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 - AN OPEN LETTER TO IMOGEN & HER MANAGEMENTHello Imogen: I heard "Hide & Seek" in "The Last Kiss". Intrigued, I went to purchase your CD. However, I stopped when I discovered that the disc was copy-controlled. I would have really liked to have bought your album and contributed to your income as an artist. There was also a strong possibility I would have purchased more of your catalog. However, your distribution company of choice wants to limit my Fair Use. So, until you and your management demand that your record company offer all your recordings in DRM-free format, I can't buy them. And, judging by the hundreds of people who voted for the DRM-warning review above, there are many others who share a similar view. As an avid music collector who owns nearly 5000 CD's, I believe in financially supporting the artist. However, I also believe that the artist needs to support the consumer's Fair Use, and demand that freedom from the greedy, paranoid and short-sighted bean-counters who run these music empires. And, Imogen? If you think those bean-counters and their conglomerated attack dog, the RIAA, are your protectors, then you should read this: Dec 1, 2006 Labels Seek Lower Royalty Rate RIAA to copyright judges: Rules are 'out of whack' WASHINGTON -- Record labels are asking a panel of copyright judges to lower the rate they pay music publishers and songwriters for the use of the lyrics and melodies with which they create sound recordings. The current rate is out of touch with reality, the RIAA argued for the labels in papers filed with the Copyright Royalty Judges. The rate hasn't been adjusted by the government since 1981. Meanwhile, the labels, songwriters and music publishers have been able to make a deal. During the period when piracy was devastating the record industry, the RIAA argues, profits for publishers rose as revenue generated from ringtones and other innovative services grew. Record industry executives said there was nothing strange about seeking a rate change that would pay less to the people who write the music. The music industry has undergone such fundamental changes, the RIAA contends, that it's time for the government to step in. "While record companies and music publishers were able to agree on royalty rates during that 25-year period, the assumptions on which those decisions were based have changed beyond recognition," the RIAA said. "Mechanical royalties currently are out of whack with historical and international rates," RIAA executive vp and general counsel Steven Marks said. "We hope the judges will restore the proper balance by reducing the rate and moving to a more flexible percentage rate structure so that record companies can continue to create the sound recordings that drive revenues for music publishers." Rating:  - Angsty Pop?Quite frankly, I expected Imogen Heaps solo career to be even more amazing than her Frou Frou collaboration. After all, she is an amazing pianist, singer, and songwriter, which is proven to no ends by "Details". I thought that perhaps she would delve even deeper into the emotion-rich stories that her past songs told, and I thought that she would make better use of her piano skills on the next record too. However, this is not the case. This entire album is, bluntly, a terrible effort. "Speak For Yourself" is riddled with immature compositions that are each saturated with predictable chord changes and stock-standard teen-pop beats. The lyrics consistantly refer to shallow, over-used teen relationship situations and stories. Another thing to note, is that she seems to be angry in 80% of the songs featured. It gets tiring, to say the least. And, she only makes use of her piano ability on one of the songs, which is naturally an amazing piano line, yet is quickly ruined by a techno beat and terrible lyrics. The saving grace of "Speak For Yourself" is also the most successful single released from the album, "Hide And Seek", which is nothing short of amazing. I suggest that you download this track and see for yourself. If you'd like a taste of what the rest of the album consists of, try listening to "Say Goodnight And Go'. But, if your looking for something that has depth, honesty, heartfelt lyrics, beautiful soundscapes or, well, anything remotely different from what is being vomited out of the music industry these days, look elsewhere. Rating:  - Powerful VocalsI'd heard nothing of Imogen Heap until by chance listening to her album at a listening station in a local record store. After that I was hooked. With a combination of searing vocals and luscious production, Speak for Yourself was one of my favourite albums of 2006. While there are two songs that drag a bit, the rest are both head nodding and mesmerizing most noteably the opening "Headlock" and later on in "Clear the Area." For those looking for a change in female pop vocal stylings...look no further than "Speak for Yourself." Rating:  - Speak For YourselfI bought this for my daughter for Christmas. They were just what she wanted. Fast delivery!! Will continue to use Amazon. Rating: - luxurious, complex, delicious....mood-altering, but not excessively so. Rich with beats to delight you ears and feet. There are some completely enticing, pleasantly mellow songs on the album also. First heard this music at a dance, and then googled the lyrics and found her music.
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