Music for the Masses

　　2007-2008学年 第18 期

　　By Heesung Shin

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　　Heather and Jenn search for CDs at the local record shop.

　　Heather: Oh I just don’t know what CD to get! And I need to use this gift coupon before the end of this month, otherwise it’ll expire.

　　Jenn: I know, there’re just so many choices. Hey let’s go over there and check out the staff picks section. They usually have some quality albums there.

　　Heather: Alright, let’s see here…hmm. Ah, they have Alison Krauss! I’ve heard a lot about her, but I never had a chance to listen to her stuff.

　　Jenn: Oh I love Alison Krauss! I have all her albums. She’s one of my favorite vocalists. And not to mention her band – they’re so talented.

　　Heather: What kind of music?

　　Jenn: It’s mostly a blend of country and folk. She’s really popular even among people who aren’t die-hard country fans because her music is so catchy and easy to listen to.

　　Heather: Well that sounds pretty nice. Let’s see what else they’ve got…

　　Jenn: Do you like any R&B? They’ve got the old Boyz II Men album here! They were all the rage when I was in middle school.

　　Heather: Oh I love R&B! Especially Brian McKnight! I can’t get enough of his silky smooth voice. Makes my heart melt!

　　Jenn: Hahaha, same here! Let’s see what else they’ve got here…

　　Heather: Hey I’ve heard some of Alicia Keys on the radio. She’s also got some pretty incredible pipes.

　　Jenn: Yea, some people compare her to legends like Roberta Flack.

　　Heather: Oh but c’mon! Roberta Flack is untouchable!

　　Jenn: I know, but magazines and critics always make these comparisons.

　　Heather: Yea I know what you mean.

　　Jenn: Oh here’s a winner! My favorite band from the 90s! Backstreet Boys!

　　Heather: Oh my goodness! They’re also my favorite!

　　Jenn: I mean seriously, their “Millennium” album was unbelievable. Like every song was a chart-topper!

　　Heather & Jenn (singing): Tell me why, ain’t nothin’ but a hearth-ache. Tell me why, ain’t nothin’ but a mistake.

　　Patrick: Excuse me ladies, can I help you?

　　Jenn: Oh, we’re just trying to find a CD to buy.

　　Heather: Yea, I got this gift coupon from a friend, and I want to use it today.

　　Patrick: Ah, may I make a recommendation?

　　Heather: Sure, fire away.

　　Patrick: One of my favorites is Linkin Park. You can hear their songs on the radio just about every day.

　　Jenn: Yea, they’re really talented. And they’ve also collaborated with Jay-Z and some other big names.

　　Heather: What kind of music do they play?

　　Patrick: It’s mostly rock, but they also have some hip hop influences as well.

　　Heather: You think I’d like it?

　　Jenn: I think so! It’s not exactly your 60s rock and roll music like the Beatles, but it’s definitely catchy and it pumps you up!

　　Patrick: I agree. So, what’ll it be ladies?

　　Heather: So I guess I’ll take this Linkin Park album, the Alison Krauss album, and this Alicia Keys album.

　　Jenn: Good choices!

　　Patrick: Anything else?

　　Heather: Yea, I need more gift coupons!