A JC article and an NSync "where are they now?"

[foxmonkey]

He's no Justin: 'N Sync's JC Chasez searches for his own style in solo debut
By Marian Liu

Mercury News

He already is a superstar from 'N Sync, but now he's trying to achieve the same status in the shadow of his boy-band mate, Justin Timberlake.

The release this week of JC Chasez' first solo album, ``Schizophrenic,'' -- makes him feel ``ike a new artist,'' Chasez, 27, said recently during a teleconference. ``This isn't an 'N Sync record, so I can't automatically think that I'm going to have 'N Sync success.''

Sometimes referred to as 'N Sync's ``other'' hottie -- or a poor-man's Justin by some critics -- Chasez takes some chances his first time out.

Much of it is a far cry from 'N Sync's strongly pop first album, the 1998 self-titled debut which sold about 4.4 million copies. And it's different from Timberlake's R&B-heavy solo debut, ``Justified,'' which has sold about 3 million copies, won two Grammy awards and earned him the title prince of pop.

But unlike his slick boy-band mate, Chasez took a risky direction, forgoing the popular hip-hop and R&B hooks and going for a retro off-beat rock, dance and funk mix.

Instead of relying on the omnipresent Neptunes, he worked with such electronica producers as Basement Jaxx.

``I just didn't go with, like, a formatted approach,'' he said. ``I didn't go with, `OK, well, this is what everybody's banging right now in the clubs, or this is what everybody's listing to on the radio.' I just did something -- you know, whatever mood I was in that day, that's what I did.''

While there is an 'N Sync-like ballad or two, other songs including ``She Got Me'' and ``Come to Me,'' are reminiscent of Prince's funk, the Eurythmics' beat or the '80s flavor of the B-52's.

Just before his album's launch, Chasez -- whose full name is Joshua Scott Chasez -- gained some unplanned publicity. In the aftermath of the Super Bowl halftime incident involving Janet Jackson and Timberlake, Chasez was cut from the National Football League's Pro Bowl halftime show.

Before the final ax fell, Chasez had agreed to switch songs from ``Some Girls (Dance With Women)'' -- from his then soon-to-be-released album -- to his single ``Blowin' Me Up (With Her Love)'' from the movie ``Drumline.'' He even reluctantly consented to changing the words ``horny'' and ``naughty'' in the lyrics.

But Timberlake's shadow loomed large. The NFL finally asked Chasez to sing only the national anthem. After thinking about it a short time, he furiously pulled out altogether, saying: ``While I agree the mishap at the Super Bowl was a huge mistake, the NFL's shallow effort to portray my music as sexually indecent brings to mind another era when innocent artists were smeared with a broad brush by insecure but powerful people. That's not the America I love. Nor is this the NFL I love. I'll sing the national anthem anytime, anywhere, but not for this NFL.''

Chasez, however, has his mischievous side. Though he was once an innocent Mouseketeer like Timberlake, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, he has grown up and is defining himself in the public eye. In the past, he has been seen chasing after party girl Tara Reid. And like Timberlake's work, much of Chasez's album revolves around sex -- from ``Some Girls (Dance With Women)'' to ``One Night Stand.'' Chasez, however, is silly about the issue -- more juvenile than smooth operator. ``It was fun to make, but you know when they hear all these titles and everything like that, it's not like I'm taking myself seriously when I'm singing `All Day Long I Dream about Sex.' '' he said.

The reluctant star, who was deemed the Fresh Prince from Entertainment Weekly -- wasn't planning on putting out a solo effort. ``I was just going to kind of wait it out and, you know, do the next 'N Sync record,'' he said of the group, which reportedly plans to start exchanging ideas again during late spring.

In the meantime, Chasez is gearing up for a ``grass-roots campaign'' to promote himself at radio stations in advance of a small-venue tour slated for late spring.

Contact Marian Liu at mliu@mercurynews.com or (408) 920-2740.


N SYNC: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

JOEY FATONE

This 27-year-old may be next in line for solo success. After a small part in the movie ``My Big Fat Greek Wedding,'' Fatone starred as lead in the Broadway production of ``Rent'' and as support in the 2003 gambling drama ``The Cooler.''

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

Wardrobe malfunctions aside, this 23-year-old superstar went on to win two Grammy awards. He has signed on to star in the movie ``Edison'' with Kevin Spacey, Morgan Freeman and LL Cool J. He plays a newspaper intern who cracks down on some crooked cops.

CHRIS KIRKPATRICK

The oldest member of 'N Sync tried producing his own clothing line. Since then, the 32-year-old has been in Good Charlotte's ``Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous'' video, and, according to a fan site, is working on a demo in hopes of a solo album.

JC CHASEZ

The 27-year-old was laying low until Timberlake's Super Bowl antics forced him into the spotlight. He got pulled from the Pro Bowl halftime show, then refused to sing the national anthem. On Tuesday, Chasez released his first solo album, ``Schizophrenic.''

LANCE BASS

The 24-year-old's attempt to launch into space was a bust. His movie debut ``On The Line'' bombed and was subsequently sold in gas stations. He later was a lead judge of the 2003 ``American Idol'' spinoff ``America's Most Talented Kid.''

Comments

[epiphery.livejournal.com]

Much of it is a far cry from 'N Sync's strongly pop first album, the 1998 self-titled debut which sold about 4.4 million copies.

What the hell? The first eponymous album sold more than 10 million copies. It's certified diamond. Fact-check much? LOL

I bet she mixed it up with Celebrity. I think that one sold in that range.