[fantaisie.sign]

I know a topic similar to this was posted at AHS, but I can't find it anywhere. . .



Thanks to bulmasman, mainstream radio, and mp3s, I am now a big fan of the Russian girl duo t.A.T.u. (spelled "taty" in Russian, but pronounced "tattoo"). t.A.T.u. is a duo with Julia Volkova and Lena Katina formed in 2001 who had instant fame in their Russian homeland. Their first album "200 Po Vstrecnoj" was a huge hit and their fame spread. In December of last year, their English album "200 Km/H in the Wrong Lane" was released and their popularity spread throughout North America, Europe, and Australia, making them an international sensation.

Not only are the girls known for the music, but because of their controversial marketing image. In videos, promotional pictures, and even in their lyrics (not written by them) they're portrayed as lesbians. Yes, people might frown upon this, but it's done in a very tasteful manner. It's genuine love and not flaunted to the point where it's complete sexual trash (such as Christina Aguilera's "Dirty" video). Even in their songs, they describe how they are not accepted not even by their family and friends, yet want to be free just like the rest of society is.
Are we in love? Do we deserve
To bear the shame of this whole world?
And like the night we camouflage denial -- from "Stars"



Many question, are they really lesbians, or is it purely a marketing strategy? The girls have never admitted to it, yet marketing suggests otherwise. Whichever it is, they demonstrate how everyone should be accepted for who they are no matter what the cause may be. And their message is being sent throughout the world through their brillant music.

I've honestly never heard anything like their music before. It's a combination of trance/techno/pop/rock/eurobeat all in one. Imagine listening to HAL, Hybrid, and a rock band all at the same time. Plus, both of them have very beautiful voices that seem angelic, especially in "All the Things She Said." What surprised me when I listened to both the English and Russian versions of songs was that they speak perfect English with (very cute) accents. Unlike most J-pop artists that put English into songs and can't pronounce them, Julia and Lena speak the words flawlessly as if it was their native language.

I urge each of you to give their songs a listen. If not all, definately listen to either "Not Gonna Get Us," "All the Things She Said," or "How Soon is Now." Or if you want to hear the Russian versions which are even better than the English ones, they're "Nas ne Dagoniat" ("Not Gonna Get Us") and "Ya Soshla S Uma" ("All the Things She Said" literally meaning "I've Lost My Mind"). I know you'll enjoy them. All the songs on their English album are:

Not Gonna Get Us -- definately download
All the Things She Said -- definately download
Show Me Love
30 Minutes
How Soon is Now
Clowns
Malchik Gay
Stars
Ya Soshla S Uma (Original Russian Version of "All the Things She Said")
Nas ne Dagoniat (Original Russian Version of "Not Gonna Get Us")
Show Me Love (Extended Version)
All the Things She Said (Music Video)

t.A.T.u.'s success goes to show that with effort and good material, international artists do have chances of succeeding in the West. Sure, t.A.T.u.'s marketing image might have aided greatly to theirs, but their music is what really stands out. It's unlike music that's popular in today's twisted pop society, but that difference is slowly making its influence in the West.

(pictures from taty.co.uk)