On Napster

DAVID USHER FIGHTING NAPSTER WITH POSTERS

Author: Sarah Kurchak
Source: Chart Magazine
URL: www.chartattack.com/damn/2001/08/0105.cfm
Date: August 1, 2001

David Usher Live At Ted's Wrecking Yard?

Chances are that if you've read any press about David Usher's recently released Morning Orbit, you've come across the word "mainstream" a few times already. And while it's true that the sophomore release has abandoned the acoustic intimacy of 1998's Little Songs for more of a studio sound, it boasts a lot of inventive twists of its own. Nestled in amongst radio-friendly material like Alone In The Universe are some unique sampling choices, a duet with Snow and a cover of Tracy Chapman's near-sacred Fast Car.

"Well, thank you!" Usher laughs in appreciation and relief at the suggestion that Morning Orbit actually takes more risks than its predecessor. "I thought so. I sampled opera on it for fuck's sake! But I guess opera's mainstream now. Maybe I'm too close to it, though. If they say it's mainstream, maybe it is."

While the singer says that it will take a while for him to reflect upon his new release and make any definitive conclusion on the above claims (he just listened to Little Songs for the first time in ages about a week ago), he does think that the more elaborate production could be the culprit behind these claims of mainstreamity. Another reason could be the lyrics which, while still boasting a certain melancholy flavour, aren't as outwardly sexual and violent as Usher's past solo and Moist efforts.

As a result, there's also a burgeoning maturity apparent on Morning Orbit that should impress fans whose tastes have been growing with Usher over the years. People who spent their formative years scribbling Silver and Machine Punch Through on their binders are far more likely to identify with the themes of isolation and technology in songs like Alone In The Universe and Joy In Small Places these days. David seems to appreciate this idea.

"I would like it if people moved with the music, sort of sharing this story as we go along," he said.

This newfound maturity doesn't mean that his female fans can't still indulge in the giddy contemplation of his fine features, however. After all, a limited number of copies of the new album come with a free locker poster. Is the heartthrob himself upset by this shameless little marketing ploy?

"We're all fighting Napster," he laughs. "I just want people to hear the record, so I don't mind."