Feature Series – Part 3
I have been an off-again, on-again fan of Miley Cyrus, the singer, songwriter Cyrus that is not the “Hannah Montana” Cyrus from 2006-2011, because at 56-62 I don’t really think I was part of the “target” audience for that show. While I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed all her output over the years, what I do appreciate is her artistry and her ability to reinvent herself over and over again. I am not a big fan of “pop” music, but I do appreciate it, as it reminds me of the music I coveted when I was the same age as those who now primarily listen to “pop.” The other reason this song piqued my interest is that it is very, very good “pop!” It is so many genres rolled into one as well. It starts off slow, and sultry without the ponding drums, then takes off. And any song that features the following off-repeated line, as far as I’m concerned, is golden: “Yeah I can love me better that you can.” Not only is it “pop” gold, but it is also very 2023. The “liner notes” (see age above) reiterate my point about the song being many genres rolled into one, as the “experts” spent most of their time agonizing over how to now “classify” the effort from Cyrus. No comment. The official video version featured here has identical arrangements and production values as the streamed version, but the visuals are something else. It looks, at times, like an extended promotion for a fitness club, spa, or lingerie store called “Victoria’s Not So Secret Anymore.” If you watch until the end, you will know that she is very much in love with who she is. It’s just an observation. The video premiered on Jan. 12, 2023
PMJ’s version is, quite simply, amazing. It features Stella Catherine Cole, a New York City based actor and singer. She has a You Tube channel (2011) with around 11.5 thousand subscribers, me being one of them. She has an incredible voice; in fact, I am listening to here now singing a rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” recorded live at 54 Below in NYC. Stunning. In the past most of the PMJ videos I used were covering songs from years back, but this one was recorded just over 2 months after Cyrus released her official video. That, to me, is an impressive turn-around. The other musicians are, as usual, Scott Bradlee on piano, Adam Kubuta (bass), Ben Golder-Novick (Alto Sax), and Chris Gelb (drums). If you close your eyes and imagine yourself in an updated “speakeasy” in the 1960s, this is what you might hear. An amazing quartet fronted by a sultry and smoky-voiced singer whose transformation of the song’s lyrics is pure heaven, transporting the listener immediately into a different era. You be the judge. I actually like both versions.
PMJ “Flowers” Miley Cyrus cover. Mar 2023
Miley Cyrus “Flowers” Official Video. Jan. 2023
Los Angeles 2023
- Next up: Part 4 Estelle “American Boy”
I too have been an off-and-on fan of Miley Cyrus; while I’ve long recognized her talents and charisma, her sometimes slutty behavior was off-putting for me (I’m no prude, but I hate when artists, especially women, cheapen themselves with tacky behavior). I hated her 2013 hit “Wrecking Ball”, but love “Flowers”. The PMJ cover performance is both aurally and visually sumptuous!
Agreed on all counts about Cyrus. “Wrecking Ball” is appropriately titled though, if you know what I mean! At the risk of going overboard with praise, everything PMJ does is sumptuous.
I like this more than most of what I’ve heard from her which admittedly isn’t that much. I see why you like PMJ so much! I’ve heard a bit of her sister’s story and music, talented family for sure.
A very talented family. Yeah, I am definitely hooked on PMJ!