The Tatu Revue ♀ t.A.T.u.
Tatu: All The Things She Said
"Tatu literally translated means girl loves girl. What about the rest of us?"
Lena Katina & Julia Volkova are Tatu
200 km/h in the Wrong Lane? Hardly!
The Russian duo known as Tatu is going places. They are traveling fast and traveling globally. One thing for certain: Julia Volkova and Lena Katina are definitely not in the wrong lane. Young, talented, attractive and backed by parents already in the music business, Julia and Lena possess all the things haters love to hate. They are also lesbians, at least we're told. The question is: So what?
Well, it's like this: The music business is dirty, nasty and deceitful. It's a whore's business at best, a place where spin, hype and packaging often take priority over substance. Harsh talk? Yeah, but I'm talkin' bout the "Suits," none of what I just wrote is aimed at the artists, musicians, songwriters and studio engineers who do what they do so we, the public, might be entertained. One group lives for music, the other for spreadsheets.
Okay, so what about producers? Well, some are suspect for sure, while others, such as Pharrell, Chad & Shay of the Neptunes, are so dedicated to their production projects, so involved with bringing out the best in each artist they work with, that, at times, they actually forget the music business is a business. The Neptunes were so involved in multiple projects that they forgot to nominate themselves for the 2003 Grammy Awards. They could've won too. What N.E.R.D.s! God bless 'em!
No, I am referring to the business end of the industry. Unfortunately, business has little to do with art. We all know that the music business is full of hype, full of pretension, and sometimes totally misses the pulse of the public. Anyone who indulges in movie reviews written by the effete group of elitist snobs, the highly paid purveyors of good taste and culture, the egotistical bozos who regularly pan movies that go on to worldwide acclaim box-office success, will certainly understand my point. They just don't get it.
Exceptions? Certainly, Clive Davis and Tommy Motola are "music industry gods" who are not only in tune with the pulse of the public, but have the ability to introduce trends and make stars. No, it's the nameless marketing and promotion executives hiding behind corporate nameplates that pull the real boners. Warner Brothers Urban - Ruffnation had an incredible talent in Bobby Ross Avila but somehow, some way, they dropped the ball because they believed other projects were more deserving.
Tatu: Lesbian Music for the Masses?
So what does this all have to do with Tatu and a review of their debut English language album, 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane? Just this: The press and the public relations have once again gotten out of hand. With that said, I refuse to get drawn into a marketing scheme, a debate on if it really is a marketing scheme, or a discussion of youthful sexuality, patronizing pedophiles, and the "promotion of underage lesbian relationships." Such were the topics put forth by certain anal-retentive, homo-phobic, moral watch-dogs within the BBC who proposed to ban Tatu's All The Things She Said Video from airing in the United Kingdom. Others in the press have cringed at Tatu's onstage "blatant sexuality." Oh my! Young girls kissing! What a bunch of crap! It would be good to remember that same level of moral outrage was hurled at Madonna well before she achieved superstar status. So, ignore the hype, listen the music and form your own opinions. Personally, I believe Tatu is here to stay. And I for one am glad!
Tatu's 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane is a very impressive album. You just need to look past all the rumors, hype and bullshit surrounding Tatu: none of it matters. 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane is seductive, sensual, driving electronic techno with house flavor and pop overtones. It's that complex of album. There is something for everyone here. Lush vocals and bittersweet imagery, playful sexuality and driving beats. Some of the music will hit you right away while other tracks will sneak up on you.
All The Things She Said, the first single from the album, is setting records worldwide. Tatu has incredible international appeal and penetration. Already stars in Europe, the Russian duo Tatu was actually helped by the row over at the BBC regarding the airing of their video. All the Things She Said immoral? Come on! Get real! The video, which may be the best pop video of the year, is included on the album.
Show Me Love is already a dance classic with numerous mix versions spinning in dance clubs from Madrid to Moscow. A cover of the Smith's How Soon is Now? Is transformed from the depths of dark loneliness into an upbeat duet. Producer Trevor Horn, the creative influence behind the Pet Shop Boys and Frankie Goes to Hollywood lends his experience and influence to Lena and Julia's raw talent. The album is remarkably polished.
30 Minutes is a powerful ballad, filled with melancholy and deep sadness. Its presence here balances the other more upbeat fair and adds weight to the creative depth that is Tatu. Clowns is upfront talk about forbidden love and the hypocrisy and scorn of those critical. It is also one of the best songs on the album
It is almost impossible to lock Tatu into any one genre. The electronic beats and hypnotic undertones cry techno, while the upbeat in your face vocals and rock rhythms approach pop. Tatu does have the one thing that is prerequisite for success in the music business. They have their own sound. Will they last? Is 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane a one, two, or five hit wonder? My guess is yes on both accounts. Tatu will be back with more and the songs from the album will be around for a long, long time. Review by Jack "Papa" Baer March 10, 2003
Tatu Lyrics
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