Lily Allen: "Friend of Mine"

I just love Lily Allen. She's an odd sight, wearing something related to a prom dress, barefoot, stalking the stage, smoking a cigarette, hair blowing in the Brazilian wind. And then the music starts at 1:25, a sexy, almost funky island beat, with warm horns* in the background. She sings about how much she hates the bully who was mean to her in school. Her voice glides up the chorus, ascending to the middle of the phrase -- "you're no friend of" -- and then lilting down the last two words -- "mine, girl." Even when Allen giggles in the middle of the phrase, around 3:40, she lands the last notes.

And I know smoking hasn't been cool in years, but juggling a neon yellow microphone and a cigarette is still impressive.


* At first I thought the solo at the beginning was played on trombone, and I got excited, because I too play trombone. But my excitement deflated when I caught a glimpse of a flugelhorn. Making up for this aural tease, the slide-a-rific bone solo around 4:10 is pretty satisfying in its rip-roaring simplicity.

Lily Allen: "The Fear"

There's something about lyrics detailing the trials of being famous -- "I want loads of clothes and fuckloads of diamonds," "everything's cool as long as I'm getting thinner" -- that warms my Gen Y heart. After all, if you can't develop narcissism in your twenties, when can you?

It's a Lily Allen kind of day. And with that, I'm going shopping.

Lily Allen: "Smile"

The first single from British musician Lily Allen, "Smile" was released in 2006 and rose to #1 in the UK singles charts.

Here, she performs it for what appears to be a respectfully swank office holiday party. (Metallic garland boas and Santa hats FTW, ladies.)

I love how Allen uses her voice, lilting around like she's got nothing else to worry about. She places each note without apparent effort. It's light, airy, easy to listen to, and she understands the music inside and out, so doesn't overreach for notes or harmony. She's not trying too hard, which is an accomplishment in itself for a 25-year-old pop star.

She's also got a fun persona -- a cute little British girl singing about sex and drugs and fame and revenge. She and Amy Winehouse are building a whole new female British musician personality -- one based on frank, candid lyrics and an irreverent attitude.

I actually first heard this song when it was covered on Glee in 2009 by Lea Michele. I love Michele's voice, and comparing hers to Allen's is inconsequential; both are great. Allen just brings a certain charm to her performance. Maybe it's the British thing, or the little stars next to her eyes. She's also got killer taste in shoes. Enjoy.

"Smile," performed by Lily Allen.
Original on Allen's "Alright, Still" (2006).