in advance.

I've often discussed with friends the fine line between "buzz" and "hype," i.e., fan interest that comes from word-of-mouth as opposed to fan interest that is largely the product of a good advertising campaign. I think both the Strokes and Michael Jackson apply.

Jackson is a legend and despite his low musical profile in recent years, his past records et al are bound to create some sense of buzz. True, his PR machine has been in overdrive (conspiracy theorists have to wonder if Alien Ant Farm's "breakthrough" hit is that much of a coincidence), but he's got a well-deserved rep.

But with The Strokes, you have a young, young band with lots of connections (I believe one of the member's dad is a big fashion industry guy) that suddenly became big enough to pack the 9:30 Club. You even mentioned on Sunday that they've already gotten to the backlash stage, and they're on their first record.

The reason I mention this is that I thought your two pieces put the emphasis on Jackson-hype without really touching on Strokes-hype, and I thought that while Jackson sets himself up for backlash, the Strokes depend on it.

Just my opinion.

David Segal: Hmmm. Seems to me that my Strokes review is all about their hype. I think they gave an average performance precisely because they were overhyped. If nobody knew who they were and they just showed up and played, they could have devastated the place.

And the reason the Strokes get so much buzz, by the way, is that they're terrific. Or their album is terrific anyway. It's rare that a band attracts so much critical attention without actually being pretty good.

Alexandria, Va.: When can we expect your review of Britney Spears' new album? Your piece on her last release was one of the funniest articles I've read! What's up with the postponing of her Halloween concert?

I'm submitting this early but I'll take a stab at your trivia question:

Howard Jones is the '80s artist who got his big break when his wife was hit by a bus or something and they used the insurance money to buy new synthesizers.

Let me know where to pick up my prize.

David Segal: Congrats on winning the trivia contest! I'm not sure what the question was but this seems like a very good answer.

On Britney: I'm livid that she's not going to be here tonight and I have a hunch that her talk of "production problems" is a lot of bunk. She's chicken! Chicken I tell you. She thinks she's going to get bombed or 'thraxed or something. Phewwy, young lady. Come here and dance, sooner rather than later.

We'll review her album as soon as its out, which I think is next week.

NW Washington, D.C.: Hey David,

Loved your article on the Langley School LP. Do you know if Bar/None pressed any vinyl copies, or is it all on CD? As a DJ it sounds like something that could mix well over some drum n bass, but using LPs pressed in 1976-77 might not be the best route. Any ideas if there are newer vinyl versions to be had?

Thanks again, for keeping an eye on this pageant of the transmundane, rather than lending your thoughts on the N-Stinkers' film extravaganza.

David Segal: I doubt very much that Bar None pressed any vinyl copies of the album, but you can call and ask them. They've got a web site which is easily found in a Google search. You're right -- it would make some great accents for some drum and bass music. The version of Space Oddity is worth the price of admission alone.

Silver Spring, MD: Hi, David

Read your piece on the Strokes. Have you heard Sub Pop's Love as Laughter? (They released their fourth or fifth record a few months ago; Built to Spill covered 'em on their live album). They're a perfect blend of Mick Taylor-era Stones and the MC5 as filtered (barely) through an indie rock band. All this talk about the Strokes being the band to bring back Rock 'n' Roll swagger would be easier to swallow if someone would at least acknowledge they're not the only (good) band trying to do it. I'm not knocking the Strokes, but their press really could be applied to a lot of other deserving bands, and yet everyone talks about 'em like they're in a class of one.

David Segal: I'll check out Love as Laughter. Thanks for the idea.

Washington DC: Just wanted to thank you for the entertaining MJ (not Jordan) review today. My co-workers and I have been emailing choice phrases around and chortling madly. Funny stuff, and very well-written.

David Segal: You are too kind. Thanks much.

Suburbia: "...special emphasis on these topics of choice: His love for the ladies, his fears for the children and his fervent hope that all you haters will back the hell up and give him some space."

David, Hilarious Line. I laugh every time I read it. Thanks for making my morning with your review of Jacko's latest nightmare. Props to you.

David Segal: I appreciate your support.

Now, let's all observe MJ's wishes and leave him alone.

London: Why is Michael Jackson's latest album getting such bad publicity?

David Segal: Let us count the reasons: First, he's an irresistibly strange character, an object of fascination who'se titan-sized ego, sexual history and bizzaro life-style make him a very wide target. Add in the fact that there's been so much obnoxious secrecy about the record. Plus, the guy is such a whiner! On and on about what a victim he is, yet everything he does is so nutty. I'm speaking particularly of the recent shows he was involved with, including the United We Stand show, which was really a fiasco, in part because he was such a loon about the whole thing, hogging limelight.

That said, on some level I feel really sorry for him. I'm betting that his childhood was no fun at all.

Washington, DC: I heard that the Brittany Spears show was postponed from tonight until December (heard this from a co-worker who is a woman, 23, has tickets, and is old enough to know better, but whatever). Do you think she's skittish about terrorism, or what?

David Segal: Yes, she's a wimp!

She fears us. She thinks we're infected. Or about to be infected. It aint right, people. We want our Britney!

Curious: In your previous career, for whom did you write speeches? Did you like that kind of writing?

David Segal: I was the speech writer for Israel's ambassador to the United States, a gent named Zalman Shoval. I worked for him while during the Gulf War, which was a pretty interesting moment to be involved in Middle East affairs.

Arlington: Have you heard about Michael Jackson's on-line chat? He said he likes to go trick-or-treating and wishes that whenever he came to a town there was a big children's parade. Does he realize what a huge freak he appears to be?

David Segal: Apparently not. There's all this stuff about children on his album, which in the context of those child abuse allegations, is really disturbing.

Vienna: We know what you thought of the RFK benefit concert. What did you think of the Madison Square Garden concert? Everyone I know loved it, even if the performers were a little on the old and white side.

David Segal: It was pretty dreadful. I mean, once the Jacksons got on stage and once MJ did his solo stuff, it was terrific. But even then the show started and stopped, over and over, apparently for the sake of TV cameras there to tape the event. We ended up getting about 30 minutes of great music, but spread over a really bloated 4.5 hour show.

dc: did you happen to see Ryan Adams play at 930 a few weeks ago? He played until about 3:15 a.m.--they finally had to turn up the house lights to get him to leave the stage. It was a pretty great show--he has all the rock star moves down.

David Segal: I missed it. I confess I don't get the buzz about that guy. His album, Gold, sounds to me like early Elton John. I'm not a huge early Elton John fan. But I seem to be alone in this.

Happy Halloween!:
So you have some major fans out here who are truly dying to see you. What is the problem? I mean, we are beginning to think you have two noses or something. Post a pic up there of your bad self!

David Segal: Let me describe myself instead: I'm Philipino, about 5 foot 2, with gray hair. I'm 86 years old and I walk sideways because of a war injury.

You want to see that? I don't think so.

Storrs, CT: I suspect the Strokes will end up like Green Day. Their limitations will ultimately become a burden on future albums.

David Segal: Green Day? Burdened? My friend, those limitations are precisely what make Green Day great. They don't grow because they can't grow. Yet they've found a thousand different ways to make 3 chords and a cloud of smoke rock, rock, rock.

The Strokes should be so lucky. I'd wager a fiver that at least one of those guys ends up in law school.

RE: Strokes' hype: There was a piece on NPR (All Things Considered)last night about them. The reviewer loved them, despite the hype, he said.

David Segal: Yes, ignore the clippings. Get the album. It's mighty fun. Way more fun than the band, as it happens.

washington, d.c.: At last weekend's Redskins game I swore I heard the beginning 10 notes of Fugazi's "Waiting Room" a few times over the loud speakers to pump up the fans. Anyone else notice this? Has Dan Snyder bought the rights to play the song, or is Fugazi just 'Skins fans? Either scenario is hard to picture.

David Segal: Anyone? I love the concept.

Dayton, Ohio: What BAD records would you take with you to a desert island? I personally am considering the new Billy Bob Jolie disc.

David Segal: That Billy Bob thing is a stink bomb. I swear, it's not anywhere near me and I can still smell it.

More celebrity rock coming: I got a call this morn from Dennis Quaid's agent, pushing his upcoming appearance somewhere in D.C.

What's with these actors? Has any one of them ever put out a decent album? And why do they keep trying?

forget the Strokes: Nuggets I and II are all you need, people.

David Segal: Amen, Holmes.

WDC 20007: I totally loved your article on the RFK concert -- thank God I didn't attend. Is there any chance that Jacko & ABC are going to be slammed for trying to profit off of 9/11?

David Segal: I think our execellent TV columnist Lisa De Moraes is cooking up a look at how the network is dealing with the money it'll get from that show. They wouldn't discuss the topic with me, which suggests that there's some a little fishy going on here. Remember, all the performers donated their time, so did RFK, so did the folks who put the show together. (Ok, they did a lousy job, but still it was self-less on some level.)

Can't wait to see what Lisa finds out.

RE: Britney: Maybe Britney was afraid that someone might bobby-trap her performance and someone might find out she actually lip syncs or has audio backup... that'd be enough to scare her. Not that people would probably even care.

David Segal: It can't be ruled out.

Heavenly on Capitol Hill: Just curious...

Who was the last band/artist to receive so much pre-hype à la The Strokes?

Granted, much of that band's hype comes from their own mouths, there have been plenty of articles written on them in the past two months. And yes, the lead singer's father is the head of a huge modelling agency.

David Segal: I'd put Sigur Ros in that category. They've been written and written about endlessly. I think they, too, deserve the notice, by the way. They're doing something really original.

Laurie: I am curious, who is more interested in revitalizing Wacko Jacko's career? His label or Jackson himself? Unless they have done some study that says the public needs him, he is over and there is no coming back. Buhbye, see you, leave us alone, see you in the News of the World. Why is he back? He couldn't whore the Beatle catalog anymore?

David Segal: We'll see. You might be right. I can't wait to see what the Soundscan numbers are on this thing.

Langley School Album: Weekend Edition Sat. did a piece on them and played several songs. Desperado actually broke your heart it was so poignant--a solo by a young girl. Then God Only Knows by the Beach Boys was the true weeper. The whole album had this odd poignancy. They interveiwed the Deperado singer and she said that it has mixed memories for her because all the kids on the album had such terrible childhoods that the sadness really seeped into the signing. Interesting piece--you can probably find it on the NPR website and listen to the archives.

David Segal: I heard about the piece. That's the sort of story that works way better on radio than in a newspaper. Actually, most music stories probably work better on radio.

A friend who heard the Desperado song in the NPR report said the he too was balling his eyes out.

Reston, VA: Is Basket of Puppies going on tour or releasing a new album anytime soon? Could make for interesting advertisements. "Come to Tower Records and get " etc.

David Segal: Yes, Anthrax -- which joked recently that it was thinking of changing its name to Basket of Puppies -- will be here in February. They're playing with Judas Priest. The band did say that if the Anthrax scare continues, or if a lot of people perish because of this stuff, they'll change their name.

I checked out their web site recently and they had taken an online poll of their fans about whether to change their name. The vote was like 3000 to 60 against the idea.

20th & Penn: The Strokes were quite excellent at The 9:30 Club on Monday night. Great guitar work and drumming. Somewhat smoky show, but worth it ($12.50 including handling fees and taxes). DC has got THE ARTS. Saw the Henry Moore show at the National Gallery of Art on Saturday. Great stuff. The place is a ghost town, however.

David Segal: I agree with you about the smoke.

Springfield, VA: What is your opinion of the new Michael Jackson? I read today's review and have seen the new video. Actually, I was impressed with the video...I thought Michael looked the best he has looked in years. But removed from looks, you can't dispute he has talent and creativity. I am a long-time, 40 yr old fan with an otherwise normal life, but find his work, for the most part, fascinating.

David Segal: I sort of spoke my piece about the album in that piece. There's no denying that the guy has incredible amounts of talent.

By the way, among the people he thanks on the cd: Uri Geller, the spoon bending huckster. What the heck?

Alexandria: Does Michael Jackson realize how bizarre he's become? Or does he think this is normal behavior?

David Segal: Nobody could be that eccentric and think that he's normal. But I'd guess that mostly he feels like a victim, and if you believe Latoya on the topic of the Jackson Mom and Dad, he might have a point.

Reading, PA: David:

This may seem a stupid question, but who still presses vinyl records anymore? I recall working in a record shop in the early 80's when we had to move a section of records to make way for the first CD's.

I admittedly don't get into many music stores anymore, but when I do, I've rarely seen actual vinyl.

David Segal: There's a lot of vinyl made these days for dee-jays, who use it to spin on club turntables. Every year or so some major publication will do a "Hey, VINYL IS NOT DEAD!" piece. It's become almost a staple, and is heading straight for the realm of cliche. If I ever write that story, I want you all to promise to come kick my butt.

Thanks.

Baltimore, MD: Hi David. My friend recently purchased a St. Germain CD (I don't know if that's the name of the band or CD) -- jazz/dance. It blew me away. What can you tell me about the musicians, and is this just a one-time collaboration or will they play together in the future? Thanks.

David Segal: St. Germain has been around for a while, and according to a friend they sold out the 9:30 Club a year or so ago. For some reason, they cancelled an appearance scheduled for the 9:30 Club a couple weeks ago. I can't say I'm much of a fan. The tunes I heard sounded like they had one good idea, but then never went anywhere with it.

I'm going to go over time, folks, because there's plenty of questions left and I was late.

wiredog: Listening to WETA. They're doing halloween music.

btw, did you know that tonight is both a full moon and a blue moon?

Thinking of going to G'Town as a flasher.

David Segal: Cool. Are you a man or a woman?

Silver Spring, MD: I, too, was underwhelmed by Ryan Adams quite some time ago. Reading about him recently in the UK glossies, I thought about buying the record 'til my girlfriend awoke memories of how bad it was. reminded me of Bruce Springsteen, sans grit. I don't even like Bruce WITH grit, so ... Anyhow, here's a show of support

David Segal: Well, I'm not alone.

E-Guy: Whassup, Diamond Dave!

Last time out we were discussing X and Brian Eno, and you said it was too bad the latter didn’t produce the former as it might have prevented X’s early records from sounding “flat and tinny.” Maybe, but don’t you think there is a place for flat and tinny, rather than having everything sound huge and panoramic with a booming drum sound? Brian Eno apparently thought so; Devo’s first record, which you have extravagantly praised, has rather flat sound. But I think that is part of its charm; that disc has a chilly, distant otherworldliness that I quite like. (Aside: Messers. Mothersbaugh and Casale have always maintained that they didn’t like Eno’s production on their debut, saying that their own modus operandi was much more direct than the bald one’s. I shudder to imagine “Are We Not Men?” sounding like Devo’s crummy later work if the band had been left to its own devices.)

David Segal: If Devo doesn't appreciate what Eno did for them, the band is insane. That's the only album by Devo that will sound amazing 30 years from now.

Alexandria, VA: You said The Strokes' performance was hurt by their hype on Monday night? I don't understand, didn't you hype them by writing about them? Not to attack you (cause I do appreciate your writing), but aren't you implying that we shouldn't read a critic's hype or review to like the show?

David Segal: I'm suggesting that the band has read too much about itself. In my preview of the show, I urged folks to ignore the advance press about them. I wish they'd done the same.

Falls Church: How big is Michael Jackson overseas? I've met folks from the Far East who still take him seriously, which no American over the age of 8 does.

David Segal: I think the guy is much more beloved overseas than here. The baggage isn't as prominent in other countries. I think people might have harder time forgiving him for all that child molestation here.

Washington, DC: And speaking of your background, the intro says you used to teach high school. Do you ever hear from former students? What did you teach? I bet your classes were a riot, assuming you're as funny in person as you are in writing.

David Segal: Why, thank you kindly. I do hear from students now and again. In fact, I think I'm having dinner with one tonight, a gent who is now turning 30, although I met him when he was a lad of 16. Now, that'll make a guy feel old, when a former student turns 30.

I taught English lit, by the way. I was an English major in college and figured, "I've got to use this degree, if only for a little while."

Alexandria, VA: How about NOT reviewing the new Ditzy Spears album and devoting the column inches to something worthy that may need some press, but isn't getting any. Spear's audience is built-in and isn't likely to care what a crtic has to say about the album, good or bad. They'll buy it anyway. And I have a sneaking suspicion that with a few changes to the references of song titles your review of her last album will stand for in for the new one. Much as the albums themselves could do I'm sure.

David Segal: Not a bad idea, but people are really fascinated by Britney and truth be told, she's a great culutural phenom that cries out for attention. It's also a blast writing about her. It is the role of a critic, I think, to highlight stuff that wouldn't otherwise get attention, though is great. But we've also got to spend some time examining the stuff that's selling well, and draining away the kiddie's lunch money.

Spot the Connection: Michael Jackson, Axl Rose, David Lee Roth, and Charles Manson...

any guesses?

They're all from Indiana...spooky...

David Segal: I like it.

Catty Comments, DC: Maybe Dennis Quaid heard about Russell Crowe's band and thought that since Meg left him for a rock star that he'd become one?

I heard he was sounding pretty bitter about it at one of his New York concerts - WITH his new girlfriend there!

David Segal: A very good theory, Catty.

wiredog: I'm a guy, and you? (Can't tell from your picture...)

David Segal: I'm a stooped over Philipino male. 86 years old. Walk sideways. Etc. I'll be streaking in G'town too.

Reston, VA: Actors try to rock, and rockers try to act. I think it's a natural law or something. Right up there with "reporters try to write novels".

David Segal: That's also a bad idea, often. But rocking actors is ALWAYS a bad idea. Am I missing something? Has ANY actor made a good rock album?

Capitol Hill: Where do you see Britney in 20 years?

David Segal: Living with me, retired and running a bed and breakfast in Vermont.

Hey, it could happen!

Heavenly on Capitol Hill (again): Wait...you're putting Sigur Ros and The Strokes in the same basket as far as pre-hype?

Sigur Ros -does not- sound like anything else out there. And I'm very thankful for that!

On the other hand, I can shop on Columbiahouse.com and pick up albums from the 1970s for $.99 and get the Strokes experience.

David Segal: You're totally right.

But they're both darn entertaining, in their own way. One derivative, the other not.

Arlington: Is it true that MJ broke off his fake nose and accidentally flung it into the audience at one of his NYC "come back" shows? I think that's being reported on The Smoking gun or some other gossip site.

David Segal: Never heard that the dude has a fake nose. I didn't know they made fake noses.

washington, dc: RE: The Strokes show.

The other members of the band were rocking out.

Did you look at anyone besides mr. cool up front?

Both guitarists and drummers were rocking.

Bass player was in back...couldn't see...he's probably not pretty enough to be up front.

Anyhow, I spent the whole time watching the guitar players. Them and the crazy aerobics-girls on the balcony (did you see them??)

David Segal: I missed the acrobats.

Yes, the other guys in the band moved a bit more than Julian C. did. If that dude had a few strands of Mick Jagger's DNA, well the Strokes would be unstoppable.

Uri Gellar is a dork: I'm writing a book entitled "If Uri Gellar Can Write a Book, I Can Too!"

David Segal: Best of luck.

100% freakazoid: do kids today even know who michael jackson is?! i myself am a child of the 80s and i have no love for the guy ...

David Segal: When I went to Tower at midnight on Monday, there were exactly two teens in the line. The rest of the crowd was 30 and 40 something.

Arlington, VA: Is Michael continuing to have plastic surgery? I thought his face couldn't get any worse, and then I saw the mess that's on his album cover. I was almost sick.

David Segal: Sure looks like MJ is still addicting to the scalpel. It's scary to think of what he'll look like in 20 years. He looks a lot like Speed Racer to me these days, or at least he does on the album cover.

Anyway, that's all for me folks. Sorry again that I was so late. I'll be on time two weeks from now for more of the same.

Till then,

Rock on with your bad selves.

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