captainCorr
04-27-2005, 11:14am
THE MULTI-LAYERED ATTRIBUTES OF THE CORRS
Visual Appeal - Attractiveness
This is the "first impression" everyone notices immediately, but one the band themselves don't take seriously. They know that good looks only go so far, and are determined to show us where their true value lies - in the music. The girls are dismissive of their "sex appeal" and find it silly, but Andrea is savvy enough to use it to her advantage in performance. She's mastered the art of being flirty without slipping into vampiness. Sharon has the regal looks and glamour of a runway model: high cheekbones, slender frame, sparkling green eyes and a killer smile- she exudes style and grace, whether wearing jeans and halter top, or a fancy sequined full-length dress. Caroline's friendly big blue eyes and easy smile instantly put you at ease - she has that "oh gosh" appeal that makes you want to just give her a hug. And sometimes overlooked, but just as appealing (ask any female fan), big brother Jim's personality and sense of humour always come through, and behind his Mr. Cool sunglasses on stage, he gives the impression that he's both in complete control, and still marvelling at what he and his baby sisters have unleashed. The Corrs as a band couldn't exist without him.
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/630duau5c4hix71cl0ffhmuhxpfp8x74.jpg
Talent - Musical Depth
All four members play multiple instruments, and are very serious about being the best at their specialty, whether tin whistle, violin, guitar, piano, or drums. For someone like Caroline to volunteer as the band's drummer relatively late at age 18, and teach herself with "on-the-job" training in public performance, only to quickly be recognized as one of pop music's finest percussionists, proves how hard they work at being excellent musicians. And how many other bands have someone like Jim who can handle both guitar and keyboards during one song? That's a typical Corrs trademark in concert.
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/rrzj3uw7qp90pmmi57eb9f53ohxi1hwx.jpg
Uniqueness - Originality
The Corrs' small-town upbringing in Dundalk, Ireland has contributed to a special blend of musical styles, merging traditional Irish roots and instruments with electronic pop, acoustic modern folk and electric rock. They also dabble in adult-contemporary ballads and orchestral instrumentals. With such diversity, it's hard to pigeon-hole them in a certain "category," so they simply created one of their own. It's the "Corrs sound." It's melodic and emotional. As Sharon has said, their Irish culture has given the music a "hopeful sadness," ranging from melancholy optimism to pure joy. Anyone who has experienced them in concert knows what the effect of this music has on the human psyche. It's priceless.
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/zldbd4ax3cy3xvemhnr7vpbmt0davfbk.jpg
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/zldbd4ax3cy3xvemhnr7vpbmt0davfbk.jpg
Credibility - Composition Quality
As good are they are aesthetically, and as adept as they are as instrumentalists, in the music business, it's creativity as composers that truly counts. Being cover artists or interpreters of other peoples' songs will only get you so far. But respect comes from writing your own music - it's what separates players from musicians. And not only are the Corrs top-level performers, they create timeless, highly melodic songs with thoughtful lyrics, drawing from personal experience and many musical influences.
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/n5u4zmtnhjwlg04sve4j9x7ha01a022m.jpg
Charisma - Stage Presence
The Corrs are a sight to behold live on stage. Instead of just "going thru the motions," they telegraph their emotions. They work at interacting with the audience, drawing them in to be part of the performance. Andrea has more charm in her tiny 5-foot frame than most artists twice her size. She's a highly animated lead singer; an intensely expressive raven-haired sprite, seemingly hopped-up on Irish coffee. She commands attention with her emotionally-charged delivery, especially on heartfelt songs with personal meaning. Sharon and Jim serve as anchors, keeping everything together while exchanging bemused glances with the audience and each other. And Caroline can often be seen in the back happily pounding away on her drumkit, always smiling broadly when the spotlight falls on her performance. It's easy to see they are enjoying themselves immensely, and when the feeling is shared with the crowd, it grows exponentially. Good vibes are in abundance, and the symbiosis is readily apparent.
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/0548js07x8pdafmrss6384odkhn1a8xp.jpg
Approachability - Modest, Down-to-Earth Personality
This can be appreciated either in their media interviews, or in personal encounters. The Corrs, despite achieving wide success and being the objects of affection by millions, have not let it get to their heads. In testament to their parents' influence, the band still express a humble gratitude for what they've accomplished in the fickle music business. They haven't lost sight of their small-town roots, and still place a high value on home life and family. Sometimes they show genuine surprise at the level of adulation they receive, especially in concert. As Jim expressed on camera before playing in front of 40,000 fans at Lansdowne Road in 1999, "What on Earth am I doing HERE?" Andrea always responds with demure shyness when reminded of her role as a "sex symbol," much to the playful teasing of her siblings. Jim will not accept the label as group "leader," preferring to acknowledge the egalitarian contributions of all band members. This generous attitude is reflected in the CD liner notes, with compositions credited to "the Corrs," not individual members.
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/udmpqht8fsnen5qs8j01gnjxam81o3t9.jpg
Work Ethic
The six-year period 1995-2000 included three studio albums; one live album; three concert DVD's; frequent worldwide touring; numerous promo TV and special live appearances; and occasional interaction with internet fan websites! They even continued working through the shock of their mother's premature passing from lung disease. Not until 2001 did they begin an extended (and deserved) break to recharge their batteries and try to resume a "normal" home life with relationships and families. Upon their public return in 2004 with a new CD and more tours, even new mother and pregnant Caroline resumed her duties onstage with the band until it became medically unsafe to fly overseas and travel around. The group forged on with a sub drummer for the North American and second European tour, so it's obvious they felt obliged to meet their commitments whilst one of their members was on maternal leave. This is true dedication, and the fans were the beneficiaries, especially in North America, where Corrs concerts are very rare events indeed!
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/oijbmrmviancrqakrqmz385axxl2aai5.jpg
CONCLUSION
In summation, this band has unique qualities that make them stand out in the overcrowded morass that is the pop/rock scene. We afficionados and connoisseurs, who've been touched by their brand of Irish "magick", feel almost evangelical in our fervor to "spread the word" about these artists. The joy they communicate through their music is tangible and infectious. Attending a Corrs concert induces a massive release of endorphins, resulting in a euphoric feeling that lasts until the next day, when a post-show "crash" leaves the brain starving for another dose, much like drug withdrawal. It's common for attendees to quickly make plans for another concert as soon as possible. This can lead to financial hardship, like gambling addiction. It's the one downside to being a serious Corrs devotee. But most would say it's well worth the risk.
As the French would say, "Vivent les Corrs!"
© FireFly
Visual Appeal - Attractiveness
This is the "first impression" everyone notices immediately, but one the band themselves don't take seriously. They know that good looks only go so far, and are determined to show us where their true value lies - in the music. The girls are dismissive of their "sex appeal" and find it silly, but Andrea is savvy enough to use it to her advantage in performance. She's mastered the art of being flirty without slipping into vampiness. Sharon has the regal looks and glamour of a runway model: high cheekbones, slender frame, sparkling green eyes and a killer smile- she exudes style and grace, whether wearing jeans and halter top, or a fancy sequined full-length dress. Caroline's friendly big blue eyes and easy smile instantly put you at ease - she has that "oh gosh" appeal that makes you want to just give her a hug. And sometimes overlooked, but just as appealing (ask any female fan), big brother Jim's personality and sense of humour always come through, and behind his Mr. Cool sunglasses on stage, he gives the impression that he's both in complete control, and still marvelling at what he and his baby sisters have unleashed. The Corrs as a band couldn't exist without him.
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/630duau5c4hix71cl0ffhmuhxpfp8x74.jpg
Talent - Musical Depth
All four members play multiple instruments, and are very serious about being the best at their specialty, whether tin whistle, violin, guitar, piano, or drums. For someone like Caroline to volunteer as the band's drummer relatively late at age 18, and teach herself with "on-the-job" training in public performance, only to quickly be recognized as one of pop music's finest percussionists, proves how hard they work at being excellent musicians. And how many other bands have someone like Jim who can handle both guitar and keyboards during one song? That's a typical Corrs trademark in concert.
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/rrzj3uw7qp90pmmi57eb9f53ohxi1hwx.jpg
Uniqueness - Originality
The Corrs' small-town upbringing in Dundalk, Ireland has contributed to a special blend of musical styles, merging traditional Irish roots and instruments with electronic pop, acoustic modern folk and electric rock. They also dabble in adult-contemporary ballads and orchestral instrumentals. With such diversity, it's hard to pigeon-hole them in a certain "category," so they simply created one of their own. It's the "Corrs sound." It's melodic and emotional. As Sharon has said, their Irish culture has given the music a "hopeful sadness," ranging from melancholy optimism to pure joy. Anyone who has experienced them in concert knows what the effect of this music has on the human psyche. It's priceless.
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/zldbd4ax3cy3xvemhnr7vpbmt0davfbk.jpg
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/zldbd4ax3cy3xvemhnr7vpbmt0davfbk.jpg
Credibility - Composition Quality
As good are they are aesthetically, and as adept as they are as instrumentalists, in the music business, it's creativity as composers that truly counts. Being cover artists or interpreters of other peoples' songs will only get you so far. But respect comes from writing your own music - it's what separates players from musicians. And not only are the Corrs top-level performers, they create timeless, highly melodic songs with thoughtful lyrics, drawing from personal experience and many musical influences.
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/n5u4zmtnhjwlg04sve4j9x7ha01a022m.jpg
Charisma - Stage Presence
The Corrs are a sight to behold live on stage. Instead of just "going thru the motions," they telegraph their emotions. They work at interacting with the audience, drawing them in to be part of the performance. Andrea has more charm in her tiny 5-foot frame than most artists twice her size. She's a highly animated lead singer; an intensely expressive raven-haired sprite, seemingly hopped-up on Irish coffee. She commands attention with her emotionally-charged delivery, especially on heartfelt songs with personal meaning. Sharon and Jim serve as anchors, keeping everything together while exchanging bemused glances with the audience and each other. And Caroline can often be seen in the back happily pounding away on her drumkit, always smiling broadly when the spotlight falls on her performance. It's easy to see they are enjoying themselves immensely, and when the feeling is shared with the crowd, it grows exponentially. Good vibes are in abundance, and the symbiosis is readily apparent.
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/0548js07x8pdafmrss6384odkhn1a8xp.jpg
Approachability - Modest, Down-to-Earth Personality
This can be appreciated either in their media interviews, or in personal encounters. The Corrs, despite achieving wide success and being the objects of affection by millions, have not let it get to their heads. In testament to their parents' influence, the band still express a humble gratitude for what they've accomplished in the fickle music business. They haven't lost sight of their small-town roots, and still place a high value on home life and family. Sometimes they show genuine surprise at the level of adulation they receive, especially in concert. As Jim expressed on camera before playing in front of 40,000 fans at Lansdowne Road in 1999, "What on Earth am I doing HERE?" Andrea always responds with demure shyness when reminded of her role as a "sex symbol," much to the playful teasing of her siblings. Jim will not accept the label as group "leader," preferring to acknowledge the egalitarian contributions of all band members. This generous attitude is reflected in the CD liner notes, with compositions credited to "the Corrs," not individual members.
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/udmpqht8fsnen5qs8j01gnjxam81o3t9.jpg
Work Ethic
The six-year period 1995-2000 included three studio albums; one live album; three concert DVD's; frequent worldwide touring; numerous promo TV and special live appearances; and occasional interaction with internet fan websites! They even continued working through the shock of their mother's premature passing from lung disease. Not until 2001 did they begin an extended (and deserved) break to recharge their batteries and try to resume a "normal" home life with relationships and families. Upon their public return in 2004 with a new CD and more tours, even new mother and pregnant Caroline resumed her duties onstage with the band until it became medically unsafe to fly overseas and travel around. The group forged on with a sub drummer for the North American and second European tour, so it's obvious they felt obliged to meet their commitments whilst one of their members was on maternal leave. This is true dedication, and the fans were the beneficiaries, especially in North America, where Corrs concerts are very rare events indeed!
http://www.image-wiz.net/hosted/oijbmrmviancrqakrqmz385axxl2aai5.jpg
CONCLUSION
In summation, this band has unique qualities that make them stand out in the overcrowded morass that is the pop/rock scene. We afficionados and connoisseurs, who've been touched by their brand of Irish "magick", feel almost evangelical in our fervor to "spread the word" about these artists. The joy they communicate through their music is tangible and infectious. Attending a Corrs concert induces a massive release of endorphins, resulting in a euphoric feeling that lasts until the next day, when a post-show "crash" leaves the brain starving for another dose, much like drug withdrawal. It's common for attendees to quickly make plans for another concert as soon as possible. This can lead to financial hardship, like gambling addiction. It's the one downside to being a serious Corrs devotee. But most would say it's well worth the risk.
As the French would say, "Vivent les Corrs!"
© FireFly