Lady Gaga's National Anthem

The Guilds of Grot · Feb 8, 2016

So over on the TalkBass forum we are discussing Lady Gaga's rendition of the National Anthem. Like most "famous" people that sing it before large sporting events these days, she altered the melody and "made it her own".

Do you find this acceptable, or disrespectful if not disgraceful?

Just for a technical point of reference I am posting this link:

http://popbitch.com/home/2015/01/29/oh-say-can-you-sing/

And for our non-US members, does this happen in your country with your anthem?

killdeer43 · Feb 8, 2016

Much ado about....not much.

eaceful:

Joe

gjmalcyon · Feb 8, 2016

I thought she killed it. In a good way.

GardMan · Feb 8, 2016

Let's just say, I was expecting worse... so was pleasantly surprised that she maintained most of the melody and timing.

rampside · Feb 8, 2016

I didn't find it distasteful in the least.

twocorgis · Feb 8, 2016

I think the National Anthem should be left alone as it's hard enough to sing as it is, but she didn't change it enough for it to be objectionable IMO. While I'm not much of a Lady Gaga fan, there's no doubt that she's a very talented lady.

Westerly Wood · Feb 8, 2016

I heard it was great, but I missed it as I was surfing the LTG on my phone, while pouring a Guinness draft in the kitchen. I am guessing I win then?

walrus · Feb 8, 2016

She was great. I'm not a fan of the Grammy's any more (I don't know any of the "artists"), but she is supposedly going to do a tribute to David Bowie next week. I will find a link and watch that the next day, and I'm guessing I will enjoy it.

walrus

richardp69 · Feb 8, 2016

Like Sandy, I am not a Lady Gaga fan and I was ready to experience a terrible rendition. I've gotta say though, I was pleasantly surprised. I actually prefer the song be done without all the flair, like the way a Military Chorus might sing it but all in all, I thought it wasn't bad at all.

Quantum Strummer · Feb 8, 2016

IMO songs are meant to be interpreted…which can include alteration & improv. I still remember hearing José Feliciano's rendition of the Nat. Anthem prior to a World Series (baseball) game in 1968. (A Series my hometown team won. Go get 'em, Detroit Tigers!) My 8 year old self thought it was terrific, and I still do.

Then, of course, there's this:

http://youtu.be/sjzZh6-h9fM

-Dave-

walrus · Feb 8, 2016

Oh Yeah, Quantum! The BEST version!

Here is Hendrix after Woodstock, with Dick Cavett, when Cavett asks him if his version was "unorthodox":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-ZYUaRKQkk

walrus

GardMan · Feb 8, 2016

GardMan said:
Let's just say, I was expecting worse... so was pleasantly surprised that she maintained most of the melody and timing.

In fact, I liked Lady gaga's Star Spangled Banner better than the Armed Forces Choir's rendition of America the Beautiful...

SFIV1967 · Feb 8, 2016

I watched the game till after the halftime show (no Guild with Coldplay...), had to go to bed afterwards as it was 3am at that time.
I thought Lady Gaga did well. Let's at least post the video if you have a poll:

Ralf

txbumper57 · Feb 8, 2016

I thought she did an Excellent job on the National Anthem. I was worried it would be a disaster but she did a very unique and respectful job in my opinion. I don't look at it as an artist making it their own or trying to change it, I look at it as an Artists interpretation of how they hear it, what it means to them, and how it touches them as a vocalist and a person. Then again, I absolutely love Marvin Gaye's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner from the 1983 NBA All Star game. It is one of my Favorites of all time.

davismanLV · Feb 8, 2016

gjmalcyon said:
I thought she killed it. In a good way.

I have to agree. She absolutely KILLED IT!!! That lady can SING!! Everyone embellishes these days. I'm not a huge fan, but if it's done well, I'm okay with it.

bluesypicky · Feb 8, 2016

Great job... i had no idea she could sing that good.

walrus · Feb 8, 2016

Tom, that's the Mariah Carey version!

walrus

walrus · Feb 8, 2016

BTW, the timing of the fighter jets going over as Gaga sang "brave..." was awesome!

walrus

adorshki · Feb 8, 2016

davismanLV said:
Everyone embellishes these days. I'm not a huge fan, but if it's done well, I'm okay with it.

I stepped out for a minute. Due to lack of interest didn't care to observe, but I just noticed the "performing notes" in that sheet, "time is not really an issue here", hilarious, love it!

Ronald Reagan · Feb 8, 2016

Personally Nancy and I thought she nailed it.

Lady Gaga's National Anthem

Is it acceptable to change the melody of the National Anthem?

Yes, it's fine by me:

No, they should sing it as it's written:

Enlightened Member

Reverential Member

Senior Member

Enlightened Member

Senior Member

Venerated Member

Venerated Member

Reverential Member

Enlightened Member

Senior Member

Reverential Member

Enlightened Member

Venerated Member

Enlightened Member

Venerated Member

Enlightened Member

Reverential Member

Reverential Member

Reverential Member

Member