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About Brad from USA: Tha Source. Biggest, Oldest Dang Lamb out there. Wrote the book on being pip and festive. He's a pro and treats others the same way. Waits for MC to reach her creative zenith and wants her to keep pushing toward that. Writes the words about it that others wish they could even know what to say.

Her beautiful spirit (40,096) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. So yes, yesterday's performance in DC was pretty rock bottom. She basically stopped singing at one point, she was so hoarse, and all she could do was greet Santa on stage. I am so heartbroken for her. I just wanted to say that clearly she is aware of this and seems to still wish to soldier on and be part of a national event at her favorite time of year. That reflects her beautiful spirit as a person which is never lauded by the media or her critics. Underneath it all, look at her love of her own family, her mother, her father, and her country. She has a beautiful spirit that should be applauded and, frankly, emulated. Be well. (Saturday 7 December 2013; 22:41)

National tree lighting performance and Today Show (40,082) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. Unfortunately, this performance was nothing short of awful. She started off sort of ok and it got squeaky and hoarse from there on. At the end it was just terrible. Something is seriously wrong with her chords. I hope it is something she can address in a safe, not too risky way. So sad to hear. She is to appear next week on the Today show with Hoda and Kathie Lee. We will see. Be well. (Saturday 7 December 2013; 5:46)

TAOLG as an axed cut (39,991) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. I was thinking that perhaps TAOLG is an album cut that the label didn't want included on the album since it might be about Tommy. So, because it's meaningful to MC, she decided to let it see the light of day on her own, outside of the album's release. The timing is good for such a thing as she knows it will get buried by impending holiday music and then next year she can focus on the actual release of the album itself. You will note that Island/Def Jam sent out no publicity or "buy push" for this single and there was no release to radio, so maybe this is why. This is just a theory in light of a hope that there is a forthcoming album and that it will have a cohesive, accessible artistic vision and committed marketing effort from her and the label. Anyhow, hope all those lambs in the USA have a festive, pip and enjoyable Thanksgiving with their family and friends. Be well. (Monday 25 November 2013; 16:00)

The lessons of AIWFCIY (39,956) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. I try to write helpful, not argumentative posts. So I will just say that as a 23+ years, and counting, fan of Mariah who has always supported her, that I think we are entitled to speak our opinions and offer our suggestions, especially since she still seems to want us to buy into and get excited about her work. That said, I love TAOLG. I wish the world could hear it and it would catch fire. Practically, I think there are greater lessons for her in popular songs like AIWFCIY and Dreamlover and Always Be My Baby. These are "fun", light, uplifting, singable songs that most people enjoy. I think her music needs to be "fun" again to catch a broader interest and audience. I also think her "team" needs reworking and it would be great for her to be open to more opinions and suggestions. I support and love you MC and want all the joy your work provides me to continue strong. With nothing but love, your biggest, oldest dang lamb out there. (Friday 22 November 2013; 18:16)

I miss the machine (39,908) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. I think that what some of us are missing with the release of TAOLG isn't even so much about the music. It's about the machine that used to be in place when Mariah had a release. Granted, that was part of the music company's doing, in an era when we actually had viable music companies. That said, it was exciting to have consistent televesion appearances, radio interviews, performances, media coverage and radio airplay. Now, it seems that none of that exists for Mariah. Is it the lack of strong label support or Mariah's veteran status that deprives her of that machine? I am not so sure the world is as flat as Jermaine Dupri thinks it is. Releasing a song to all markets at the same time may make sense but one has to build a market for the product and without the machine Mariah hasn't really been able to do that of late. I guess I long for a revised machine that lets the lambs be part of the process of making a Mariah single successful. That involves more than just being able to buy it. It means helping to make it part of the cultural dialogue because people have either seen Mariah on TV, heard the song on the radio or read an article about it. Without all of those trappings being a lamb just isn't as satisfying sometimes. It's kind of like having a turkey without any of the trimmings. (Tuesday 19 November 2013; 23:59)

TAOLG (39,774) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. So yes, I am a minute late on this but in a nutshell, I think TAOLG is quite fantastic. It did have to build on me, but obviously did so quite quickly. I think it is Mimi's attempt to put forth an R&B ballad during an era devoid of nearly any balladry or R&B. Yes, hooks are replaced by simple clean vocals, but the music stages the tempo for the vocal rather than limiting it and defining it - as is the case for so much popular music today. On a technical point, I think the bridge would have been better laid if it started with her singing "baby..." rather than starting with the synth. The bridge is a bit jarring because of that. Nonetheless, I would encourage you to listen to it many times over and see if you don't love it then. I think in terms of lyrics "we" expected something more specific but Mariah needs to try to appeal to a broader population than just us lambs. I question the (seeming) lack of a plan for public performances of this song and dissemination to radio stations, as I would really love the general public to hear her sing her face off on this song - a point which is undeniable in listening to this song. Be well and good to one another. Bye, bye. (Wednesday 13 November 2013; 1:19)

Mariah's skirt at BET event (39,572) by Brad from USA Hi lambs, so is Mariah being thrifty or coy? The skirt she wore to Saturday night's BET event is the dress she wore on Idol that was so stunning. I think I liked it better as a dress I must say. What do you guys think? (Monday 28 October 2013; 3:03)

JD managing (39,386) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. I don't enjoy being negative, but I agree with Will's post. I think things are even more wrong than we know in Mariahland if JD is now her manager. Didn't she just sign to a new agency that represents artists like Steven Tyler? I don't get it. I like/love almost all of their creative collabros, but business is business and JD does not have a good track record of being able to even manage his own financial affairs. Rumor has had it that he is broke. Mariah needs to run away from that entanglement. Louise McNally, where are you in all of this? Please put MC back on the right road. Bye, bye. (Thursday 3 October 2013; 17:11)

NTT (39,057) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. Not sure why Mariah chose the lyrics to "Subtle Invitation" for NTT on Twitter today, but if it's a hint that songs from the forthcoming album will be of that caliber and genre then all I can say is "yes, please". I love that song and its vibe and lyrics, I think it is one of her better ones. Moreover, it effectively showcases her voice as she gets powerful in the areas where she needs to and it really makes the song. I always imagine that song being sung at an outdoor night club in the Caribbean with a live band. So, a not so subtle invitation to give us more of those songs, please, MC. Thank you. (Tuesday 20 August 2013; 0:26)

Meriweather86 / new album (38,797) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. Meriweather 86, nice to read the nostalgia. Yes, I too remember those days and I am 41, so ha. Don't forget the high pitched "Bye, bye" at the end of the VMs. Anyhow, yes that VM and snippet was a nice little surprise that only us lambs would access and appreciate. I also just wanted to say in terms of the upcoming album that I hope the music itself is on point. That is to say not just the lyrics and the vocals, but the actual music. When TEOM came out, the thing I recall saying to myself was that finally MC had gotten her music on point and it so suited her singing and lyrics. Not that everything has to sound like TEOM, that's not my point. Rather that the music be an equal supporting partner of the song, along with the lyrics and vocals. I think this was, in part, missing from MOAIA (the vocals were generally far too whispery on that album too). Anyhow, just something I wanted to say. Be well. (Wednesday 24 July 2013; 16:56)

Mariah in the Hamptons (38,795) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. So based on her VM of 7/23 I'm assuming MC is in the Hamptons recording and relaxing. This allows Nick to be in NYC with AGT and MC to be "near the ocean" with dem babies while healing and recording. I liked that little snippet of the old school remix of #Beautiful. I could use that for my exercise routines. Anywho, she will rest and heal and I think the album will be a late September, early October release. Looking forward to it. Be well to yourselves and others. (Wednesday 24 July 2013; 15:56)

Philharmonic performance (38,687) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. Mariah, you did my heart good with your humble but true performance on Saturday. For that, we all thank you. May you rest and heal well. We truly do look forward to the new material, perhaps for the fall, ala "Butterfly". Be well to yourselves and others. (Monday 15 July 2013; 16:20)

BET / hospital scene (38,650) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. I think that the president of BET was saying that originally MC was going to perform a totally different song (not #Beautiful). However, the Jeezy remix had just been finished the night before the BET performance and Mariah decided to perform this remix at the last minute. Not sure I quite buy that she was out of sync because the mic had been cut off. At any rate, we all wish MC nothing but the best and quick healing. Her sarcasm as she is rolled out of the Hospital for Special Surgery (the best hospital around, btw) was classic. May she use it all to summon an epic voice for the Sandy benefit performance. Be well to yourselves and others. (Saturday 13 July 2013; 4:38)

#Beautiful Jeezy remix (38,477) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. This is is much, much better. Production is better than the first two remixes, the rap is relevant to the song and Mariah adds some new ad libs and vocals. All in all more satisfying. I wouldn't mind hearing this on the radio. Take care everyone. (Sunday 30 June 2013; 3:18)

#Louie Vega dance remix (38,454) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. Well, finally a tolerable remix. Louie did the best he could since the song doesn't lend itself to dance, at all. I always, always, always believe even when I am at my most critical. I never give up on her because of all the wonder she has brought me over the years. I am still looking for that "distant glimmer of hope" for this new era. Be well. (Friday 28 June 2013; 22:35)

Very worrisome (38,434) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. I haven't had this level of concern for MC and her career since Glitter. Something is seriously wrong. The "remixes" she is releasing are amateurish, at best, and it seems she doesn't care about her career. As such, I'm not sure how she can expect her fans to care about it at all. I'm not sure if something is wrong with her voice or a creative difference with IDJ or if there is an issue in her personal life, but there is clearly a problem. She was supposed to tape her Macy's July 4th performance tonight, does anyone have info on whether she did it and sang live? I somewhat doubt that she did. I wish she would be honest with her fans. I think after all our loyalty, we deserve that. (Friday 28 June 2013; 4:58)

#Hermosa (38,425) by Brad from USA Ummm I can't even know what to say, other than lame production and effort. You are making me so sad, MC. (Thursday 27 June 2013; 22:10)

Album scrapped, tour unlikely (38,421) by Brad from USA Hi fellow lambs. I do look forward to the forthcoming remixes of #Beautiful because I know there is bound to be one that I will enjoy and say to myself, "Now why didn't Mariah just do this in the first place?" Nonetheless, from what I have read, heard and interpreted from Mariah's own tweets about upcoming events, it is safe to say that the album she delivered this month for release has been totally scrapped and it is likely that the world tour will be axed between now and the fall. As someone else suggested, perhaps she will take time for herself and her family and come back strong with a clear vision, concept and execution in a year or so. Be well. (Thursday 27 June 2013; 18:22)

#Beautiful remix (38,398) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. I just heard the "remix" of #Beautiful. It is absolutely awful and doesnt even blend with the genre of the song. It is so displaced. There is no new or additional singing from Mariah on it. Frankly, it's rubbish. I hate to say it, because her songs have been an absolute mainstay for me over the last 23 years of my life, but her singing career seems over. She has single-handedly undone her own fairy-tale story with this sort of offering. People are no longer interested in her singing or music and I'm just about ready to join them. She never reached that zenith that I hoped she would. What a shame. Hopefully, she invested her prior earnings wisely and can find a new avenue of success because her music career is pretty much over. (Wednesday 26 June 2013; 22:40)

Be a pro (38,380) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. This message will not be popular, but sometimes certain things need to be said. While I will always love MC, a 23 year veteran artist does not announce a major album release and then reneg. As a pro, one gets it straight from the go and re-records what needs to be done before a release is ever announced. The album must be a complete mess, otherwise how does a last minute "duet" with Miguel (with an uninspired video) become the first cut that is released? What happened to songs like "Save the Day" and all the inspiration the twins supposedly brought to her writing? Louise McNally and her new management should have been on top of this a long time ago. Also, perhaps on a different matter, it's time for MC to stop having a "toast" for every event. It cheapens the import of such events and sends a poor message, especially as a mother, concerning alcohol consumption. Fail. (Wednesday 26 June 2013; 5:22)

Drop in #Beautiful airplay (38,324) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. I hope the remix of #Beautiful drops very soon, because I know in my airplay market (Hartford, CT) the song has rapidly dropped in spins. I am not sure what accounts for that drop (i.e. competition or lack of requests) but it seemed a week ago that the song was catching fire and then it stopped. Sort of odd. Anyhow, here's hoping for a rekindinling. Best wishes. (Friday 21 June 2013; 16:25)

#Beautiful remixes (38,226) by Brad from USA Hi fellow lambs. Yes, I do have to agree with Edward that it is somewhat bleak to have an "initial" single from a Mariah album with little promo or live performance support. To me, those "first single" performances used to be like events unto themselves, and not nerve cringing events, like as of late. Nonetheless, I do think to myself, how many artists can even still make a top 20 hit more than 23 years after their debut. So just a little perspective there. But in a "distant glimmer of hope" moment, MC did just retweet re: Joey Arbagey having "something #Beautiful in the works". So hopefully, at the least, that means some commercially viable remixes to give the song a radio boost. Be well to yourselves and others. (Wednesday 12 June 2013; 0:07)

Something's not right in Dodge (37,834) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. So after Monday's blitz of #Beautiful on all Clear Channel Stations, those stations in the Hartford, CT area (all formats) no longer seem to be playing the song at all. Perhaps they played it only because corporate required stations to play it. In fact, you can't even request the song because it's not on their playlists. Is this the case in other markets too? The airplay has been weak, at best, since about 32 million audience impressions came on that first day. I fear that Mariah's perceived reputation/focus on #1s and her appearance/divadom has really alienated the industry and radio. I think only a complete overhaul of her persona (demonstrating humility and down-to-earth substance) will bring a truly new era for her career and music. I look forward to the new album and personally enjoying her music, but seriously doubt it will be wildly successful like TEOM. I would like nothing more than to be wrong about this. Be well to yourselves and each other. (Sunday 12 May 2013; 7:08)

#Beautiful (37,762) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. I love it when MC serves us up an unexpected style on a song and keeps it fresh, like Subtle Invitation did. So is the case with #Beautiful. It sounds good on radio and works well for the pop format. It's not one that's gonna make me wanna give a mock performance from my bedroom on a rainy day, but hey, if I can hear my MC on radio again, I will take it. Speaking of radio, please keep in mind that the first day spins was a radio/corporate supported blitz and is not representative of how often the song is actually being played on a regular daily basis. The campaign to have the song heard begins now. It is a good sign that radio stations have added the song, but if you want it heard in your market, you will have to request it. Let's hope this blossoms and becomes a platform for additional songs from the upcoming album to be played on radio and enjoyed by all. Be well to yourself and others. (Wednesday 8 May 2013; 18:41)

Keeping covered? (37,508) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. I hope we are all well and treating others fairly. Anywho, has anyone else noticed that our fair MC seems to be keeping covered as she is on vacay? Even wearing what appear to be full dresses into the sea and swimming pool. Is she trying to hide something or a new someone? Time will tell. Be well. (Wednesday 3 April 2013; 1:54)

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