4 of Your Favorite Artists That are Working With…Ke$ha?

By Cameron Cameron on December 5, 2012

from justjared.com

Kesha has made a massive comeback this year with her single Die Young. The song’s popularity increased even more when the illuminati themed music video was released (Who doesn’t want to see Kesha rolling around on a filthy mattress dressed like a sexy sacrificial lamb?) Today, RCA records released the glitter-soaked wild child’s second studio album, Warrior, which boasts a different tone than her past endeavors. This is Kesha’s attempt at what she calls “cock pop” (a mixture of pop and cock rock.) Regardless of what you may think of her, the girl certainly has earned the respect of some of the most prolific artists in the music industry.

The Black Keys

Apparently; the Black Keys and Kesha are somehow friends. Drummer Patrick Carney lends his talents to the song “Wonderland” on the album. If you ask me, his talents are completely underutilized in the song. The drumming isn’t particularly impressive, nor is the song. Growing up in Nashville, Kesha was undoubtedly influenced by the rock and country music that surrounded her. This is apparent during this song; but the execution leaves much to be desired. That being said, my roommate loves this song, and claims it is a standout track. Whether or not you like it, Patrick Carney barely seems present during the song.

Iggy Pop

from idolator.com

That’s right, the legendary frontman of The Stooges makes an appearance on Warrior. The song “Dirty Love” is probably the closest to 70’s rock that Kesha gets on this album. It kind of makes me want to break things; which to me is the mark of a good rock song. In his short verse Iggy manages to squeeze in both rug merchants having sex in Afghanistan, as well as a shot at Rick Santorum. Despite the very current lyrics; the song seems dated. The track sounds far too old-school to receive any radio-play. Probably won’t be charting in the top 100; but hey, I’ll still pound shots to it.

The Flaming Lips

Wayne Coyne, lead singer and songwriter for The Flaming Lips, are also apparently friends with Kesha. Not sure if the friendship started when she gave him a homemade tattoo, or when she showed up at his studio and asked if he wanted to drop acid together. Either one seems likely. But after their weird collaboration, 2012 (You Must Be Upgraded), I wasn’t sure how these two very different artists could work together. Lord knows that song sounded like Wayne and Kesha were having a ménage à trios with a broken computer. But their new song together, Past Lives, is quite good. The song is calm and serene; and the way the two singers harmonize is beautiful. Every once and a while you sort of forget you are listening to Kesha, and just think of this song as a separate entity. Definitely a song I’d recommend

The Strokes

Everyone in college likes The Strokes. They are just an indie rock band that everyone can agree is just awesome in just about every way. The song “Only Wanna Dance With You” was a demo that was leaked long before this album was even announced. So imagine my surprise when I hear The Strokes’ lead singer Julian Casablancas chime into a familiar tune. I was really excited! Although I don’t think The Strokes helped to write the song itself; this almost functions as Julian’s seal of approval for the song. And I don’t blame him for approving the song. It’s the kind of song that just makes you want to dance: and not in a “skank chugging whiskey out the bottle while she backs up into a stranger” kind of way, in a way where the beat is so contagious you just can’t help yourself. In my humble opinion, it’s the best track on the album.

So there you have it. Some of the most respected names in music paired with one of the most polarizing pop-stars of today. Never thought I’d see the day, but here it is. Warrior just came out in the States today, December 4^th 2012, so give it a listen if you’re curious to see how she collaborates with some of the best names in music.