Popping culture: Houston, we have a problem

There will be tributes and accolades, dirty laundry and tabloid fodder in the upcoming days.

If anything, let this space be a respite from the dishing and proselytizing about Whitney Houston.

But there is one thing to be said: that voice.

Last year, Dutch disco editors extraordinaire Genius of Time quietly released a 12 inch called “Drifting Back.” On the B-side was a track entitled “Houston, We Have a Problem.”

What starts out with a great drum break soon progresses into a slow burn, releasing itself only at around the three-and-a-half-minute mark, with that unmistakable voice hollering out.

It was the first time I had been excited about anything graced by Ms Houston in almost two decades. (Yes, I realize that may make me a bad ‘mo, but really, after working in a gay bar, you get tired of hearing “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” blared at you over and over.)

“Never Find Love” is the only lyric sampled from “Million Dollar Bill,” but Genius of Time make it sound like the only thing that matters in the world.

And when that voice hits you again, it is.

Journalist, writer, blogger, producer.

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