Folk Alley (( Mandy Moore Works with Weepies on New Album ))

June 19, 2007

After reading the new album by actress/pop princess Mandy Moore described as "folkie," I clicked through so that I could scoff in an informative way. Much to my surprise, a good half of the songs on Wild Hope were written by Deb Talen and Steve Tannen of The Weepies (who were nominated for the Shortlist Prize this year and I once saw perform at my church). I really don't know what to make of that, outside of the fact that Deb and Steve are going to be making a few dollars off of big market airplay. Can I bring myself to actually purchase a Mandy Moore album? We'll see.

Posted by Ann VerWiebe at June 19, 2007 2:32 PM

Comments

She's also got Lori McKenna working with her on things.
They seem to get along real well. Let's see what happens when you take a listen.

Posted by: JoLynn Braswell at June 20, 2007 4:14 AM

Interesting. It just said McKenna, so I didn't know. Now I'm going to have to buy the album.

Posted by: Ann E VerWiebe at June 20, 2007 11:50 AM

Hi Ann!

I looked at Mandy Moore�s website and watched the video. I think this is WONDERFUL! As the saying goes� �Kid tested, mother approved�- this style may not be my first choice is musical style, but there is a ton of �tweens� (and others) it will appeal to. In this world we all know there is some pretty nasty music, with nastier lyrics. Kids today, as with all generations, are not going to gravitate towards their parent�s musical diet. They may appreciate it and will probably revisit it as an adult, but need to have a voice of their OWN generation. To ignore this wonderful generation is honestly missing the boat. Yes, its commercial- and I hope Mandy Moore reaches the ears and hearts of millions of young people with a message like �Extraordinary.� I realized this simple truth as I (finally) watched High School Musical with my almost ten year old. Because of my lack of connection to the subject matter and music, I assumed it was silliness. Duh�it is not suppose to appeal to me!! I am thrilled to see singers like Mandy Moore and doubly enthusiastic Deb Talan and Steve Tannen are part of this. Yeah!!

Posted by: Shannon McDaniel at June 21, 2007 12:37 AM

Shannon--I actually admire Mandy Moore for most of the reasons you said - she has a lot of integrity for a pop princess (that's why I was following her new CD). The thing is, I can think somebody's a good person without needing the CD. But, we'll see. It's sure to go on sale somewhere.

Posted by: Ann E VerWiebe at June 21, 2007 1:47 PM

For anyone who thinks of Mandy Moore as bubblegum or fluff, seeing her in "Saved!" or "American Dreams" might encourage you to rethink that. She's apparently got a subversive streak a mile wide and would seem to relish any chance to play against her own pop type.

Posted by: Joan Kennedy at June 21, 2007 10:36 PM

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