Can't believe there's no thread on tonights performance. What's the matter with you people?

Overall thoughts:

1. Frank Ocean is sexy as fuck.

2. Frank Ocean is shy as fuck.

3. HE's still very green as a performer and may need to get a vocal coach to have a stronger vocal presence live.

First song -- Thinkin' Bout You

This song has never been a fav of mine and his performance didn't resonate tonite as it did with the VMAs. He started off shaky at the VMA, but tonite, he was controlled throughout -- too controlled. I missed the rawness that sets him apart. He seemed detached from that song, whereas a big draw with his performances is that he tunes the audiences out to attach to the song. Tonite he reversed it.

Second song -- Pyramids (with John Mayer)

After the first song was anticlimatic, Frank seemed much more comfortable with this song, although it's not a showcase song. I thought he was back in raw form ... with the casual, somewhat macho vibe of this song, he let people see another side to contrast with his soft, melacholy style.

After his verses and rap he let John Mayer do a solo while he WENT IN THE CORNER AND PLAYED AN ARCADE GAME. (Prince shit.... weird shit. So funny).

So, he did both a love song for a boy (the first) and for a girl (this one). He was going after er'body. Greedy, sexy muthafucka.

P.S. How long does he plan to wear this shirt. Is it his new uniform? LMAO.

Edit: Link to Pyramids performance: http://www.dailymotion.co...c?start=27 " target="_blank"> http://www.dailymotion.co...c?start=27

[Edited 9/15/12 23:10pm]

Dude has hardly any stage presence. I wanted him to keep playing video games while John Mayer soloed all night.

I like his songs, I think he's a good songwriter.

I'm just not impressed by him live at all. His voice or his performance.

I'm not saying he has to go out there pretend to be James Brown, but damn something that lets me know he's got a pulse!

Yeah, my main draw to him is that he is an ecletic and soon-to-be elite songwriter. But I do love his vocal arrangements and delivery.

I have seen videos online of him in concert and he did better than this. I love his live "American Wedding" performances for example. He simply did not rise to the occasion tonight.

I think the problem is he is a very shy person. And I'm not sure how comfortable he is with all this new attention.

I want him to continue to be himself. I know he has hard time looking at the audience.

On the VMAS, he would not look at the audience and kept his head down.

Did same thing in the awkward SNL commercial -- kept his head down and would not look in the cameras.

At a fashion week performance he left the stage immediately and did not intermingle with the guest, although they were expecting it.

I've seen him turn his back on the crowd when performing with Odd Future. He's also often standing in the back or in a corner away from the rest of Odd Future. I think his shyness is kinda cute and is likely part of the sensitivity that allows him to be so emotional and lyrical. So, I really don't mind it.

I think sitting at a piano on a quiet stage in a dark room needs to be his lair.

I thought he did really good!

I think this link will work better: http://www.dailymotion.co...5-12_music

SynthiaRose said:

Can't believe there's no thread on tonights performance. What's the matter with you people?

Overall thoughts:

1. Frank Ocean is sexy as fuck.

2. Frank Ocean is shy as fuck.

3. HE's still very green as a performer and may need to get a vocal coach to have a stronger vocal presence live.

First song -- Thinkin' Bout You

This song has never been a fav of mine and his performance didn't resonate tonite as it did with the VMAs. He started off shaky at the VMA, but tonite, he was controlled throughout -- too controlled. I missed the rawness that sets him apart. He seemed detached from that song, whereas a big draw with his performances is that he tunes the audiences out to attach to the song. Tonite he reversed it.

Second song -- Pyramids (with John Mayer)

After the first song was anticlimatic, Frank seemed much more comfortable with this song, although it's not a showcase song. I thought he was back in raw form ... with the casual, somewhat macho vibe of this song, he let people see another side to contrast with his soft, melacholy style.

After his verses and rap he let John Mayer do a solo while he WENT IN THE CORNER AND PLAYED AN ARCADE GAME. (Prince shit.... weird shit. So funny).

So, he did both a love song for a boy (the first) and for a girl (this one). He was going after er'body. Greedy, sexy muthafucka.

P.S. How long does he plan to wear this shirt. Is it his new uniform? LMAO.

Edit: Link to Pyramids performance: http://www.dailymotion.co...c?start=27 " target="_blank"> http://www.dailymotion.co...c?start=27

[Edited 9/15/12 23:10pm]

im not impressed with him at all he using his gayness to sell a bland ass cd with no stella moments. he sound like a drake kanye west product and its soo boring .comparing him to prince is so damn unfair cuz he has no talents to compare him 2 prince and sexy this wanch is not

Ah Fuck I missed this cause I was playing Pinochle. Seth McFarlane was host? Bittorrent here I come!

You did?

Aside from fans most people are crediting Psy ( ) and Seth with making the show. Some headlines last night didn't even mention Frank and some stories merely referenced him at the tail end without praise.

Of course, just because the media said it doesn't make it true.

But as a superfan myself, I felt it was just OK. But I did enjoy the second song.

cbarnes3121 said:

im not impressed with him at all he using his gayness to sell a bland ass cd with no stella moments. he sound like a drake kanye west product and its soo boring .comparing him to prince is so damn unfair cuz he has no talents to compare him 2 prince and sexy this wanch is not

1. He's not gay. He's bisexual.

2. How is he using his gayness to sell a cd. He posted a Tumblr post -- without comment. He didn't tell media to blow up the story. He didn't hold a press conference and make a public announcement. He hasn't significantly addressed the matter since, but is simply putting out his music. In interviews, he gives like one sentence answers in response to his letter.

Plus fans aren't even talking about his sexuality. They are dissecting his lyrics and talking about the music. The only people talking about his sexuality are ususally the detractors who don't like his music -- so I don't see how it's a selling point. That's not what's drawing people to him

3. Bland CD? LMAO. The CD is the best of the year so far. Only superficial listeners would compare a legend in the making to Drake or Kanye West. Frank Ocean is so much more conceptual and intellectual than Drake and his lyrics are far more complex, as is his storytelling and vocal delivery. (have no idea how Drake keeps winning songwriter of the year awards). Drake is average; Frank is distinct and superior; his perspective is very original. I've heard maybe one song of Frank's that superficially reminded me of West, but I don't see the comparison. West isn't a deep thinker, his songs are disjointed, and his lyrics are throw-away.

Frank elevates Kanye (and Jay Z) everytime they work together. Not surprising that the only 2 high concept songs and cohesive songs on WTT were Made in America and No Church in the Wild. Otherwise those two are all over the place, mostly talking about nothing and making shit like "Otis." I know he's supposedly Kanye's protege, but this is a case where the student is greater than the teacher and doesn't wear the stamp of the teacher.

4. Of course comparing him as an artist to Prince is unfair -- and I didn't. I compared his stage antic of playing a video game while the song was still going on. It was dismissive and unexpected and it reminded me of the antics Prince did when he was first starting out -- ignoring people, not talking in interviews. The comparison wasn't that deep, dude.

BUT -- since you bring it up, I WILL GO THERE! Because I personally think if Prince had a son, he'd make music like Frank Ocean. Frank has clearly be heavily influenced by Prince ...from how he produces and sonically layers his music to his song stories and vocal arrangements.

Obviously, they will never be peers as Prince is a multi-instrumentalist and as far as I know Frank only plays the piano -- and not masterfully. Yes, they are both singer songwriters with beautiful falsettos (Prince's falsetto if better) and they both can self-produce (Frank to a lesser degree). But the instrumentation argument keeps them e leagues apart. Still, lyrically... as a storyteller, Frank is going to eventually surpass Prince, but only because he's learned (and stolen) from the master. (Pilot Jones, Pink Matter, Bad Religion, Lost, Elecrtic Feel and so many others all borrow from Prince -- some blatantly)

However, Frank is only 24 and when his sun sets, he will be a legend and an icon. No challenge. Channel Orange is his For You. Wait till Frank makes his Purple Rain.

Like Prince, Frank is prolific so this is only the beginning -- at 24, he already has more than 100 songs that -- even in rough form on mixtapes --beat most music on the radio and have already produced a cult following. His lyrics are complex, often expressing two stories at once. There's no way to say he doesn't have talent.

5. As far as his sexiness, well, it's a matter of opinion, but Frank is has a mix of gentleness and masculinity that makes him really sexy to me. Even in his shyness, there is also a strength that's killer.

I had been aware of Frank Ocean as a new artist, but had never heard or seen him perform before tonight's SNL show (I had assumed he was a rapper). After his first song, I just went "Whoa...", I was really impressed. I loved the music, thought he was a talented singer, although felt his performance and stage presence are still a work in progress. I look forward to following his career.

SynthiaRose said:

I thought he did really good!

You did?

Aside from fans most people are crediting Psy ( ) and Seth with making the show. Some headlines last night didn't even mention Frank and some stories merely referenced him at the tail end without praise.

Of course, just because the media said it doesn't make it true.

But as a superfan myself, I felt it was just OK. But I did enjoy the second song.

cbarnes3121 said:

im not impressed with him at all he using his gayness to sell a bland ass cd with no stella moments. he sound like a drake kanye west product and its soo boring .comparing him to prince is so damn unfair cuz he has no talents to compare him 2 prince and sexy this wanch is not

1. He's not gay. He's bisexual.

2. How is he using his gayness to sell a cd. He posted a Tumblr post -- without comment. He didn't tell media to blow up the story. He didn't hold a press conference and make a public announcement. He hasn't significantly addressed the matter since, but is simply putting out his music. In interviews, he gives like one sentence answers in response to his letter.

Plus fans aren't even talking about his sexuality. They are dissecting his lyrics and talking about the music. The only people talking about his sexuality are ususally the detractors who don't like his music -- so I don't see how it's a selling point. That's not what's drawing people to him

3. Bland CD? LMAO. The CD is the best of the year so far. Only superficial listeners would compare a legend in the making to Drake or Kanye West. Frank Ocean is so much more conceptual and intellectual than Drake and his lyrics are far more complex, as is his storytelling and vocal delivery. (have no idea how Drake keeps winning songwriter of the year awards). Drake is average; Frank is distinct and superior; his perspective is very original. I've heard maybe one song of Frank's that superficially reminded me of West, but I don't see the comparison. West isn't a deep thinker, his songs are disjointed, and his lyrics are throw-away.

Frank elevates Kanye (and Jay Z) everytime they work together. Not surprising that the only 2 high concept songs and cohesive songs on WTT were Made in America and No Church in the Wild. Otherwise those two are all over the place, mostly talking about nothing and making shit like "Otis." I know he's supposedly Kanye's protege, but this is a case where the student is greater than the teacher and doesn't wear the stamp of the teacher.

4. Of course comparing him as an artist to Prince is unfair -- and I didn't. I compared his stage antic of playing a video game while the song was still going on. It was dismissive and unexpected and it reminded me of the antics Prince did when he was first starting out -- ignoring people, not talking in interviews. The comparison wasn't that deep, dude.

BUT -- since you bring it up, I WILL GO THERE! Because I personally think if Prince had a son, he'd make music like Frank Ocean. Frank has clearly be heavily influenced by Prince ...from how he produces and sonically layers his music to his song stories and vocal arrangements.

Obviously, they will never be peers as Prince is a multi-instrumentalist and as far as I know Frank only plays the piano -- and not masterfully. Yes, they are both singer songwriters with beautiful falsettos (Prince's falsetto if better) and they both can self-produce (Frank to a lesser degree). But the instrumentation argument keeps them e leagues apart. Still, lyrically... as a storyteller, Frank is going to eventually surpass Prince, but only because he's learned (and stolen) from the master. (Pilot Jones, Pink Matter, Bad Religion, Lost, Elecrtic Feel and so many others all borrow from Prince -- some blatantly)

However, Frank is only 24 and when his sun sets, he will be a legend and an icon. No challenge. Channel Orange is his For You. Wait till Frank makes his Purple Rain.

Like Prince, Frank is prolific so this is only the beginning -- at 24, he already has more than 100 songs that -- even in rough form on mixtapes --beat most music on the radio and have already produced a cult following. His lyrics are complex, often expressing two stories at once. There's no way to say he doesn't have talent.

5. As far as his sexiness, well, it's a matter of opinion, but Frank is has a mix of gentleness and masculinity that makes him really sexy to me. Even in his shyness, there is also a strength that's killer.

well though i can respect all that was said, till we see more we cant assume WHAT an artist is going to do, ive heard these compliments applied to so many and then they get side tracked or just get lazy putting out material and take years off before they do anything else. I can respect his talent but i cant say HE IS going to be an icon this early in the game, especially when MUSIC is not ICONIC in the world like that anymore, so for him to be iconic with the way the world is now, he would have to become something other than a music artist, if u look at who is being termed ICONS now, they all DABBLE in music.

What I like most about Frank's letter (and I suppose what most people hate about it) is that he handled a piece of publicity on HIS terms!

People are so used to "the expose", the scandalous reveal. They want an ex-lover to blackmail the star to keep a homosexual relationship private, only to have the story come out anyway so everyone can be pleasantly shocked. They want to be outraged.

Frank said ,"uh, no!"

He took the power away from a tabloid public so quick to tear down the minutest of affairs. But of course it doesn't kill the outrage (about the only emotion, besides mockery) that people seem to have. Now everyone is upset that he "used" his bi-sexuality as a publicity stunt.

I say good for him. Tear down some other closet case trying to protect their privacy.

That performance bored me 2 tears.

His live performances are bland, but I love channel ORANGE.

SynthiaRose said:

I thought he did really good!

You did?

Aside from fans most people are crediting Psy ( ) and Seth with making the show. Some headlines last night didn't even mention Frank and some stories merely referenced him at the tail end without praise.

Of course, just because the media said it doesn't make it true.

But as a superfan myself, I felt it was just OK. But I did enjoy the second song.

cbarnes3121 said:

im not impressed with him at all he using his gayness to sell a bland ass cd with no stella moments. he sound like a drake kanye west product and its soo boring .comparing him to prince is so damn unfair cuz he has no talents to compare him 2 prince and sexy this wanch is not

1. He's not gay. He's bisexual.

2. How is he using his gayness to sell a cd. He posted a Tumblr post -- without comment. He didn't tell media to blow up the story. He didn't hold a press conference and make a public announcement. He hasn't significantly addressed the matter since, but is simply putting out his music. In interviews, he gives like one sentence answers in response to his letter.

Plus fans aren't even talking about his sexuality. They are dissecting his lyrics and talking about the music. The only people talking about his sexuality are ususally the detractors who don't like his music -- so I don't see how it's a selling point. That's not what's drawing people to him

3. Bland CD? LMAO. The CD is the best of the year so far. Only superficial listeners would compare a legend in the making to Drake or Kanye West. Frank Ocean is so much more conceptual and intellectual than Drake and his lyrics are far more complex, as is his storytelling and vocal delivery. (have no idea how Drake keeps winning songwriter of the year awards). Drake is average; Frank is distinct and superior; his perspective is very original. I've heard maybe one song of Frank's that superficially reminded me of West, but I don't see the comparison. West isn't a deep thinker, his songs are disjointed, and his lyrics are throw-away.

Frank elevates Kanye (and Jay Z) everytime they work together. Not surprising that the only 2 high concept songs and cohesive songs on WTT were Made in America and No Church in the Wild. Otherwise those two are all over the place, mostly talking about nothing and making shit like "Otis." I know he's supposedly Kanye's protege, but this is a case where the student is greater than the teacher and doesn't wear the stamp of the teacher.

4. Of course comparing him as an artist to Prince is unfair -- and I didn't. I compared his stage antic of playing a video game while the song was still going on. It was dismissive and unexpected and it reminded me of the antics Prince did when he was first starting out -- ignoring people, not talking in interviews. The comparison wasn't that deep, dude.

BUT -- since you bring it up, I WILL GO THERE! Because I personally think if Prince had a son, he'd make music like Frank Ocean. Frank has clearly be heavily influenced by Prince ...from how he produces and sonically layers his music to his song stories and vocal arrangements.

Obviously, they will never be peers as Prince is a multi-instrumentalist and as far as I know Frank only plays the piano -- and not masterfully. Yes, they are both singer songwriters with beautiful falsettos (Prince's falsetto if better) and they both can self-produce (Frank to a lesser degree). But the instrumentation argument keeps them e leagues apart. Still, lyrically... as a storyteller, Frank is going to eventually surpass Prince, but only because he's learned (and stolen) from the master. (Pilot Jones, Pink Matter, Bad Religion, Lost, Elecrtic Feel and so many others all borrow from Prince -- some blatantly)

However, Frank is only 24 and when his sun sets, he will be a legend and an icon. No challenge. Channel Orange is his For You. Wait till Frank makes his Purple Rain.

Like Prince, Frank is prolific so this is only the beginning -- at 24, he already has more than 100 songs that -- even in rough form on mixtapes --beat most music on the radio and have already produced a cult following. His lyrics are complex, often expressing two stories at once. There's no way to say he doesn't have talent.

5. As far as his sexiness, well, it's a matter of opinion, but Frank is has a mix of gentleness and masculinity that makes him really sexy to me. Even in his shyness, there is also a strength that's killer.

either u his pr person or u really sucking his dick cuz i dont see a got damn thing iinteresting enough bout this gap tooth bitch to engage in such a conversation this lengthy over u feel him go head love him up but honey he is too new and not exciting so bi or gay he lame

I don't get the fuss over old boy, I really don't. Not saying he is not talented, but his vocals aren't great. Still, he is a breath of fresh air

I almost got my head bit off on another site (KTT) about his performance LOL. He need to work on his vocals (the second performance I liked but the first was a little shaky) I understand if he's shy and may do better at his own concerts. But I don't feel it's a great impression for people watching on T.V. I'm a fan but just saying.

Judging from the comments on here, he didn't approve much after Kimmel or whatever show he was on to debut "Bad Religion", huh?

Timmy84 said:

Judging from the comments on here, he didn't approve much after Kimmel or whatever show he was on to debut "Bad Religion", huh?

He's getting worse.

smoothcriminal12 said:

Timmy84 said:

Judging from the comments on here, he didn't approve much after Kimmel or whatever show he was on to debut "Bad Religion", huh?

He's getting worse.

lol well damn

What I want to know is, how on earth did Mayer end up performing with him?

scriptgirl said:

What I want to know is, how on earth did Mayer end up performing with him?

basically John cant do anything but play on tracks now, his vocal damage is very serious and his health is not up to tour and promote at all

CynicKill said:

What I like most about Frank's letter (and I suppose what most people hate about it) is that he handled a piece of publicity on HIS terms!

People are so used to "the expose", the scandalous reveal. They want an ex-lover to blackmail the star to keep a homosexual relationship private, only to have the story come out anyway so everyone can be pleasantly shocked. They want to be outraged.

Frank said ,"uh, no!"

He took the power away from a tabloid public so quick to tear down the minutest of affairs. But of course it doesn't kill the outrage (about the only emotion, besides mockery) that people seem to have. Now everyone is upset that he "used" his bi-sexuality as a publicity stunt.

I say good for him. Tear down some other closet case trying to protect their privacy.

well thats true but im sure he knew too that it was going to be something that would generate attention? I mean its not like its the 1970's and making that statement LOSES you fans, like Elton John did, Like QUEEN did in America. Elton famously said he was BI in an interview during his peak and that was it, the peak soon became a valley. Today you can say that, sure your going to get this and that for saying it, but it translates into sales, not LOSS

Mayer has damaged vocal chords? When did this happen? Will he recover fully?

scriptgirl said:

What I want to know is, how on earth did Mayer end up performing with him?

Frank Ocean is a huge fan of John Mayer, which makes sense as they are both storytellers with very visual images and settings in their lyrics. Plus, they share a mellow sound.

Ocean got Mayer to contribute to Channel Orange...and they've played a couple of NYC shows together, SNL and the video.

On Twitter, Frank called him "THE BRO John Mayer."

Wish FRank could play guitar, but alas ... no.

scriptgirl said:

Mayer has damaged vocal chords? When did this happen? Will he recover fully?

Six months recovery. ARound February I think.

Google is working....

2020 said:

It's nice that Ocean actually sings But yeah....a bit boring. I still just don't get why this guy is so huge?

2020 said:

I still just don't get why this guy is so huge?

For me, he's huge because he has a unique voice (i.e. perspective) with something to say. And he's a storyteller with the songwriting capabilties to say it in a way that's provocative, evocative, captivating and effective.

He defies genres, merging R&B with punk, pop, rock, psycadelica, country etc.He's just following his own compass and that's intriguing.

That fact that people keep quoting his lyrics on Twitter is very telling. That is where his ower is - not really as a performer. Although he MUST develop a performance style that can serve his aura as a artist.

He is not huge because of his singing -- his singing is worthy of note mostly because he makes extremely interesting vocal inflections that become chapters in the stories themselves. Not many peope, other than Prince, understand how to use inflections and utternaces to code emotion -- most just try to show out (Beyonce).

Frank has a really high emotional and artistic IQ -- and that comes thorugh when you listen to him with your headphones on and get bathed in the world he creates. That's when people with souls -- not you guys -- get touched.

SynthiaRose said:

2020 said:

I still just don't get why this guy is so huge?

For me, he's huge because he has a unique voice (i.e. perspective) with something to say. And he's a storyteller with the songwriting capabilties to say it in a way that's provocative, evocative, captivating and effective.

He defies genres, merging R&B with punk, pop, rock, psycadelica, country etc.He's just following his own compass and that's intriguing.

That fact that people keep quoting his lyrics on Twitter is very telling. That is where his ower is - not really as a performer. Although he MUST develop a performance style that can serve his aura as a artist.

He is not huge because of his singing -- his singing is worthy of note mostly because he makes extremely interesting vocal inflections that become chapters in the stories themselves. Not many peope, other than Prince, understand how to use inflections and utternaces to code emotion -- most just try to show out (Beyonce).

Frank has a really high emotional and artistic IQ -- and that comes thorugh when you listen to him with your headphones on and get bathed in the world he creates. That's when people with souls -- not you guys -- get touched.

So just because I'm not into Frank Ocean I don't have a soul? Yeah okay.

I kid. I kid!

By the way, here he is at Coachella. He seems comfortable here. This is enjoyable, but not amazing. I really think Def Jam should get a mentor for him, but for some reason it appears he's been estranged and left on his own by the label.

[Edited 9/16/12 15:48pm]