Macy Gray
“On How Life Is”
Epic Records
Grade: A
The raspy voice of Macy Gray goes
from downright gritty tc soulfully
seductive.
Listening to her debut album, “On
How Life Is,” one might mistake Gray’s
voice for Billie Holiday. But it is the
diverse sounds and styles of hip hop,
soul, R&B, funk and rock that distin
I
guish Gray and her impressive debut
Raised in Ohio and fed the music of
Aretha Franklin, Marvin*Gaye and
Stevie Wonder, Gray was actually a self
conscious child. She was ridiculed for
her “real funny” voice, so Gray kept
quiet and rarely talked.
Instead, Gray found her strengths in
writing. She moved to Los Angeles to
study screen writing at the University of
Southern California and eventually
began writing lyrics for some of her
music buddies.
During a recording, Gray was asked
to fill in for some vocals. Overcoming
the fears of her childhood, Gray discov
ered that she could not only sing but that
she had a rare and beautiful voice.
Gray soon managed to make a name
for herself alongside her musicians,
who include DJ Kiilu, Arik Marshall
(formerly a Red Hot Chili Pepper) and
Funkadelic’s Blackbird McKnight
Gray’s style is difficult to define or
categorize. The album, “On How Life
Is,” transcends a single classification.
One thing is for sure: Her album is filled
with a groove that takes listeners
through varying emotions while staying
true to her roots.
Gray’s song range includes the
instrumental and poetic, as in “I Try”
(released last week), as well as harsh
hip-hop grooves, as in “Sex-O-Matic
Venus Freak.” Her gritty ballad “Still” is
quite similar to the sounds of the early
Aretha. Gray successfully manages to
pull off these styles and sounds natura
and effortless.
Perhaps the natural feel of the songs
comes from her personal lyrics. Gray
writes all of her lyrics from stories of her
life - both the playful and profound.
The track “I’ve Committed
Murder” is filled with lyrics reminiscent
of “I Shot the Sheriff.” But lyrics such
as those in “The Letter” are more per
sonal: “All I’ve ever wanted was some
love, peace and harmony.”
I Gray states she is not trying to speak
for the whole world or make some kind
of universal commentary. So listeners
can just enjoy her music for exactly
what it is - great music.
- Emily Pyeatt
Leaders are made,nn, hnrn_
Learn to lead with integrity.
LeaderShape
NEBRASKA
A Twelve Month Leadership Development Experience
Institute March 11-16,2000
Applications Due November 4
Get Your Applications at:
Student Involvement
200 Nebraska Union
300 Nebraska East Union
Women’s Center
340 Nebraska Union
Culture Center
333 N 14th
Applications online at:
www.unl.edu/sinvolve/leadershape
Informational Sessions:
October 27,6:30 pm
Nebraska East Union
check kiosk for room number
October 28,6:30 pm
Nebraska Union
Student Involvement, Green Room
S Student
TNVOT VFMFNT
1 University of Nebraska
402-472-2588 tcoc/lc .
402-472-1761 (FAX) $5^5/!5^or^
dn@unl.edu $3.50/15 words (students)
$0.15 each additional word
20 Nebraska Union $0.75 billing charge
P.O. Box 880448 $0.75/line headline
Lincoln, NE 68588-0448 Deadline: 3 p.m. weekday prior
_ _ • ■' * . __ y .. •* _-_'_ _
[_I
Macintosh Performs 638 with Zip, scanner, HP printer,
$300 OBO. Call 435-8558.
Great condition, king water bed. bookcase, head
board, $75. Call 483-2127.
I_
Color TV, $85. Also a VCR, $75. Call 423-8555._
For sale: 4 Texas A&M $500, 2 Kansas State tickets
$250. Call 483-4887.
m \ mm mm -- mm m mm . mm m mm • mm
TICKETS WANTED: 2 or more Nebraska home tickets.
Will pay at least $50 each or best offer. Call Barbara
421-1737.
‘89 Chevy S-10 Blazer, 4x4, Tahoe, excellent condition,
only 72K. $6,100 OBO, 435-3534.
‘89 Honda Accord SE-I, runs great, sun roof, leather,
CD, tint, 5-speed, 4 door, $3,750 OBO. 420-1495.
‘92 red Toyota Tercel. New tires, brakes, clutch, muffler
and radiator. 128,780 total miles; 70K on engine.
$3,100. Call 488-8698.
1993 Suzuki Swift GT, 25K, 5-speed, tinted windows,
power mirrors, AM/FM cassette, very clean, perfect
school car. Call Pat, (402) 450-3779.
300s Hittcas
ADOPT: A childless couple awaits with empty arms
and loving hearts. Ready to welcome your baby into
our financially secure home and close caring extended
family. Medical and legal expenses paid. Please call
Vickie and Steve, 1-800-404-0737.
ADOPTION—A happily married childless couple
with high energy and lots of love dream of an in
fant to cherish. We offer love; security, and a
wonderful future. Medical/legal expenses paid.
Please call Barbara arid Peter toll free
888-540-7626.
look for the classified ads
everyday at:
dailyneb.com
BEST PART TIME JOB IN TOWN!!!
Flexible Hours
Work as few as 8 or op
to 40 hours per week '
Pick your own schedule
Guaranteed hourly rates
Awesome commissions
Generous Bonuses
Free Parking
Blocks from Campus
$250.00 hiring bonus
Call or stop by today 3:00 pm- 9pm
and start tomorrow!
JRW SALES TELEMARKETING
1625 “P” STREET 436-3070