Emmanuel Carella's Silk Purse

There's an old adage that states you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Normally, I would agree. Shit usually remains just that no matter how pretty the wrapping. However, there are exceptions and the Planet J remix of Emmanuel Carella's "2Beautiful" is one of them. I've been inspired to post "2Beautiful" by a conversation I recently had about the best Australian pop songs of this decade. After naming the usual anthems by Kylie, Holidannii, Melissa, Marcia, The Deni and Paulini - I thought of this song. From the reaction, you would be forgiven for thinking I had mentioned something by Wolfmother. I've never seen so many heavily botoxed brows rise so quickly!

I understand the response. Emmanuel Carella was briefly hyped as the next big thing in 2003. He was marketed to teenage girls despite the fact that his output falls more comfortably into the guitar driven, singer-songwriter musical abyss. In retrospect, Emmanuel was simply ahead of his time. There is very little difference between the music Emmanuel was making 4 years ago and the kind of crap being churned out today by the likes of Teddy Geiger and Jesse McCartney. Emmanuel initially had quite a bit of success. He hit the top ten with his second single, "Don't Say A Word", but that song had nothing on Emmanuel's debut release. Emmanuel launched his career with "2Beautiful", which was a moderate hit and became a radio staple. The song is an inoffensive slice of guitar pop in its original state. However, the masterminds behind the Planet J remix have turned it into something extraordinary. The remix transforms "2Beautiful" into a trashy, pop delight that strips the artist and song of all credibility in one fell swoop! I obviously love the song beyond all reason but make up your own mind.

Emmanuel's self-titled debut album can be purchased from iTunes and turns up regularly on Australian Ebay.