"HABITS" - Haley with Scott Bradlee and PMJ

[buzzenator]

I've given some thought to the Haley-PMJ relationship and now believe that it is very likely Haley will do part of the tour with PMJ in Europe. Here are some of those thoughts ...

First, why would Scott want bring her along. Artistically it is a great match. Haley has a great voice, and singing jazz is right in her sweet spot. It seems that Scott appreciates this -- he could praise her without describing her as having a once in a generation voice. She fits and brings a lot to the table.

Haley brings a lot of recognition and accomplishment. She sang weekly in front of audiences of 18+ million people on Idol, and probably a bunch more when the show was aired in other countries. Performed with Tony Bennett, NOJO, at Carnegie, etc. She did a 50 city tour already with nightly shows. She recorded and released an album. Etc.

...To Scott, it may seem that Casey and Haley have fallen into his lap.

From Haley's perspective, it is also a great match. It brings exposure to new fans and lots of potential. (If she does work with PMJ I hope she avoids some of the more gimmicky things they have be known for.) Haley is a star and could truly benefit from the exposure she would gain in Europe. Beyond the tour there is the potential for some great synergies in what Scott and Haley (and Casey) each has to offer. It's a qué será, será kind of moment.

We shall see.

In Haley's version of Habits, though, I don't feel that what she sings is all literally real. Yes, I hear pain and loss, but also a somewhat self-depreciating purposeful wallowing in one's own misery to a point where it starts being funny, and one very well knows it, exaggeration and self-pity and fantasizing to a point where the real desperation gets blunted already. I think what Haley expresses is a feeling of loss, but exaggerated in a hurt, then wanton, then even fun way to insist on it to get over it. It is a way of saying to this guy: so you think I'd be that desperate, haha, I thought so, too, and now look, ain't so bad now that I think of it ... In my mind, that's the difference to Tove's version, which is really kind of serious, in a slightly undefined manner that makes it unsettling. In Haley's version I don't really see that, I think that is Haley's magic that she turns it into a story of in the end, after all and despite it all, a strong woman who overcomes that desperation while expressing it (the hurt in the middle part is real and very touching, as if the self-confidence suddenly breaks; but then comes the whistling ...) and knows very well how to get onto the upswing. I think it all fits Haley very well, the hurt, the teasing, the self-confidence, the serious playfulness that gives new freedom from it all, the slight already-looking-back feel at the end - artistic self-expression in so many layers. Just great. Anyway, I don't think I expressed myself well, but that is how I can't help but hear this song, as she sings it.

John...nice post, and well thought out. I am finding myself singing the Haley version of Habits in my mind everyday. So, with all the attention placed on the lyrics, I am somewhat dismissing the lyrical content in favor of the melody and Haley's delivery (Although I do love the Twinkie line). I picture Tom Hanks (Halien) from the movie 'That Thing You Do' saying..."I want something snappy". It's a snappy Jazz song...just follow the bouncing saddle shoes on Scott Bradlee if you want snappy.

I've got the iTunes download, but the video...OMG...Halien Heaven. It's the Queen in all her visual splendor giving PMJ some serious star power!

Hey, I'm not some biased stan here...completely objective!

-----------------------------

XAtlantic...I think you expressed yourself very well. As a result, we are sending Haley to Europe for your listening and viewing pleasure. It's about time you got a live version of The Slayer in your backyard. However, you will be required to video the session...

[Tusk]

I picture Tom Hanks (Halien) from the movie 'That Thing You Do' saying..."I want something snappy". It's a snappy Jazz song...just follow the bouncing saddle shoes on Scott Bradlee if you want snappy.

Funny you mention that movie, I just watched it again couple days ago...I even got a 'favorite' on a tweet from 'Jimmy' of the Oneders

Johnathon Schaech favorited your Tweet
Jan 16: Sweet! One of my all time favorite musical movies #ThatThingYouDo is on HBO #TheOneders

[buzzenator]

^ It's...The Oh Knee Ders...

[Tusk]

....aaaaand bringing this tangent back to something somewhat related to this thread:

"That Thing You Do" was penned by Bassist for Fountains of Wayne, whose song, "Stacy's Mom" was covered by Casey and PMJ..... Voila

Adam Schlesinger, the bassist of Fountains of Wayne, penned the title song in response to a contest being held by the studio. Their song won, being used in the movie. The movie was released shortly after their first album.

[john]

It has been a week and Haley's video is just shy of 200,000 views. For comparison, Stacy's Mom had a little over 250,000 views at this point.

Although trailing in views, H(SH) has garnered 9900 "likes", which is more than SM had in its first week.

I think the statistics graph for SM shows the impact of publicity from Billboard and other media. Unfortunately, Haley hasn't had any splashy coverage thus far.

[Tusk]

Unfortunately, Haley hasn't had any splashy coverage thus far.

I think a partial reason for this is how different Casey is than Haley in regards to 'getting out there', whether it be social media, putting out media/videos, touring small venues, or even letting people know when he performs. Haley is AMAZING with fans when you get to meet her, unfortunately, there are fewer opportunities to do so than there is to meet Casey... Lots of activity = material to write about/get noticed

Hopefully, part of how Ole will help Haley moving on, is to maybe be able to suggest a strategy or even point her to people who are good at doing this sort of thing

Also, whether we like it or not, the lyrical content is also a factor, it could be good, spark discussion, maybe in an article, or it may be bad, editors have to decide whether the song is 'appropriate' to disseminate to their readership, whatever their 'standards' are

[john]

Those things and an outlet like THR might have given the video coverage, but they just covered PMJ and Casey. Probably a little soon for another story or highlight.

Casey is a go-getter. Had a party and recorded a music video this week. Plays various venues regularly. And the PMJ Eurotour will bring him some additional exposure and interest.

[Tusk]

There's also that Kate Davis' AABTB cover w/ PMJ was still getting a 'viral' amount of coverage on her and PMJ.... Casey's cover was the next 'big' video, follow up of a PMJ cover, w/ Casey giving it a little of notoriety from AI that made it more 'newsworthy'..."What's next of PMJ?" sort of thing.

[Jastal]

I think a big reason for the difference is views between "Habits" and "Stacy's Mom" is song recognition. I think there are many people who won't both to listen to a song they haven't heard because there is nothing to compare it to.

I think part of the attraction of these Jazz interpretations is the comparison to the version we are comfortable with. Except for Haley's video I have only watched PMJ video's where I am familiar with the song and I think for those that don't know her, the same may apply.

That said, I still think that jazzy "Habits" is such a good song to show off her voice and style that is a good choice. People will eventually find it.

[john]

That said, I still think that jazzy "Habits" is such a good song to show off her voice and style that is a good choice. People will eventually find it.

One of the nice things about PMJ videos that they tend to keep getting views month in and month out. Most of their million view videos took took a while to get there. Habits should have legs.