Little Jackie: The Stoop
Little Jackie release their impressive debut The Stoop
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Saturday, 30, Aug 2008 12:01
S-Curve, out September 1st.
In a nutshell.
Soulful collection of modern-day musings
What's it all about?
Although The Stoop isn't Imani Coppola's first attempt at fame, this is likely to be her most successful. After being dropped by Columbia Records in the late 1990s due to 'creative differences', the Brooklyn-based born singer spent a decade out the spotlight and has returned with New York City's soulful answer to Lily Allen's Alright Still.
The Stoop features 11 songs reflecting on life growing up in NYC, celebrity and men.
Its lyrics, much like those of our own Allen, are comic and address modern-day issues, such as the rise of celebrity without talent.
Perhaps most fitting for the British audience will be Cryin' For The Queen, which takes a pop at Amy Winehouse's lifestyle choices.
Who's it by?
Although singer/songwriter Imani Coppola had a taste of US fame with her original record contract and single Legend of Cowgirl, this was short-lived and was followed by the release of several independent albums.
Her new pseudonym, Little Jackie, is actually a partnership between Coppola and Boston-born multi-instrumentalist Adam Pallin.
The outfit is named in tribute to the Lisa Lisa Cult Jam song Little Jackie Wants to Be a Star.
With influences cited as Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder, the duo set out to create a soulful album with Mowtown elements, while giving it a modern twist with comment on current social and cultural issues.
As an example.
"I bide my time with philosophical questions/Not for nothing but what came first/ The chicken nugget or the egg mcmuffin?" - The World Should Revolve Around Me
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
Although this is an entertaining listen, the duo are unlikely to be heading up that red carpet anytime soon, with the album failing to hit any particularly original notes.
What the others say
"Coppola reveals a bitter lyrical streak that contrasts tartly with Pallin's summery sounds; attacks on brain-dead celebutantes and deadbeat boyfriends rarely feel like this much fun." - Mikael Wood, Billboard.com
"It punches far above its weight with its attempts at satire and social commentary and misses an essential piece of variety that would at least make it easier to split the not very good wheat from the not very good chaff." - Andrew Dolton, new-noise.net
So is it any good?
Coppola and Pallin have managed to create a sound that, while not especially unique, feels different to that offered by other musicians from a similar ilk, such as Lily Allen and Kate Nash.
While her lyrics aren't particularly insightful, they cleverly capture images of the modern world with which 20-somethings will sympathise. Furthermore, the songs are refreshingly not all about love.
Perhaps more to the point, there isn't a bad song on the album, with feel-good factor written all over the poppy/R 'n' B melodies, making it a perfect driving CD.
Overall, The Stoop is an entertaining listen, covering a multitude of topics with a humorous take - definitely worth a try.
8/10
Rachel Rouse