Fergie's song "London Bridge" is currently no. 2 on i-Tunes (July 31, 2006), like it or not, and that probably makes it a hit. What is it that puts this 'song' in the high ranks? It must be the rhythm track: A catchy drum groove that uses raw, original sounds with a good dose of reverb, creating a big rhythm space around the whole tune. The rhythm track is further enhanced by a repetitive saxophone riff audible in both channels, lending it a funky feel reminiscent of that hip-hop version of Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island" that was popular about 15 years ago.

During the song, you can hear the guys shouting comments and profanities in that 'off-space', adding more to the 'cool' factor of the rhythm part. This and the rhythm track is the stuff that communicates.

The rest of the tune is air pollution. When I listen to the lyrics, I enter kindergarten for grown-ups, the space where you can say the "f"-word and "shit" as an expression of who you are. Who exactly? Part of the 'in'-crowd? A tough ho? A white girl relating to the Black culture through profanities?

But hey, no reason to be negative: "London Bridge" contains all the stereotypes that make American pop-culture great: people consumed by sex 24/7, people enjoying their fame, and sex (did I say that already?). Maybe the lyrics are a reflection of our society, or at least part of our society. On the one hand, you have the Black American culture that lives by its own code and that generally has a more relaxed attitude toward sex; on the other hand, there is the White, Puritan-Christian culture that usually doesn't like to talk about it, or even worse, calls it a "sin." Mix that with the drinking-age of 21, and you'll get a funky cocktail with the prominent ingredients anger and frustration- many of us know the taste. I'm getting carried away... it wasn't my intention to add meaning to an unsuspecting song.

There is a place and time to use strong language in a song- as long as it's called for, as long as you have a reason. This 'song' doesn't have one- except for trying to reach a paying audience that thrives on hearing explicit words.

Finally, this 'song' is all about her and her entourage of admirers and servants, a show-off of her alleged fame and power- unattractive and shallow. Is that what the people want?

Here's what some of the i-Tunes listeners have to say:

"London Bridge is falling down * by Anonymous ...nuff said"

"p u * by gianni toscani II i've heard farts sound better than this"

"a pretty good single ** by k513 I was a bit surprised to see Fergie on her own, but nonetheless excited. She has a great voice and is also a good solo artist. This is a pretty good song, but a different style than the Black Eyed Peas. I hope to hear and especially see more of Fergie in the future."

You're better of saving those 99 cents for your weekly allowance for a Friday night drink.

Peter Wipf