Sometimes you
can like a song, before you have even heard it. I remember reading a rave review
of "The World Should Revolve Around Me" in the Word magazine, and
loved the description and title. It didn't disappoint when I finally heard it.
The New York singer
songwriter Imani Coppola had a minor hit in 1997, but had disappeared, before
she formed the Little Jackie group in 2008 with Adam Pallin, a producer and
multi- instrumentalist. Their debut album "The Stoop" was a great
fusion of modern sounds and superb lyrics. TWSRAM ( I will use abbreviation onwards), the first single, was a
bouncy and fun pop song. It seems a definite trend that much of my favourite work comes from artist's first releases.
After another
break-up, Coppola is tired of relationships, and analyses her role in their
failures ("I don't get
involved because I'm not equipped"). She is too self-obsessed ("there's only
one me in the galaxy / I am an endangered species"). Her lyrics are feisty
and witty, even digressing trivial philosophical queries ("what came first
/ the chicken nugget or the Egg McMuffin?'"). In the end she realises she
is the most important person in the world, so it should revolve around her !
Pallin's
guitar and keyboards provide a compelling backing, with hints of soul from the brass
samples. A Motown style for the 21st century. Coppola's vocals are pronounced
and sassy.
I don't think
the song is really that narcissistic,
as it more tongue in cheek with elements of feel-good self empowerment and
independence ("I don't need
you around, I know I rock!"). There is similar humour and clever
wordplay in much of her subsequent work.
TWSRAM was a
hit single in the UK, but not in US - a
surprisingly common trend for several US artists. Two further albums appeared
to critical acclaim, but low sales, and since 2014 Coppola has reverted to a
solo artist. It is a shame as Little Jackie was a great vehicle for her wry
lyrics and pop sensibility.
Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB8i8J6ORmY
Hear Next -
"The Stoop" is a great album, but then I have enjoyed others
too.
