Hello,
For those of you coming to this blog to get my take on this last week's train wreck episode of "American Idol" it's coming. This weekend started out with me having nothing going on, but all of a sudden I have several things to do. See below. I'll be getting to that blog soon. Quick impressions of this last week. Randy Jackson wins this last week's d bag award. What the hell was he doing on Wednesday night? He was trying to be the show. Sorry Barnacle but no one watches the show to see you. You are the most irrelevant of the three irrelevant judges. I didn't appreciate him usurping the spotlight. It was more about him than James when Randy went and hugged him.
I miss when the judges actually had opinions and said them. I miss Simon Cowell so much, it would be good to hear him say what he really thought. Randy likes to say he's keeping it real, but Simon really did. This season the judges are just the producers mouth pieces. TPTB have muzzled the judges. I especially hate their over praising, hying and Jackson's constant use of "in it to win it". Also will someone please wake up Steven Tyler?
I hated the results format this week, there wasn't a bottom 3. The results were allegedly "random". In other words the artificial shenanigans of the TPTB continued. Nothing is random on "Idol", everything is choreographed to death. McDreary probably had the most votes by far, but they pretended that he might be going home. I would have been perfectly happy with him going home. Somehow the cockroach lived to fight another day. I chuckled to myself when Lusk was saying he could sing all the parts. When are you going to show that Jacob? When I hear him sing I hear a weak voice and his appearance is ghastly. He's preachy, arrogant and can't sing or dance etc. Relatively my blog is blowing up by people finding my blog using "jacoblusksucks". How does he keep on surviving each week? I just don't get it.
Casey went home, that didn't break my heart any. I was getting bored by his performances. That song he sang last week was atrocious. At first I really liked him and I thought the judges saving him was the right thing to do. But the more I saw of him, the more I question that. Especially when Pia Toscano was voted off, I realized how bad saving him was. He hasn't done anything since then to justify that early in the season save. I like that Casey thinks outside the box and gave love to Oscar Peterson. I'll be honest with you I have no idea who that is. But I know Randy Jackson doesn't know who that is either, until he googled him later. That reminded me I hate how much of a name dropper Randy Jackson is.
It looks like it's going to be a Scotty-James bad sing off. That could be the most boring finale of all-time. Hopefully they'll have some great singers to save the night. Because at that point who cares who wins.
Seriously is this not one of the greatest songs ever? I love Lauryn Hill and I love everything about this song. I love the music, the lyrics and the message. Here's the song:
Here's the video:
Here's the lyrics (thanks to elyrics.net):
Doo Wop (That Thing) lyrics
It's been three weeks since you've been looking for your friend
The one you let hit it and never called you again
'Member when he told you he was 'bout the Benjamins
You act like you ain't hear him then gave him a little trim
To begin, how you think you really gon' pretend
Like you wasn't down then you called him again
Plus when you give it up so easy you ain't even fooling him
If you did it then, then you probably f*** again
Talking out your neck sayin' you're a Christian
A Muslim sleeping with the gin
Now that was the sin that did Jezebel in
Who you gon' tell when the repercussions spin
Showing off your ass 'cause you're thinking it's a trend
Girlfriend, let me break it down for you again
You know I only say it 'cause I'm truly genuine
Don't be a hardrock when you're really a gem
Babygirl, respect is just a minimum
Niggas f***ed up and you still defending them
Now Lauryn is only human
Don't think I haven't been through the same predicament
Let it sit inside your head like a million women in Philly, Penn.
It's silly when girls sell their soul because it's in
Look at where you be in hair weaves like Europeans
Fake nails done by Koreans
(From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/l/lauryn-hill-lyrics/doo-wop-(That-thing)-lyrics.html)
Come again
Come again, come again, come again, come again
Guys you know you better watch out
Some girls, some girls are only about
That thing, that thing, that thing
The second verse is dedicated to the men
More concerned with his rims and his Timbs than his women
Him and his men come in the club like hooligans
Don't care who they offend popping yang like you got yen
Let's not pretend, they wanna pack pistol by they waist men
Cristal by the case men, still in they mother's basement
The pretty face, men claiming that they did a bid men
Need to take care of their three and four kids men
They facing a court case when the child's support late
Money taking, heart breaking now you wonder why women hate men
The sneaky silent men the punk domestic violence men
The quick to shoot the s***n stop acting like boys and be men
How you gon' win when you ain't right within
How you gon' win when you ain't right within
How you gon' win when you ain't right within
Come again
Come again, come again, come again, come again
Girls you know you better watch out
Some guys, some guys are only about
That thing, that thing, that thing
This song only has 9 listens on my iTunes, but it's been receiving serious play on my car's CD player. I just listen to it over and over again. That in spite there are so many other great songs on that CD. Seriously if you know a guy or a girl like above, stay far away.
With my one year divorce anniversary racing towards me, my life slowly keeps on moving forward. With about 3 weeks from that anniversary date my dating life is picking up a bit. I have a date tonight, just an informal thing. Then some of my single buddies and I are going bowling tonight afterwards. So it should be a nice night. Then tomorrow I'm going to see "Sunset Boulevard" with my Mom. I've been checking out the music the last day or so. It's not Andrew Lloyd Webber's strongest score but it isn't terrible either. Also I don't have my kids this weekend, but I'm going to go hang out with them Monday night.
themusicaddict
Friday, April 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
"American Idol" preview, Rolling Stone, Under appreciated songs of the day
Hello,
Tonight "American Idol" is down to it's final 6 and the theme is Carole King songs. In a typical Idolesque bout of greed the episode will still be 90 minutes. They are going to still have Jimmy Iovine as the "mentor". But who do you think would be the better mentor, him or the actual person who wrote and sang those songs? To fill up the time, "Idol" is going to have the final Idols sing duets. IMHO they should also invite Pia Toscano back to sing. She's going to be the only one that anyone remembers five years from now in this dreary season. It will be a little bit awkward when she comes on in future seasons and we are reminded she was the 9th place finisher on this season. I guess Lauren Alaina could break out as well if she gets with the right people.
Scotty McDreary will be a winner like Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks. He'll have his 15 minutes of fame and then fall into obscurity. Also let me guess Scotty is going to sing a countryfied version of a King song. And again it will be boring. He might be great but he has got to break out of his comfort zone. I read ew.com's rankinfs of the Top 6 today, what a dreary bunch that is. Whatever happens this week, it's time for the cockroach to go home. I know Lusk can withstand almost everything, but it's time for him to go. Can he please take the "barnacle" with him please?
The new Rolling Stone cover is here and it's Steven Tyler. He talks about his time on "American Idol" and of course he's hyping up this season's contestants. As a judge that's a requirement. I also read an excerpt about his going to work with Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham as some members of Zep were considering reuniting. Tyler claims that he called Jimmy Page a couple of weeks later and said he wasn't interested. That's quite funny because what I've read is that he that Tyler was so bad he wasn't even considered. (It seems the singer from Alter Bridge was the most likely to replace the irreplaceable Robert Plant.) With how old Tyler is and how much he's abused his body, I think scenario #2 is much more likely.
He also talks about Aerosmith and working on new music and taking drugs again with Joe Perry. I wish these people were more cognizant that kids read what they say. Stop right there, Steven no one wants to hear any new music from Aerosmith. And we certainly don't want to hear about your stupid continued drug use. Censorship by government or a large group is bad. Self censorship though is good, especially when impressionable kids are reading what you say.
I was okay with Steven Tyler being on the cover of Rolling Stone. It came with this caveat, at least it's not Randy Jackson.
Early reviews are in on "The Voice" and the reviews haven't been kind. Ken Tucker at ew.com isn't a fan. However in the comments below the article, those are very positive towards "The Voice". Also it received excellent ratings, beating both "Glee" and "Dancing With The Stars" in the key 18-49 demographic. (Thanks ew.com) I've got it recorded but haven't yet watched it. I'm not sure when I'll be watching it. I'll be watching "American Idol" tonight and wishing the whole time it was only 60 minutes long. Again the DVR was solely invented for "American Idol" :)
Also rollingstone.com is streaming Stevie Nicks new CD right now. The title is "In Your Dreams". After one listen, my two favorite songs are "Moonlight" and "Annabel Lee". Overall the CD, after granted only one listen, is it's aight.
Under appreciated songs of the day:
This is John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom":
And for those of you who got your first taste of Simon and Garfunkel by Jacob Lusk vandalizing their songs last week, here's a couple of videos that show the songs how they should be performed.
One of their most amazing songs:
One of the most beautiful and heartbreaking songs of all-time. I never was a big fan of "Wonder Years", but I remember when this song was used effectively related to the news of a divorce. This is the amazing "Scarborough Fair":
Yes it's that one song from "The Graduate". "Mrs. Robinson are you trying to seduce me?" says the character played by Dustin Hoffman. If you haven't seen "The Graduate", check it out. It's very interesting. This is "Mrs. Robinson":
This video is truly old school. This is "I Am A Rock".
I love Natalie Portman, she has been in some amazing movies. However how did she end up in this crappy looking movie? Do you know anyone who wants to see this movie? If the preview is boring, how boring is the movie going to be?
I usually love previews, but I couldn't watch it again.
themusicaddict
Tonight "American Idol" is down to it's final 6 and the theme is Carole King songs. In a typical Idolesque bout of greed the episode will still be 90 minutes. They are going to still have Jimmy Iovine as the "mentor". But who do you think would be the better mentor, him or the actual person who wrote and sang those songs? To fill up the time, "Idol" is going to have the final Idols sing duets. IMHO they should also invite Pia Toscano back to sing. She's going to be the only one that anyone remembers five years from now in this dreary season. It will be a little bit awkward when she comes on in future seasons and we are reminded she was the 9th place finisher on this season. I guess Lauren Alaina could break out as well if she gets with the right people.
Scotty McDreary will be a winner like Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks. He'll have his 15 minutes of fame and then fall into obscurity. Also let me guess Scotty is going to sing a countryfied version of a King song. And again it will be boring. He might be great but he has got to break out of his comfort zone. I read ew.com's rankinfs of the Top 6 today, what a dreary bunch that is. Whatever happens this week, it's time for the cockroach to go home. I know Lusk can withstand almost everything, but it's time for him to go. Can he please take the "barnacle" with him please?
The new Rolling Stone cover is here and it's Steven Tyler. He talks about his time on "American Idol" and of course he's hyping up this season's contestants. As a judge that's a requirement. I also read an excerpt about his going to work with Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham as some members of Zep were considering reuniting. Tyler claims that he called Jimmy Page a couple of weeks later and said he wasn't interested. That's quite funny because what I've read is that he that Tyler was so bad he wasn't even considered. (It seems the singer from Alter Bridge was the most likely to replace the irreplaceable Robert Plant.) With how old Tyler is and how much he's abused his body, I think scenario #2 is much more likely.
He also talks about Aerosmith and working on new music and taking drugs again with Joe Perry. I wish these people were more cognizant that kids read what they say. Stop right there, Steven no one wants to hear any new music from Aerosmith. And we certainly don't want to hear about your stupid continued drug use. Censorship by government or a large group is bad. Self censorship though is good, especially when impressionable kids are reading what you say.
I was okay with Steven Tyler being on the cover of Rolling Stone. It came with this caveat, at least it's not Randy Jackson.
Early reviews are in on "The Voice" and the reviews haven't been kind. Ken Tucker at ew.com isn't a fan. However in the comments below the article, those are very positive towards "The Voice". Also it received excellent ratings, beating both "Glee" and "Dancing With The Stars" in the key 18-49 demographic. (Thanks ew.com) I've got it recorded but haven't yet watched it. I'm not sure when I'll be watching it. I'll be watching "American Idol" tonight and wishing the whole time it was only 60 minutes long. Again the DVR was solely invented for "American Idol" :)
Also rollingstone.com is streaming Stevie Nicks new CD right now. The title is "In Your Dreams". After one listen, my two favorite songs are "Moonlight" and "Annabel Lee". Overall the CD, after granted only one listen, is it's aight.
Under appreciated songs of the day:
This is John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom":
And for those of you who got your first taste of Simon and Garfunkel by Jacob Lusk vandalizing their songs last week, here's a couple of videos that show the songs how they should be performed.
One of their most amazing songs:
One of the most beautiful and heartbreaking songs of all-time. I never was a big fan of "Wonder Years", but I remember when this song was used effectively related to the news of a divorce. This is the amazing "Scarborough Fair":
Yes it's that one song from "The Graduate". "Mrs. Robinson are you trying to seduce me?" says the character played by Dustin Hoffman. If you haven't seen "The Graduate", check it out. It's very interesting. This is "Mrs. Robinson":
This video is truly old school. This is "I Am A Rock".
I love Natalie Portman, she has been in some amazing movies. However how did she end up in this crappy looking movie? Do you know anyone who wants to see this movie? If the preview is boring, how boring is the movie going to be?
I usually love previews, but I couldn't watch it again.
themusicaddict
My First Anniversary of Divorce Coming Up, Divorce Thoughts
Hello,
May 24th will be the one year anniversary of my divorced being final. When one gets married, it's our anniversary. When one gets divorced it's my anniversary. I'm very excited for this upcoming milestone. (In case you are wondering: my ex feels the same if not more so.) I'm thinking a lot about the divorce right now. This won't be a slam on the ex, this is about my continuing journey to mental health. A journey that's still very much in progress.
Divorce is a very life altering experience. Post divorce dating is terrible. There's so much more at stake. First of all one has to become mentally healthy again, most of my friends told me that takes about a year. I've been divorced for over 11 months now and that year recovery time sounds very optimistic. I've been lucky in finding ldssingles.com. I haven't dated a lot from that site. However I've found a group of people to chat with online. We are having our third get together this Friday. Those gatherings aren't about dating or "hooking up", they are about friendship and support. It's been an on-line support group. The gatherings are good occasions to be social without any pressure.
Even when one is ready, or at least thinks they are ready to date, it's just the start of a long path. When I date, or even hang out, with someone I have a long list of criteria. First of all there has to be some attraction. Then with the attraction chemistry is essential. Then they have to live within a hour of me. Because the divorce has gouged me financially, I have almost no options in finding housing on my own. In all likelihood I'm going to have to move in with my future wife. Yes I know many women won't want to hear that and I don't blame them.Also I have no desire to have a long distance relationship. But I've made two promises to myself as I go through the crucible of dating. 1) I'm doing my best not to lie or misrepresent myself. 2) I'm not going to do anything that will threaten my temple recommend.
Then the whole kids issue is just another large concern. My daughter, in her practical way, wants my ex and I to marry someone that has a daughter about her age. She wants someone to play with. She's the only girl in our 4 kids. Eventually our kids will have to get use to two step parents and who knows how many step siblings. Those crazy Mormons have a lot of kids. This whole process is a transition for the kids as well. From what I can tell, my kids have handled it very well so far.
I came across this great article at the Huffington Post yesterday, oh I wish I'd read this before I got divorced. Men when you are getting divorced, I know you are in a fog. It's a pain and you don't even want to think about it. If you are considering divorce or are in the midst of divorce, read this great advice:
Here's the link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-t-pisarra/welcome-to-the-danger-zon_b_852806.html
Here's the actual article:
"Every divorce has a danger zone. That period of time when things can go horribly, horrifically, tragically wrong.
In those cases where the woman has come to the point of no return, wants out of the marriage and demands a divorce is usually her time in the danger zone. Her husband's immediate reaction can cause a host of emotions; not the least of which is fear that he may become physically violent. And those initial emotions can drive a divorce in unforeseen directions.
But for men, the danger zone they experience is much farther down the divorce path. And it doesn't come suddenly but instead builds up slowly over time. It comes at the point when emotional exhaustion is reached and he has realized the woman he married is not the woman he is divorcing. It comes when she has worn him down with endless delays in court and hammered him in front of the judge about how she's "afraid of him" with vague references that are as flimsy as wet toilet paper. All the game playing with the children's visitation time, the parental alienation she may be indulging in and the overprotective mother act that makes it look like he can't care for his own child has him gobsmacked...and vulnerable.
It takes just four words for me to know a man is in the "Danger Zone." He just has to say one, specific phrase and I know that I have to launch into my role as coach, cheerleader, personal therapist, life coach, dating coach, financial advisor and spiritual support system for a brother who has been beaten and battered by the words and games of his soon-to-be-ex.
Once I hear the four words, I know that we are on the brink of defeat. He's about to give in and lose his past, his present and most of his future. When he says the "Danger Zone" words, he's in real trouble.
What are the words? "I just want out."
That's it. That's all it takes for me to know that I have a client who is about to sign his life away. I've seen it hundreds of times. She works him over emotionally for months, in some cases, for years. By the time he's in my office, he's lost birthdays, holidays, countless weekends and midweek dinners with his kids. He's answered hundreds of inane questions, and produced mountains of financial documents.
It's at this point, when he's reached the end of his emotional rope, where he makes spectacularly bad decisions. He will agree to a lifetime of non-modifiable spousal support and is as flexible to her as a pair of pantyhose.
"I just want out" is the dying refrain of a man in a divorce.
It's painful to watch. I spend hours talking beaten-down men off the cliff of "I just want out." I remind them that the deals they make today have to be paid tomorrow. I tell them to go to Vegas, get drunk, do anything to get some distance and all will be better in the morning.
Keeping a man's spirits up during the lengthy process of a contested divorce is a major role and purpose for a lawyer like me. My job is not just to fight for the visitation schedule that a father deserves but to keep his resolve to leave the marriage with as much money as she gets. It's my job to create an exit plan for the spousal support and to have my eye on his future. Because in the fog of war - he can't see.
I remind my men that in a few months they'll lose the "Partner Pudge" they put on, he'll be out in a bar or hanging out with friends, and the game will have changed from when he was married.
Frequently my pep talks work. In those cases, when I've used every argument I have to keep him from giving up and I succeed, invariably he comes back to me in a year and thanks me. He tells me I was right. He's realized that there are many more women out there for him, that he has found a way to make the time with his children count, and he's grateful that he didn't sign his life away because he was thinking "I just want out."
Guiding a man through the "Danger Zone" is difficult, painful, and frequently frustrating. And oftentimes no matter how much I warn a client what may be in his future, many feel that it won't happen to them. Maybe it's a 'guy" thing. The reality is that we all want to throw up our hands sometimes and scream, "Enough!" But in the all too frequently rough and tumble world of divorce, where words slice like daggers and false statements are often viewed as fact, that surrender flag a man waves can actually be the start of another battle."
David T. Pissara's book, A Man's Guide To Divorce Strategy, can be purchased now.
May 24th will be the one year anniversary of my divorced being final. When one gets married, it's our anniversary. When one gets divorced it's my anniversary. I'm very excited for this upcoming milestone. (In case you are wondering: my ex feels the same if not more so.) I'm thinking a lot about the divorce right now. This won't be a slam on the ex, this is about my continuing journey to mental health. A journey that's still very much in progress.
Divorce is a very life altering experience. Post divorce dating is terrible. There's so much more at stake. First of all one has to become mentally healthy again, most of my friends told me that takes about a year. I've been divorced for over 11 months now and that year recovery time sounds very optimistic. I've been lucky in finding ldssingles.com. I haven't dated a lot from that site. However I've found a group of people to chat with online. We are having our third get together this Friday. Those gatherings aren't about dating or "hooking up", they are about friendship and support. It's been an on-line support group. The gatherings are good occasions to be social without any pressure.
Even when one is ready, or at least thinks they are ready to date, it's just the start of a long path. When I date, or even hang out, with someone I have a long list of criteria. First of all there has to be some attraction. Then with the attraction chemistry is essential. Then they have to live within a hour of me. Because the divorce has gouged me financially, I have almost no options in finding housing on my own. In all likelihood I'm going to have to move in with my future wife. Yes I know many women won't want to hear that and I don't blame them.Also I have no desire to have a long distance relationship. But I've made two promises to myself as I go through the crucible of dating. 1) I'm doing my best not to lie or misrepresent myself. 2) I'm not going to do anything that will threaten my temple recommend.
Then the whole kids issue is just another large concern. My daughter, in her practical way, wants my ex and I to marry someone that has a daughter about her age. She wants someone to play with. She's the only girl in our 4 kids. Eventually our kids will have to get use to two step parents and who knows how many step siblings. Those crazy Mormons have a lot of kids. This whole process is a transition for the kids as well. From what I can tell, my kids have handled it very well so far.
I came across this great article at the Huffington Post yesterday, oh I wish I'd read this before I got divorced. Men when you are getting divorced, I know you are in a fog. It's a pain and you don't even want to think about it. If you are considering divorce or are in the midst of divorce, read this great advice:
Here's the link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-t-pisarra/welcome-to-the-danger-zon_b_852806.html
Here's the actual article:
"Every divorce has a danger zone. That period of time when things can go horribly, horrifically, tragically wrong.
In those cases where the woman has come to the point of no return, wants out of the marriage and demands a divorce is usually her time in the danger zone. Her husband's immediate reaction can cause a host of emotions; not the least of which is fear that he may become physically violent. And those initial emotions can drive a divorce in unforeseen directions.
But for men, the danger zone they experience is much farther down the divorce path. And it doesn't come suddenly but instead builds up slowly over time. It comes at the point when emotional exhaustion is reached and he has realized the woman he married is not the woman he is divorcing. It comes when she has worn him down with endless delays in court and hammered him in front of the judge about how she's "afraid of him" with vague references that are as flimsy as wet toilet paper. All the game playing with the children's visitation time, the parental alienation she may be indulging in and the overprotective mother act that makes it look like he can't care for his own child has him gobsmacked...and vulnerable.
It takes just four words for me to know a man is in the "Danger Zone." He just has to say one, specific phrase and I know that I have to launch into my role as coach, cheerleader, personal therapist, life coach, dating coach, financial advisor and spiritual support system for a brother who has been beaten and battered by the words and games of his soon-to-be-ex.
Once I hear the four words, I know that we are on the brink of defeat. He's about to give in and lose his past, his present and most of his future. When he says the "Danger Zone" words, he's in real trouble.
What are the words? "I just want out."
That's it. That's all it takes for me to know that I have a client who is about to sign his life away. I've seen it hundreds of times. She works him over emotionally for months, in some cases, for years. By the time he's in my office, he's lost birthdays, holidays, countless weekends and midweek dinners with his kids. He's answered hundreds of inane questions, and produced mountains of financial documents.
It's at this point, when he's reached the end of his emotional rope, where he makes spectacularly bad decisions. He will agree to a lifetime of non-modifiable spousal support and is as flexible to her as a pair of pantyhose.
"I just want out" is the dying refrain of a man in a divorce.
It's painful to watch. I spend hours talking beaten-down men off the cliff of "I just want out." I remind them that the deals they make today have to be paid tomorrow. I tell them to go to Vegas, get drunk, do anything to get some distance and all will be better in the morning.
Keeping a man's spirits up during the lengthy process of a contested divorce is a major role and purpose for a lawyer like me. My job is not just to fight for the visitation schedule that a father deserves but to keep his resolve to leave the marriage with as much money as she gets. It's my job to create an exit plan for the spousal support and to have my eye on his future. Because in the fog of war - he can't see.
I remind my men that in a few months they'll lose the "Partner Pudge" they put on, he'll be out in a bar or hanging out with friends, and the game will have changed from when he was married.
Frequently my pep talks work. In those cases, when I've used every argument I have to keep him from giving up and I succeed, invariably he comes back to me in a year and thanks me. He tells me I was right. He's realized that there are many more women out there for him, that he has found a way to make the time with his children count, and he's grateful that he didn't sign his life away because he was thinking "I just want out."
Guiding a man through the "Danger Zone" is difficult, painful, and frequently frustrating. And oftentimes no matter how much I warn a client what may be in his future, many feel that it won't happen to them. Maybe it's a 'guy" thing. The reality is that we all want to throw up our hands sometimes and scream, "Enough!" But in the all too frequently rough and tumble world of divorce, where words slice like daggers and false statements are often viewed as fact, that surrender flag a man waves can actually be the start of another battle."
David T. Pissara's book, A Man's Guide To Divorce Strategy, can be purchased now.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Rest of My Top 50 All-Time Artists, Under appreciated songs of the day
Hello,
This list has been pushed to the side for most of this year. I posted my #'s 16 and 15 artists on February 1st, 2011. I published my #17 artist on December 11th, 2010. I'm not going to get to filling out the Top 14 with videos so I might as well finish it here. Ironically this list was written about 6 months ago and there would be at least a few changes since then. For instance, Lady Gaga would be going down. A tremendous singer but how skanky she is is a real turn off for me. Be careful "AI" fans right now her new video for "Judas" will be airing during "American Idol". Anyway here's the Top 20:
20) Journey, Down 6 from my original Top 50
19) Buckcherry, they are my 7th debut in this Top 50.
18) Rihanna, she is my 8th debut
17) Cinderella, up 29 places from my first Top 50
16) Scorpions, down 1
15) Lady Gaga, she is the 9th debut on this Top 50
14) Michael Jackson, up 9
13) Van Halen, down 6
12) Green Day, down 1
11) Pink Floyd, they are my 10th and highest ranked debut
10) The Doors, down 5
9) Madonna, up 12
8) AC/DC, up 8
7) Ozzy Osbourne, up 10
6) U2, up 6
5) Def Leppard, up 1
4) Motley Crue, same
3) Guns 'n' Roses, same
2) Pearl Jam, same
1) Led Zeppelin, same Who else could be #1.
The artists that dropped out from my original Top 50 and their place in my original Top 50
Eagles (22), Garth Brooks (25), Steely Dan (28), Peter Gabriel (33), Elton John (38), Alabama (42), James Taylor (43), Pat Benatar (48) and B.B. King (50)
People that may or may not be on my next Top 50. Prince for sure will be on my next Top 50, I don't know how I missed him on my first two Top 50 lists. He'll be in or close to the Top Ten probably. I plead temporary insanity. Other artists and their likelihood of being in my next Top 50: 1) Soundgarden, 5%. They have reformed but they need to stop repackaging their hits. They need to release some high quality new music. 2) Arctic Monkeys, 10% 3) Taylor Swift, 50% She has a lot of good songs, she just hasn't earned her way on to this list. I might be taking my daughter to see her in concert this fall, that may propel her into my Top 50. 4) Morrissey, 10%, 5) Arcade Fire 20%, 6) Rush, 20%, 7) Black Eyed Peas, 50% 8) Nelly Furtado, 20% 9) Heart, 15% 10) Foo Fighters, a recent obsession, 10%
And bands that will never (probably) be in my Top 50. This is in no particular order. 1) Nirvana, they are so over rated, 2) Beatles, they are okay. 3) Almost all "real" rappers, except for Run-DMC and Beastie Boys 4) Vanilla Ice 5) Bob Dylan 6) Grateful Dead 7) Wilco 8) Flaming Lips 9) Coldplay 10) Fugees, but possibly Lauryn Hill 11) Nickleback, oh hell no 12) any boy bands or teen acts, Christina Aguilera may be the only exception. She needs to take her last CD and remove that piece of crap from people's memory.
By the way, her new show "The Voice" starts tonight. Are you going to watch it? I probably will, but I don't know how much I'll be blogging about it.
Under appreciated songs of the day:
This is a pretty cool song that I had never heard before today. The only reason it came up now is random on iTunes:
Which reminded me of this song:
Which reminded me of this song:
I was going to put Third Eye Blind's "Semi-Charmed Life" here, but the lyrics aren't very wholesome. So here's another Third Eye Blind song instead:
One more for fun:
themusicaddict
This list has been pushed to the side for most of this year. I posted my #'s 16 and 15 artists on February 1st, 2011. I published my #17 artist on December 11th, 2010. I'm not going to get to filling out the Top 14 with videos so I might as well finish it here. Ironically this list was written about 6 months ago and there would be at least a few changes since then. For instance, Lady Gaga would be going down. A tremendous singer but how skanky she is is a real turn off for me. Be careful "AI" fans right now her new video for "Judas" will be airing during "American Idol". Anyway here's the Top 20:
20) Journey, Down 6 from my original Top 50
19) Buckcherry, they are my 7th debut in this Top 50.
18) Rihanna, she is my 8th debut
17) Cinderella, up 29 places from my first Top 50
16) Scorpions, down 1
15) Lady Gaga, she is the 9th debut on this Top 50
14) Michael Jackson, up 9
13) Van Halen, down 6
12) Green Day, down 1
11) Pink Floyd, they are my 10th and highest ranked debut
10) The Doors, down 5
9) Madonna, up 12
8) AC/DC, up 8
7) Ozzy Osbourne, up 10
6) U2, up 6
5) Def Leppard, up 1
4) Motley Crue, same
3) Guns 'n' Roses, same
2) Pearl Jam, same
1) Led Zeppelin, same Who else could be #1.
The artists that dropped out from my original Top 50 and their place in my original Top 50
Eagles (22), Garth Brooks (25), Steely Dan (28), Peter Gabriel (33), Elton John (38), Alabama (42), James Taylor (43), Pat Benatar (48) and B.B. King (50)
People that may or may not be on my next Top 50. Prince for sure will be on my next Top 50, I don't know how I missed him on my first two Top 50 lists. He'll be in or close to the Top Ten probably. I plead temporary insanity. Other artists and their likelihood of being in my next Top 50: 1) Soundgarden, 5%. They have reformed but they need to stop repackaging their hits. They need to release some high quality new music. 2) Arctic Monkeys, 10% 3) Taylor Swift, 50% She has a lot of good songs, she just hasn't earned her way on to this list. I might be taking my daughter to see her in concert this fall, that may propel her into my Top 50. 4) Morrissey, 10%, 5) Arcade Fire 20%, 6) Rush, 20%, 7) Black Eyed Peas, 50% 8) Nelly Furtado, 20% 9) Heart, 15% 10) Foo Fighters, a recent obsession, 10%
And bands that will never (probably) be in my Top 50. This is in no particular order. 1) Nirvana, they are so over rated, 2) Beatles, they are okay. 3) Almost all "real" rappers, except for Run-DMC and Beastie Boys 4) Vanilla Ice 5) Bob Dylan 6) Grateful Dead 7) Wilco 8) Flaming Lips 9) Coldplay 10) Fugees, but possibly Lauryn Hill 11) Nickleback, oh hell no 12) any boy bands or teen acts, Christina Aguilera may be the only exception. She needs to take her last CD and remove that piece of crap from people's memory.
By the way, her new show "The Voice" starts tonight. Are you going to watch it? I probably will, but I don't know how much I'll be blogging about it.
Under appreciated songs of the day:
This is a pretty cool song that I had never heard before today. The only reason it came up now is random on iTunes:
Which reminded me of this song:
Which reminded me of this song:
I was going to put Third Eye Blind's "Semi-Charmed Life" here, but the lyrics aren't very wholesome. So here's another Third Eye Blind song instead:
One more for fun:
themusicaddict
Monday, April 25, 2011
"AI" review February 13th and 14th Songs of the Cinema
Hello,
Due to issues with my DVR, I wasn't able to see these two episodes until last night. They were originally aired April 13th and 14th. This episode featured the Top 8 and the theme was Songs of the Cinema.
The performance show started out with a review of Pia Toscano's emotional departure. That was when this season it jumped the shark. Also there was plenty of love given to JLo for being named People's Most Beautiful Woman. "AI" has certainly revived her career, which is why she signed on with the show in the first place. Now that her career is revived, I don't think she'll be back next season. I do appreciate her rooting for the girls to remain on the show. A woman isn't going to win, but an all male show this early would suck. Live long and prosper Lauren and Haley.
I honestly thought this show was the worst of this season's live performance episodes.
8) Jacob Lusk (Up 1, again he had nowhere to go but up) destroyed Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water". I appreciated Jimmy telling Lusk not to preach to us. Thanks Jimmy. Lusk astounds me each week when he survives. Has he given one good performance yet? Hell, has he given even one mediocre performance yet? Lusk should be arrested for committing assault and battery on that poor Simon and Garfunkel song. What did "Bridge Over Troubled Water" ever due to Lusk? What was the song that Lusk originally picked? It was horrible. I wish Jimmy would have let him sing it, maybe we could have got rid of Lusk. I also liked at the end of his performance he had to think how many fingers to hold up when he was advertising the phone number to call.
Review break: I would love for someone to explain to me what the appeal of Jacob Lusk is. I'm serious. He's a mediocre singer at best, if I'm in a real generous mood. He's painful to watch perform and he has no coordination or stage presence. For some reason he's cocky and arrogant.
Back to his "performance", it had no redeeming value. There wasn't one good thing to say about it other than mercifully it was only two minutes. This performance was the most atrocious of his many horrid performances. Obviously some people like him, why?
The judges continued the theme of hype. Remember what themusicaddict says, if you are hyping something that's a way to cover up something that's terrible. Tyler said "how angelic you sing". JLo called him a "gifted vocalist". And on a night where Randy sucked as well, he also had praise for Lusk. Jackson said Lusk was "so special".
Another review break: Randy was truly awful tonight. I wish he would learn the ability to be concise. Randy when you don't have any thing to say, you don't need several words to not say it. I have a new nickname for Randy, it's Repeat Randy. Again I'm reminded how much he repeats himself. Please can they cut off his microphone once he starts repeating himself. Randy, in an attempt to mixing up things I'm guessing, started out his love fest with "yo" drawn out. That's different than his "yo, yo, yo".
Lusk's grade, the very bottom of the F grade. Jackson's grade: same
7) Casey Abrams (down 3) sang Nat King Cole's "Nature Boy". I actually like this song, but his performance of it was terrible. Casey says it's "hard to find a song that fits his style". Jimmy I. urged him to sing something else, he didn't like it when Casey ignored him. Abrams got on the stage and the song started off very slowly and why all of the grimacing? Then while he was playing he said, "hey Ray let's show them what we can do". Then they did nothing. Abrams shares that same undeserved overconfidence of Lusk. Then the judges gave him a standing ovation? Why? The unrelenting love fest continues unabated as the judges overpraise again. Casey said that he wants to "play and educate". He won the douche bag contest of the night with that comment. Jacob Lusk will be sad he didn't win, that's the only award he wins.
Randy went off on his too long critique of "education and embracing who you are". That was a gaggle of crap coming out of his mouth. Again on his off night, he was terrible. Grades: Casey: D+, Randy: F Meanwhile Pia Toscano is hanging out with Mark Ballas and will be performing on "Dancing With The Stars". She's winning by not being on this show. Pia: A+
6) Scotty McDreary (Up 2) sang George Strait's "Cross My Heart". Why would he sing Harry Nilson's "Everybody's Talkin'", he might have to stretch. I'm wondering why doesn't he just sing the same song each week as he gives the same performance each week. Jimmy pulled out one of Repeat Randy's favorites, "you can sing the phone book". Jimmy I'd actually like to see that as that would be something different. Scotty said he was "going back to his country roots", when did he leave them? At least he chose a better song, especially over the previous two songs. Both "End of the Road" and "The Climb" are terrible songs. He also knows where the camera is and keeps eye contact with it. I know a lot of people love him, I'm sorry but he leaves me cold. Steven said he "just loves his voice".
Randy continued his run of idiocy. Amongst the things he said to McDreary: "a star is born on this stage", "grown so greatly" and "ginormous". Randy you are such an idiot. He's right a star was born on that stage and it was Pia Toscano. How can McDreary grow so greatly when he gives the same performance each week? Randy you know that "ginormous" isn't a real word right? Scotty: D+, Randy: F again
5) Stefano Langone (Up 2) sang "End of the Road" by Boys 2 Men. That's a terrible song. His performance started out slowly. While Lauren sang an equally boring song, she's a better singer than Stefano so gets a better grade. Another one of those performances where the chorus was repeated too much. His performance couldn't get over soon enough. This was his second bad performance in a row. The judges continued their nearly praise only reviews. Steven said this is "so not the end of the road for you, just the beginning". I'm wondering if that dead end dirt road that Tyler was referring to.
Then Randy spewed a bunch of gibberish, including "yo" several times. Jackson also said his favorite repeat word of the season when he said Langone "slayed" it. Then Repeat Randy also said one of his all-time classics "in it to win it". That's a phrase he has repeated several times this season. Grades: Langone: D+. "The Barnacle": F Why does Randy remind me of an uncool kid that gets invited to the cool table in high school. He then does what he has to do to prove that he belongs.
4) Haley Reinhart (Down 2) sang Blondie's "Call Me". Blondie was my favorite band growing up. My favorite song of theirs is "Heart Of Glass". I'm sorry Haley but you aren't even in the same league as Debbie Harry. In Hailey's defense I do think she has a good voice. But she did have an off night. The disappearing producers actually made an appearance in her time with Jimmy Iovine. Haley has been wearing very sexy outfits, she's using every advantage she can. I just didn't buy her performance, she's too innocent. Also one of the many night's performances that went on too long. With Pia gone, she's the best looking woman remaining.
Randy: "yo yo yo", gave his goofy laugh, and he said it "was not a singer's song". What the hell does that mean? Then whose song is it? He managed to have one intelligent critique in his review though. He was right on when he said that song was not "a showcase for her voice". That was true. Grades: Haley C-, Randy: C.
3) James Durbin (up 3) sang Sammy Hagar's "Heavy Metal". This is how bad this episode was, Durbin with his craptastic performance was the third best. He said he had "deep seeded passion for my music". He gave another one of his Lambertian screeches. I'm not wanting the day to hurry and come when we have to hear that music. I wouldn't call that a heavy metal song. He's trying to carry the flag for metal, does anybody from the metal camp want him to carry that flag? I can just see Ozzy saying "get Durbin on the phone, he needs to lead the charge for metal". Um, no. Durbin is nowhere in Sammy's league. It was great to see Zakk Wylde on stage, someone with some real rock cred. Although I had to laugh he didn't realize he was suppose to get off the stage when the performance was over.
The judges were clueless as always. Again Randy was trying to show how much he knows. He then only shows how little he knows. He said how Zakk plays with Ozzy. Actually Randy he hasn't played with Ozzy for several months. Grades: Zakk Wylde: A, Durbin C-, Randy: F
2) Lauren Alaina (up 1) sang Miley Cyrus' wretched "The Climb". Iovine was absolutely right when he said Alaina has a better voice than Cyrus. Lauren has a great voice and I can see why she was the odds on favorite to win this season. Her score is hurt by the lameness of the song. As Haley Reinhart had recognized in this same show, it's all about song recognition. "The Climb" is just not a good song.
Steven Tyler said the "song brings me to tears", this from the same man who sings the song "Big Ten Inch Record"?
Randy: "yo" and Repeat Randy says "amazing job amazing". Grades: Lauren: C, Randy and Steven: F
1) Paul McDonald led off the show with a pretty good version of Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock & Roll". He was the night's first performer and the show plummeted downhill once he was done. I liked seeing will.i.am overruling Iovine. McDonald was wearing some nasty looking clothes. I liked the sax solo, that was a great sax solo. After his performance Ryan said "if you liked sax with Paul" vote for him. That Ryan.
Again the judges were idiots. Randy said "I'll tell you what man" and that Paul is "not a typical singer". Um, what? Grades: McDonald: B-, Randy and Steven: F
Now on to the less than inspiring results show.
"Rio" week continues! Is that why will.i.am stuck around for so long? The judges constant hype was shown again. Also at the start of the show, "AI" shows the pictures of Lee Dewyze and Kris Allen. Whoever wins this season is going to join that bunch of under acheiving male singers. We already know the best singer isn't going to win this season. There were 53 million votes for this schlock fest.
Lauren and Scotty sang Lady Antebellum's "American Honey". I'm even getting more tired of Scotty McDreary. McDreary you ain't all that. Yes you'll probably win. However that's not a reflection of how good you are. It's a reflection of how bad this show is getting to be and the terrible voting system in place.
Next up: behind the scenes on the Ford commercial. Oh good this show needs some more filler. No surprise that James wanted to wear zombie makeup. I loved how in the commercial it was Lauren and Jacob eating lunch. In reality I think both of them would have picked much better looking guys to eat with. And as Randy would say "yo, yo", goofy laugh, "dawg stupid that was stupid man".
Casey and Haley then took the stage, reportedly the two are an item. I loved Haley's part on "Trouble I See". That clearly was suppose to be a showcase for Casey, but it ended up being a showcase for Haley. That possibly was her best performance of the whole season. I loved that Haley through off the producers plans.
Then we have the first of the predictable results. Scotty is safe, really? That's not a surprise. Also Lauren and Casey are safe. Again Haley is in the bottom three. Again she's wearing a very sexy outfit.
Then Rob Reiner brought some much needed humor to this humorless show, especially with Simon Cowell no longer around. I loved his tweaking of "When Kelly Met Justin". Thankfully they only made that movie after the first season.
Next Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean sang "Don't You Want Me To Stay". I'd never heard that song before but it's pretty good. Kelly Clarkson is so amazing, they just don't make Idols like they used to. She seems so likable, has charisma and that amazing big ol' voice. Can you even see McDreary in the same league as her? Jason Aldean came off as a doofus, wearing the "real" cowboy clothes that it looked like he picked up at Wal-Mart. When are county singers going to stop wearing cowboy clothes? I know they wear it for their image, but it has become a cliche now.
In a group number they let Jacob Lusk sing another Simon and Garfunkel song? Hasn't he done enough damage to their impressive catalog? I love the song "Sound of Silence" and I think that's something that Lusk should practice.
More results Jacob Lusk isn't even in the bottom 3, how is that possible? Both Paul and Stefano are in the bottom 3.
Then a true superstar took the stage, Rihanna, singing her new song "California King Bed". As usual she rocked it, that's a pretty cool song as well. She has a great voice and she was looking amazingly gorgeous. I love her red hair as well. Also there was another great guitar solo. "AI" upped it's rock cred that week for sure.
Then the final results, Paul is going home. Again the person near the top of my list is out. I might have to make Jacob Lusk my next #1 singer.
themusicaddict
Due to issues with my DVR, I wasn't able to see these two episodes until last night. They were originally aired April 13th and 14th. This episode featured the Top 8 and the theme was Songs of the Cinema.
The performance show started out with a review of Pia Toscano's emotional departure. That was when this season it jumped the shark. Also there was plenty of love given to JLo for being named People's Most Beautiful Woman. "AI" has certainly revived her career, which is why she signed on with the show in the first place. Now that her career is revived, I don't think she'll be back next season. I do appreciate her rooting for the girls to remain on the show. A woman isn't going to win, but an all male show this early would suck. Live long and prosper Lauren and Haley.
I honestly thought this show was the worst of this season's live performance episodes.
8) Jacob Lusk (Up 1, again he had nowhere to go but up) destroyed Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water". I appreciated Jimmy telling Lusk not to preach to us. Thanks Jimmy. Lusk astounds me each week when he survives. Has he given one good performance yet? Hell, has he given even one mediocre performance yet? Lusk should be arrested for committing assault and battery on that poor Simon and Garfunkel song. What did "Bridge Over Troubled Water" ever due to Lusk? What was the song that Lusk originally picked? It was horrible. I wish Jimmy would have let him sing it, maybe we could have got rid of Lusk. I also liked at the end of his performance he had to think how many fingers to hold up when he was advertising the phone number to call.
Review break: I would love for someone to explain to me what the appeal of Jacob Lusk is. I'm serious. He's a mediocre singer at best, if I'm in a real generous mood. He's painful to watch perform and he has no coordination or stage presence. For some reason he's cocky and arrogant.
Back to his "performance", it had no redeeming value. There wasn't one good thing to say about it other than mercifully it was only two minutes. This performance was the most atrocious of his many horrid performances. Obviously some people like him, why?
The judges continued the theme of hype. Remember what themusicaddict says, if you are hyping something that's a way to cover up something that's terrible. Tyler said "how angelic you sing". JLo called him a "gifted vocalist". And on a night where Randy sucked as well, he also had praise for Lusk. Jackson said Lusk was "so special".
Another review break: Randy was truly awful tonight. I wish he would learn the ability to be concise. Randy when you don't have any thing to say, you don't need several words to not say it. I have a new nickname for Randy, it's Repeat Randy. Again I'm reminded how much he repeats himself. Please can they cut off his microphone once he starts repeating himself. Randy, in an attempt to mixing up things I'm guessing, started out his love fest with "yo" drawn out. That's different than his "yo, yo, yo".
Lusk's grade, the very bottom of the F grade. Jackson's grade: same
7) Casey Abrams (down 3) sang Nat King Cole's "Nature Boy". I actually like this song, but his performance of it was terrible. Casey says it's "hard to find a song that fits his style". Jimmy I. urged him to sing something else, he didn't like it when Casey ignored him. Abrams got on the stage and the song started off very slowly and why all of the grimacing? Then while he was playing he said, "hey Ray let's show them what we can do". Then they did nothing. Abrams shares that same undeserved overconfidence of Lusk. Then the judges gave him a standing ovation? Why? The unrelenting love fest continues unabated as the judges overpraise again. Casey said that he wants to "play and educate". He won the douche bag contest of the night with that comment. Jacob Lusk will be sad he didn't win, that's the only award he wins.
Randy went off on his too long critique of "education and embracing who you are". That was a gaggle of crap coming out of his mouth. Again on his off night, he was terrible. Grades: Casey: D+, Randy: F Meanwhile Pia Toscano is hanging out with Mark Ballas and will be performing on "Dancing With The Stars". She's winning by not being on this show. Pia: A+
6) Scotty McDreary (Up 2) sang George Strait's "Cross My Heart". Why would he sing Harry Nilson's "Everybody's Talkin'", he might have to stretch. I'm wondering why doesn't he just sing the same song each week as he gives the same performance each week. Jimmy pulled out one of Repeat Randy's favorites, "you can sing the phone book". Jimmy I'd actually like to see that as that would be something different. Scotty said he was "going back to his country roots", when did he leave them? At least he chose a better song, especially over the previous two songs. Both "End of the Road" and "The Climb" are terrible songs. He also knows where the camera is and keeps eye contact with it. I know a lot of people love him, I'm sorry but he leaves me cold. Steven said he "just loves his voice".
Randy continued his run of idiocy. Amongst the things he said to McDreary: "a star is born on this stage", "grown so greatly" and "ginormous". Randy you are such an idiot. He's right a star was born on that stage and it was Pia Toscano. How can McDreary grow so greatly when he gives the same performance each week? Randy you know that "ginormous" isn't a real word right? Scotty: D+, Randy: F again
5) Stefano Langone (Up 2) sang "End of the Road" by Boys 2 Men. That's a terrible song. His performance started out slowly. While Lauren sang an equally boring song, she's a better singer than Stefano so gets a better grade. Another one of those performances where the chorus was repeated too much. His performance couldn't get over soon enough. This was his second bad performance in a row. The judges continued their nearly praise only reviews. Steven said this is "so not the end of the road for you, just the beginning". I'm wondering if that dead end dirt road that Tyler was referring to.
Then Randy spewed a bunch of gibberish, including "yo" several times. Jackson also said his favorite repeat word of the season when he said Langone "slayed" it. Then Repeat Randy also said one of his all-time classics "in it to win it". That's a phrase he has repeated several times this season. Grades: Langone: D+. "The Barnacle": F Why does Randy remind me of an uncool kid that gets invited to the cool table in high school. He then does what he has to do to prove that he belongs.
4) Haley Reinhart (Down 2) sang Blondie's "Call Me". Blondie was my favorite band growing up. My favorite song of theirs is "Heart Of Glass". I'm sorry Haley but you aren't even in the same league as Debbie Harry. In Hailey's defense I do think she has a good voice. But she did have an off night. The disappearing producers actually made an appearance in her time with Jimmy Iovine. Haley has been wearing very sexy outfits, she's using every advantage she can. I just didn't buy her performance, she's too innocent. Also one of the many night's performances that went on too long. With Pia gone, she's the best looking woman remaining.
Randy: "yo yo yo", gave his goofy laugh, and he said it "was not a singer's song". What the hell does that mean? Then whose song is it? He managed to have one intelligent critique in his review though. He was right on when he said that song was not "a showcase for her voice". That was true. Grades: Haley C-, Randy: C.
3) James Durbin (up 3) sang Sammy Hagar's "Heavy Metal". This is how bad this episode was, Durbin with his craptastic performance was the third best. He said he had "deep seeded passion for my music". He gave another one of his Lambertian screeches. I'm not wanting the day to hurry and come when we have to hear that music. I wouldn't call that a heavy metal song. He's trying to carry the flag for metal, does anybody from the metal camp want him to carry that flag? I can just see Ozzy saying "get Durbin on the phone, he needs to lead the charge for metal". Um, no. Durbin is nowhere in Sammy's league. It was great to see Zakk Wylde on stage, someone with some real rock cred. Although I had to laugh he didn't realize he was suppose to get off the stage when the performance was over.
The judges were clueless as always. Again Randy was trying to show how much he knows. He then only shows how little he knows. He said how Zakk plays with Ozzy. Actually Randy he hasn't played with Ozzy for several months. Grades: Zakk Wylde: A, Durbin C-, Randy: F
2) Lauren Alaina (up 1) sang Miley Cyrus' wretched "The Climb". Iovine was absolutely right when he said Alaina has a better voice than Cyrus. Lauren has a great voice and I can see why she was the odds on favorite to win this season. Her score is hurt by the lameness of the song. As Haley Reinhart had recognized in this same show, it's all about song recognition. "The Climb" is just not a good song.
Steven Tyler said the "song brings me to tears", this from the same man who sings the song "Big Ten Inch Record"?
Randy: "yo" and Repeat Randy says "amazing job amazing". Grades: Lauren: C, Randy and Steven: F
1) Paul McDonald led off the show with a pretty good version of Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock & Roll". He was the night's first performer and the show plummeted downhill once he was done. I liked seeing will.i.am overruling Iovine. McDonald was wearing some nasty looking clothes. I liked the sax solo, that was a great sax solo. After his performance Ryan said "if you liked sax with Paul" vote for him. That Ryan.
Again the judges were idiots. Randy said "I'll tell you what man" and that Paul is "not a typical singer". Um, what? Grades: McDonald: B-, Randy and Steven: F
Now on to the less than inspiring results show.
"Rio" week continues! Is that why will.i.am stuck around for so long? The judges constant hype was shown again. Also at the start of the show, "AI" shows the pictures of Lee Dewyze and Kris Allen. Whoever wins this season is going to join that bunch of under acheiving male singers. We already know the best singer isn't going to win this season. There were 53 million votes for this schlock fest.
Lauren and Scotty sang Lady Antebellum's "American Honey". I'm even getting more tired of Scotty McDreary. McDreary you ain't all that. Yes you'll probably win. However that's not a reflection of how good you are. It's a reflection of how bad this show is getting to be and the terrible voting system in place.
Next up: behind the scenes on the Ford commercial. Oh good this show needs some more filler. No surprise that James wanted to wear zombie makeup. I loved how in the commercial it was Lauren and Jacob eating lunch. In reality I think both of them would have picked much better looking guys to eat with. And as Randy would say "yo, yo", goofy laugh, "dawg stupid that was stupid man".
Casey and Haley then took the stage, reportedly the two are an item. I loved Haley's part on "Trouble I See". That clearly was suppose to be a showcase for Casey, but it ended up being a showcase for Haley. That possibly was her best performance of the whole season. I loved that Haley through off the producers plans.
Then we have the first of the predictable results. Scotty is safe, really? That's not a surprise. Also Lauren and Casey are safe. Again Haley is in the bottom three. Again she's wearing a very sexy outfit.
Then Rob Reiner brought some much needed humor to this humorless show, especially with Simon Cowell no longer around. I loved his tweaking of "When Kelly Met Justin". Thankfully they only made that movie after the first season.
Next Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean sang "Don't You Want Me To Stay". I'd never heard that song before but it's pretty good. Kelly Clarkson is so amazing, they just don't make Idols like they used to. She seems so likable, has charisma and that amazing big ol' voice. Can you even see McDreary in the same league as her? Jason Aldean came off as a doofus, wearing the "real" cowboy clothes that it looked like he picked up at Wal-Mart. When are county singers going to stop wearing cowboy clothes? I know they wear it for their image, but it has become a cliche now.
In a group number they let Jacob Lusk sing another Simon and Garfunkel song? Hasn't he done enough damage to their impressive catalog? I love the song "Sound of Silence" and I think that's something that Lusk should practice.
More results Jacob Lusk isn't even in the bottom 3, how is that possible? Both Paul and Stefano are in the bottom 3.
Then a true superstar took the stage, Rihanna, singing her new song "California King Bed". As usual she rocked it, that's a pretty cool song as well. She has a great voice and she was looking amazingly gorgeous. I love her red hair as well. Also there was another great guitar solo. "AI" upped it's rock cred that week for sure.
Then the final results, Paul is going home. Again the person near the top of my list is out. I might have to make Jacob Lusk my next #1 singer.
themusicaddict
Point guards continue to rule in the NBA Playoffs, "The Killing" continues to be very good
Hello,
I'm hoping the national nightmare of the Lakers being the NBA champ is over. New Orleans and LA have split 4 games in their best-of-7 series so far. Now do I think the Hornets are going to win this series? No, I certainly don't. Although anything is possible and I like that they are giving the Lakers everything they can handle. Chris Paul was amazing in last night's game, he had his first triple-double of the season. Paul scored 27 points, dished out 15 assists and had 13 rebounds.
The theme of dominant point guards continued in New York City where the Celtics swept the Knicks out of the playoffs. That makes me laugh! I got so sick of the Carmelo Anthony will he or won't he be traded scenario. For some reason most people expected the Knicks to take off. After acquiring the over rated Anthony, the Knicks finished the season 14-18. How did the Nuggets do, they closed out the regular season 18-7. I'd just like to remind you that the Nuggets had homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs last season and lost. If I was the Knicks I'd explore the possibility of trading either Stoudemire or Anthony. They are too similar of players. It's hard to get good offensive flow when their are two players on the team that think they are the man.
Anthony, like Allen Iverson, is one of those players that I never understood why they received so much praise. Why do they get so much love? Like Iverson before him, Anthony isn't going to be winning a NBA title with him as the main man.
Last night aired the 5th episode of AMC's "The Killing", this was probably the weakest of the 5 episodes. It was still very good though, I love the tantalizing hints the show continues to drop. For instance, Bennet Ahmed and Darren Richmond had their arms around each other while filming a commercial for Richmond's campaign. Obviously there's more than a tangential connection between Richmond and the murder.
I still think Rosie's Dad, Stan, killed her. Their were several ambiguous clues that could that could point to him or point away from him. For instance, his breakdown in the bathroom. Was that a sign of loss or guilt? He seems to be ambivalent about helping with the funeral. I know everyone grieves in their own way, but.... I also am still creeped out of the deep sniff he took of his daughter's dress a couple of episodes ago. That was more the smell of a jilted lover than a grieving father.
Other than a twisted incestuous plot, what is Stan's motive? It seems like he has blood on his hands from previous life events.
I know that the writers are pointing the finger at Bennet as the killer, but he's not. It's just too early in the show. He's definitely guilty of something though. And what is up with that Super 8 film that allegedly Rosie filmed? What clues is Lynden seeing in it?
I only have two complaints about the show. 1) Why does it have to rain all the time? 2) I'm tired of the story line of who the mole is in the Richmond campaign. Who cares? That story line is a non story, unless later on it relates directly to the death of Rosie.
themusicaddict
I'm hoping the national nightmare of the Lakers being the NBA champ is over. New Orleans and LA have split 4 games in their best-of-7 series so far. Now do I think the Hornets are going to win this series? No, I certainly don't. Although anything is possible and I like that they are giving the Lakers everything they can handle. Chris Paul was amazing in last night's game, he had his first triple-double of the season. Paul scored 27 points, dished out 15 assists and had 13 rebounds.
The theme of dominant point guards continued in New York City where the Celtics swept the Knicks out of the playoffs. That makes me laugh! I got so sick of the Carmelo Anthony will he or won't he be traded scenario. For some reason most people expected the Knicks to take off. After acquiring the over rated Anthony, the Knicks finished the season 14-18. How did the Nuggets do, they closed out the regular season 18-7. I'd just like to remind you that the Nuggets had homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs last season and lost. If I was the Knicks I'd explore the possibility of trading either Stoudemire or Anthony. They are too similar of players. It's hard to get good offensive flow when their are two players on the team that think they are the man.
Anthony, like Allen Iverson, is one of those players that I never understood why they received so much praise. Why do they get so much love? Like Iverson before him, Anthony isn't going to be winning a NBA title with him as the main man.
Last night aired the 5th episode of AMC's "The Killing", this was probably the weakest of the 5 episodes. It was still very good though, I love the tantalizing hints the show continues to drop. For instance, Bennet Ahmed and Darren Richmond had their arms around each other while filming a commercial for Richmond's campaign. Obviously there's more than a tangential connection between Richmond and the murder.
I still think Rosie's Dad, Stan, killed her. Their were several ambiguous clues that could that could point to him or point away from him. For instance, his breakdown in the bathroom. Was that a sign of loss or guilt? He seems to be ambivalent about helping with the funeral. I know everyone grieves in their own way, but.... I also am still creeped out of the deep sniff he took of his daughter's dress a couple of episodes ago. That was more the smell of a jilted lover than a grieving father.
Other than a twisted incestuous plot, what is Stan's motive? It seems like he has blood on his hands from previous life events.
I know that the writers are pointing the finger at Bennet as the killer, but he's not. It's just too early in the show. He's definitely guilty of something though. And what is up with that Super 8 film that allegedly Rosie filmed? What clues is Lynden seeing in it?
I only have two complaints about the show. 1) Why does it have to rain all the time? 2) I'm tired of the story line of who the mole is in the Richmond campaign. Who cares? That story line is a non story, unless later on it relates directly to the death of Rosie.
themusicaddict
Friday, April 22, 2011
"Get the point? Good, let's dance!"
Hello,
To quote Janet Jackson, "Get the point? Good, let's dance!" I'm themusicaddict after all, here's some great songs for your Friday:
This is one of the best dance songs of the last several years:
This is Selena Gomez and the Scene's "Who Says". This is the song rocking my 10 year daughter's iPod:
A newer classic song from an all-time classic rock band. AC/DC's "War Machine":
Feel free to mock me, but I love this song, Backstreet Boys "Larger Than Life":
It wouldn't be right to use a Janet Jackson quote and not use one of her songs. I'm going really old school Janet Jackson, this is "Nasty Boys":
Okay, another Janet Jackson classic:
Let's slow it down a bit, only 19,502 views for this Dan Seals classic? This is "Addicted":
Keeping with the theme, Dope's "Addiction":
Here are a couple of classics from Toby Keith:
Sugarland's new song, "Tonight":
Enjoy, themusicaddict
To quote Janet Jackson, "Get the point? Good, let's dance!" I'm themusicaddict after all, here's some great songs for your Friday:
This is one of the best dance songs of the last several years:
This is Selena Gomez and the Scene's "Who Says". This is the song rocking my 10 year daughter's iPod:
A newer classic song from an all-time classic rock band. AC/DC's "War Machine":
Feel free to mock me, but I love this song, Backstreet Boys "Larger Than Life":
It wouldn't be right to use a Janet Jackson quote and not use one of her songs. I'm going really old school Janet Jackson, this is "Nasty Boys":
Okay, another Janet Jackson classic:
Let's slow it down a bit, only 19,502 views for this Dan Seals classic? This is "Addicted":
Keeping with the theme, Dope's "Addiction":
Here are a couple of classics from Toby Keith:
Sugarland's new song, "Tonight":
Enjoy, themusicaddict
Will "The Voice" Be Better Than "AI" Let's hope so, Thanks Bud Selig
Hello,
The 12 minute preview of "The Voice" has been floating around the internet. Here it is:
I like the premise of "The Voice" more than the premise of "American Idol". I like that these "The Voice" coaches are actually current, although Blake Shelton does stick out a bit. "The Voice" has 4 current musicians as opposed to one current musician, a has been and a never will be on "AI". I know it's hard to tell from just a 12 minute preview, but it seems this bunch actually has chemistry. I like how the 4 singers are actually coaches and not judges. That puts them in a collaborative relationship with their singers. On "AI" it seems like the judges are in a more adversarial relationship with the singers. On "The Voice" the coaches success is tied into the success of their singers. Having a vested interest will make the coaches care more which will make us care more.
With all these singing competitions , obviously only one or two will survive. "American Idol's" time is done. Unless "AI" has an all-star competition, I don't think there will be a Season 12. Due to greed it will hold on as long as possible. Fox acts like who cares if the show jumped the shark 3 years ago? 20 million people still watch it so Fox will continue to drive it into the ground.
"The Voice" should start out strong, but how long will it hold on to that? It seems to have a solid foundation. This fall "The X Factor" premieres. I expect it to have huge initial ratings with Simon Cowell making his return to television. It will be good to have him back. But will "The X Factor" be dissimilar enough to not feel like Season 11 of "American Idol"? I'm seriously doubting that.
I'll definitely watch "The Voice" at least a time or two. I'm hoping a few things will happen on "The Voice" that will set it apart from "AI". One, I hope that once their Season One drops down to the final 16 performers that there will be no judges. Do we really need people to tell us what we should think, especially when that person is Randy Jackson? Or when the judging panel is made up of 4 people. Please no judging! Maybe after their singers performances we can see the coaches working with them. Two, that they don't show any train wreck auditions or intentionally bad auditions. These people seem to be desperate, mentally diminished or completely talentless. Why exacerbate what plagues them? They need help not fame. Three, hopefully they'll have more black singers reach the final round. I don't know what it is about "AI", but they aren't going to be finding the next Michael Jackson, Prince or Bruno Mars. Yes, and they are out there somewhere. Maybe "The Voice" can find those people. Although the black guy talking in the preview reminds me too much of Jacob Lusk. Four: That reminds me, please no divas.
I'd also like to personally thank Bud Selig for having MLB take over the L.A. Dodgers. It seems the final straw was idiot owner Frank McCourt getting a $30 million loan from Fox to make payroll. The Dodgers just haven't been the same since the O'Malley family sold them. I grew up with Steve Garvey, Davy Lopes, Ron Cey and Bill Russell. The Dodgers just aren't the same as when those 4 roamed the Dodger infield. Yes I know that Lopes is back and thank goodness for that. Also It's good to still have the great Tommy Lasorda around.
The McCourt family has been a disaster from the beginning. Once Frank and Jamie McCourt started divorce proceedings the team has even been in even more rapid decline. It seemed to me several hundred miles away that the Dodgers were more about the McCourt divorce than the team itself. I've come to hate the word "leveraging" especially when it comes to someone wanting to buy a team that they can't afford. We've seen the results of that the last 7 years.
The shell shocked face on Tommy Lasorda when he met the "Idols" seems to be an appropriate metaphor for the falling apart of the Dodgers. I have several harsh thoughts about the McCourt family but I'll let someone else write those. ESPN has comments on it's stories, it's most recent story about the Dodgers has several cathartic comments from fans. I'm irritated by the McCourts, but no where as bad as some of these commenters. Of course, if I loved in California these last 7 years I might have even more harsh things to say.
Whoever is named to be in charge of the Dodgers has a nightmare ahead of them. I feel sorry for the poor person who has to look through their books. They can see where the money went that necessitated that $30 million loan. That's not going to be flattering to the Dodgers either. There were already enough sordid details that came out in the divorce. For instance, how much money was spent on making the McCourts look good and how the McCourts paid their kids extravagant salaries although they didn't do anything for the team. I don't even want to know how much money the McCourts spent on their several divorce attorneys.
That misused money then can be used on players. The Dodgers need of a big bat in the middle of their lineup is so obvious. But the McCourts have been spending that money on themselves rather than the team. Other bad legacies of the McCourts include the team's declining attendance and the Dodgers lack of a proper response to the Brian Stow beating. Why haven't the Dodgers stepped forward and offered to pay all medical expenses for Stow? Is it because they have no money? Why was there such poor security? Again is it because the Dodgers didn't have the money? I think the McCourt's greed will be their lasting legacy. What other conclusion besides making the McCourts sell the team can MLB reasonably come to?
Thanks again Bud for likely putting this 7 year stretch of hell to an end. After 7 years of famine, it's time to have 7 years of feast.
theirritatedmusicaddict
The 12 minute preview of "The Voice" has been floating around the internet. Here it is:
I like the premise of "The Voice" more than the premise of "American Idol". I like that these "The Voice" coaches are actually current, although Blake Shelton does stick out a bit. "The Voice" has 4 current musicians as opposed to one current musician, a has been and a never will be on "AI". I know it's hard to tell from just a 12 minute preview, but it seems this bunch actually has chemistry. I like how the 4 singers are actually coaches and not judges. That puts them in a collaborative relationship with their singers. On "AI" it seems like the judges are in a more adversarial relationship with the singers. On "The Voice" the coaches success is tied into the success of their singers. Having a vested interest will make the coaches care more which will make us care more.
With all these singing competitions , obviously only one or two will survive. "American Idol's" time is done. Unless "AI" has an all-star competition, I don't think there will be a Season 12. Due to greed it will hold on as long as possible. Fox acts like who cares if the show jumped the shark 3 years ago? 20 million people still watch it so Fox will continue to drive it into the ground.
"The Voice" should start out strong, but how long will it hold on to that? It seems to have a solid foundation. This fall "The X Factor" premieres. I expect it to have huge initial ratings with Simon Cowell making his return to television. It will be good to have him back. But will "The X Factor" be dissimilar enough to not feel like Season 11 of "American Idol"? I'm seriously doubting that.
I'll definitely watch "The Voice" at least a time or two. I'm hoping a few things will happen on "The Voice" that will set it apart from "AI". One, I hope that once their Season One drops down to the final 16 performers that there will be no judges. Do we really need people to tell us what we should think, especially when that person is Randy Jackson? Or when the judging panel is made up of 4 people. Please no judging! Maybe after their singers performances we can see the coaches working with them. Two, that they don't show any train wreck auditions or intentionally bad auditions. These people seem to be desperate, mentally diminished or completely talentless. Why exacerbate what plagues them? They need help not fame. Three, hopefully they'll have more black singers reach the final round. I don't know what it is about "AI", but they aren't going to be finding the next Michael Jackson, Prince or Bruno Mars. Yes, and they are out there somewhere. Maybe "The Voice" can find those people. Although the black guy talking in the preview reminds me too much of Jacob Lusk. Four: That reminds me, please no divas.
I'd also like to personally thank Bud Selig for having MLB take over the L.A. Dodgers. It seems the final straw was idiot owner Frank McCourt getting a $30 million loan from Fox to make payroll. The Dodgers just haven't been the same since the O'Malley family sold them. I grew up with Steve Garvey, Davy Lopes, Ron Cey and Bill Russell. The Dodgers just aren't the same as when those 4 roamed the Dodger infield. Yes I know that Lopes is back and thank goodness for that. Also It's good to still have the great Tommy Lasorda around.
The McCourt family has been a disaster from the beginning. Once Frank and Jamie McCourt started divorce proceedings the team has even been in even more rapid decline. It seemed to me several hundred miles away that the Dodgers were more about the McCourt divorce than the team itself. I've come to hate the word "leveraging" especially when it comes to someone wanting to buy a team that they can't afford. We've seen the results of that the last 7 years.
The shell shocked face on Tommy Lasorda when he met the "Idols" seems to be an appropriate metaphor for the falling apart of the Dodgers. I have several harsh thoughts about the McCourt family but I'll let someone else write those. ESPN has comments on it's stories, it's most recent story about the Dodgers has several cathartic comments from fans. I'm irritated by the McCourts, but no where as bad as some of these commenters. Of course, if I loved in California these last 7 years I might have even more harsh things to say.
Whoever is named to be in charge of the Dodgers has a nightmare ahead of them. I feel sorry for the poor person who has to look through their books. They can see where the money went that necessitated that $30 million loan. That's not going to be flattering to the Dodgers either. There were already enough sordid details that came out in the divorce. For instance, how much money was spent on making the McCourts look good and how the McCourts paid their kids extravagant salaries although they didn't do anything for the team. I don't even want to know how much money the McCourts spent on their several divorce attorneys.
That misused money then can be used on players. The Dodgers need of a big bat in the middle of their lineup is so obvious. But the McCourts have been spending that money on themselves rather than the team. Other bad legacies of the McCourts include the team's declining attendance and the Dodgers lack of a proper response to the Brian Stow beating. Why haven't the Dodgers stepped forward and offered to pay all medical expenses for Stow? Is it because they have no money? Why was there such poor security? Again is it because the Dodgers didn't have the money? I think the McCourt's greed will be their lasting legacy. What other conclusion besides making the McCourts sell the team can MLB reasonably come to?
Thanks again Bud for likely putting this 7 year stretch of hell to an end. After 7 years of famine, it's time to have 7 years of feast.
theirritatedmusicaddict
"AI" Top 7 Results show, another train wreck
Hello,
I watched last night's "American Idol" results show and what a train wreck that was. But isn't it every week? Did anything worthwhile happen on last night's show? The results show is the very definition of filler.
Here are some of the lowlights:
1) Ryan fluffed up the judges, like these preening peacocks need any more promotion.
2) An extremely janky arrangement for Train's "Soul Sister", the arrangement was so bad it took away from what makes that song so good.
3) The Ford commercial
4) Casey, Scotty and James singing "Viva La Vida".
5) Jacob misunderstanding that being called a diva isn't a compliment. Jacob let me make it real clear for you. A diva is spoiled, whiny and immature person. A diva is a lot like a kid, they want everything and they want it now.
6) We heard about Casey considering breathing in JLo's face. Eww!
7) Steven Tyler meeting David Cook's Mom, that was wrong on so many levels.
8) The Idols going to the Dodgers game, but most of them don't have a clue about that. Then video of them bowling and going to the spa. No surprise the diva wants to go to the spa the most. Then there was also James unfunny stunt at the spa. I'm surprised the dawg didn't go to the spa too.
9) James hearing from the lead singer of Muse. Allegedly Matt Bellamy said that he loved Durbin's vision for the song. Really? Um, you mean walking through the crowd with 4 drummers walking behind you. That's not a vision, that's a nightmare. James have you ever heard of people saying nice things not to hurt your feelings? Where's Christoph Waltz when we really need him?:
http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/04/22/christoph-waltz-american-idol-judging/
10) Scotty being safe, like there was any suspense about that. 52 million people voted, how many voted for McDreary? How many of those votes came from the tweeners?
11) Katy Perry and Kanye West singing that craptastic song "E.T.". What the hell was that? That's one of the worst songs that Katy Perry has ever sung. And as usual when a rapper cameos on a song, it's completely superfluous. Kanye was completely irrelevant on a very irrelevant song. Also Perry's lip synching was atrocious. It was so bad, I'm wondering if it was intentionally that bad? Is this suppose to be her answer to Rihanna and Skittles?
12) Ryan talking to Jacob and Stefano asking them how they feel before they find out who's going home. What they said seemed very scripted. Like they got it from the ham handed producers, a bad greeting card or a bumper sticker.
13) Jacob Lusk, the cockroach, surviving yet again. I got to think he's gone next week. He's a mediocre singer at best and seems very lame as a person. How bad were those that didn't make the Top 13 when he did?
14) That the results show is a hour, how ridiculous and greedy is that?
15) The extreme likelihood that Scotty McDreary is going to win this season of the show. That would make your last three winners Kris Allen, Lee Dewyze and McDreary. Have you fallen asleep yet?
Here are the highlights:
1) David Cook as always displays the class that helped make him so popular. With the rate "AI" is going he might be the last quality winner ever. He truly seems to be a very real and nice person. That means he sticks out like a sore thumb on "AI".
2) Jennifer Lopez, as always, looking good in her first and last season on "AI".
themusicaddict
I watched last night's "American Idol" results show and what a train wreck that was. But isn't it every week? Did anything worthwhile happen on last night's show? The results show is the very definition of filler.
Here are some of the lowlights:
1) Ryan fluffed up the judges, like these preening peacocks need any more promotion.
2) An extremely janky arrangement for Train's "Soul Sister", the arrangement was so bad it took away from what makes that song so good.
3) The Ford commercial
4) Casey, Scotty and James singing "Viva La Vida".
5) Jacob misunderstanding that being called a diva isn't a compliment. Jacob let me make it real clear for you. A diva is spoiled, whiny and immature person. A diva is a lot like a kid, they want everything and they want it now.
6) We heard about Casey considering breathing in JLo's face. Eww!
7) Steven Tyler meeting David Cook's Mom, that was wrong on so many levels.
8) The Idols going to the Dodgers game, but most of them don't have a clue about that. Then video of them bowling and going to the spa. No surprise the diva wants to go to the spa the most. Then there was also James unfunny stunt at the spa. I'm surprised the dawg didn't go to the spa too.
9) James hearing from the lead singer of Muse. Allegedly Matt Bellamy said that he loved Durbin's vision for the song. Really? Um, you mean walking through the crowd with 4 drummers walking behind you. That's not a vision, that's a nightmare. James have you ever heard of people saying nice things not to hurt your feelings? Where's Christoph Waltz when we really need him?:
http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/04/22/christoph-waltz-american-idol-judging/
10) Scotty being safe, like there was any suspense about that. 52 million people voted, how many voted for McDreary? How many of those votes came from the tweeners?
11) Katy Perry and Kanye West singing that craptastic song "E.T.". What the hell was that? That's one of the worst songs that Katy Perry has ever sung. And as usual when a rapper cameos on a song, it's completely superfluous. Kanye was completely irrelevant on a very irrelevant song. Also Perry's lip synching was atrocious. It was so bad, I'm wondering if it was intentionally that bad? Is this suppose to be her answer to Rihanna and Skittles?
12) Ryan talking to Jacob and Stefano asking them how they feel before they find out who's going home. What they said seemed very scripted. Like they got it from the ham handed producers, a bad greeting card or a bumper sticker.
13) Jacob Lusk, the cockroach, surviving yet again. I got to think he's gone next week. He's a mediocre singer at best and seems very lame as a person. How bad were those that didn't make the Top 13 when he did?
14) That the results show is a hour, how ridiculous and greedy is that?
15) The extreme likelihood that Scotty McDreary is going to win this season of the show. That would make your last three winners Kris Allen, Lee Dewyze and McDreary. Have you fallen asleep yet?
Here are the highlights:
1) David Cook as always displays the class that helped make him so popular. With the rate "AI" is going he might be the last quality winner ever. He truly seems to be a very real and nice person. That means he sticks out like a sore thumb on "AI".
2) Jennifer Lopez, as always, looking good in her first and last season on "AI".
themusicaddict
Thursday, April 21, 2011
"AI" Top 7 Review: Songs of the 21st Century
Hello,
Last night was the "American Idol" Top 7, the theme was Songs of the 21st Century.
7) Jacob Lusk (Up 1, again still the worst though) sang Luther Vandross' "Dance With My Father". First of all he's always being compared to Luther? Really? Why? Because they are the same color? I just don't see that comparison in anyway. A more apt comparison would be Ruben Studdard, but that would be demeaning to Studdard. With some of the greatest singers/performers of all-time being black, why hasn't that translated over to "AI"? I agree with my brother's idea that Lusk reminds me more of the Bubba Gump guy from "Forrest Gump". In rehearsal Lusk was crying, even he realizes how bad he is :) He gave a better performance than he usually does and this time he didn't have a choir come and save him. Again the judges praised, actually over praised, him. I did like Randy saying to him "if you're here next week...". I hope that was a hint to the American voting public. I hope so, it's time for him to go home! His hanging on reminds me of Sanjaya's ability to give crappy performances but keep on being voted back each week. Grade: C-
6) James Durbin (Down 3) sang Muse's "Uprising". I think I'm going to start an uprising if he's on for too many more weeks. I loved how Ryan asked him how he gets all his ideas, duh Ryan he steals them. He's trying to show he can be contemporary, maybe he should show he has talent first. Did he intentionally sing a wimpy version of this song? Compared to the original his version was weak. He's also one of the goofiest guys to ever appear on "AI". Who's voting for him and Lusk anyway? Jackson, proving his uselessness again as a judge, predicted that would be the best performance of the night. That in spite of Lusk only being the second person to sing. Steven Tyler said he had that T Rex groove, Durbin doesn't know who that is Steven. Grade: C.
This is how it should sound James:
I actually like this version better, it actually sounds like it's sung live. The video above doesn't sound live and is surprisingly passionless.
5) Lauren Alaina (Down 3)sang Sara Evans' "Born To Fly". Jimmy Iovine actually provided helpful advice, that she should just let herself go. However I still hope this is his last season, he's just not been very good this season. After receiving Iovine's good advice, Lauren didn't even listen to it? She didn't let herself go all out. Why not? If I had a voice that good I would take that voice out for a drive. She's been good and I still think she can win. However how much better of a contestant could she have been if she'd waited a few more years. Overall I was very disappointed by her uninspired performance, it should have been so much better. Lauren, listen to that advice from both Iovine and JLo next week. The dawg continues to be stupid saying to Lauren, "dude, you can do it". Although he did redeem himself a bit when he told Lauren she needed to challenge herself. Amen! Grade: C
4) Scotty McDreary (Up 2) sang John Anderson's "Swingin". Yes, I know they gave the credit to Leann Rimes so he could qualify for the theme. However that song is Anderson's all the way. I wouldn't mind seeing him going home tonight. It's good, in most things, to be consistent. With Scotty we know what he exactly is, he's a country singer. A consistently boring country singer. He desperately needs to expand his limited focus or he won't even have a David Archuleta like career. Would it hurt him to sing a song from another genre? JLo said she was "expecting more". How about something different? Grade: C
This is the real version of "Swingin'". Anderson is one of the more under appreciated country singers. Maybe I'll have to blog about him soon.
3) Haley Reinhart (Up 1) continues to impress on Adele's "Rolling In The Deep", that's one of the best songs of the year. That's just a great song. I love her voice, she has the same sort of rasp as Adele. She followed Durbin and she was superior to him in every way. I love especially how she's better than Durbin, but still has humility. Randy suggested that's the direction she should go in as a singer. By my count that's two insightful comments by Randy in one show! Jennifer pointed out how she "brought Haley" to the song. Grade: B-
2) Stefano Langone (Up 3) sang Ne-Yo's "Closer". I listened to Ne-Yo's version after the show, I think Langone sings this song much better. The roller coaster man was on the higher part of the roller coaster this week. Although when someone is this high on my list, it's usually a kiss of death. I hope he's able to stick around another week. Although this song was hurt by a terrible arrangement. His performance soared during the verse and chorus. However the performance started going downhill when he had to repeat the chorus over and over again. They are only allowed to sing90 seconds, why can't they sing two verses? If he'd been able to sing two verses he'd probably be #1 on my list. Jimmy Iovine was great in his advice urging him not to plead as he sang the song. And Stefano did follow his advice. The judges were practically worthless with their critiques. Grade: B+
1) Casey Abrams (Up 6) sang Maroon 5's "Harder To Breathe". Another performance that started out fantastic, but about the halfway point started declining. Through the first half of the performance I was thinking I might even buy this version. However common sense took over. I wouldn't want to break my string of not buying any songs from this season. I'll buy Pia Toscano's debut CD, that will probably be the only music I buy from this seasons singers. Again I definitely won't be buying tickets to the concert. Could you imagine how bloated and boring that will be? Especially with 11 singers on tour and most of those being horrid. With touring hurting so bad, can many of these shows will have solid sales. Seriously how bad is "AI" going to get before they kill it? Back to Casey, Jennifer actually gave an intelligent critique. Randy was a little worried before Casey sang the song. I understand that but Abrams was pretty good. Kissing JLo was sort of stupid. Although I agree with Steven Tyler, that's what most of the men in America would like to do. JLo is a gorgeous woman. Grade: B+
After another less than inspiring show, Pia I miss you still. Although Pia has been eliminated this season, she already is the winner of this season.
themusicaddict
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
"We're Going Out Tonight" update
Hello,
I've had a couple of people wanting to hear an update about the Jimmy Marsh song "We're Going Out Tonight". It appeared on a December episode of "Blue Bloods". This is what I've found out, again the information available for this song is very limited.
The following is from answers.com: On April 9, 2011 at 7:41 pm JimmyMarshMusic [1] said:
Jimmy Marsh is the artist who sings "Going Out Tonight" as aired December, 2010 on CBS' "Blue Bloods" [Episode 10 - After Hours]. This song features West Coast rapper Roscoe Umali and it hasn't been released. For information on Jimmy Marsh, visit jimmymarshmusic.com. Jimmy Marsh is a Boston-based rap artist signed under the label of Donnie D. Productions. (I copied and pasted this from answers.com. However I edited it a bit.)
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Discuss:Who_sings_were_going_out_tonight_from_blue_bloods#ixzz1K5XABURr
This episode was recently shown in the UK, so that brought another surge to my blog. It's surreal to do a google.com search and my blog is the top 4 results for that search. The thing is I don't know a lot more about that song than I did when the "Blue Bloods" episode aired back in December.
I only know about the song because I watched "Blue Bloods" and then wrote about it on my blog. Then I had a few people find my blog by googling "Blue Bloods". From reading what search terms people used to find my blog, I realized a lot of people for interested in this.
themusicaddict
I've had a couple of people wanting to hear an update about the Jimmy Marsh song "We're Going Out Tonight". It appeared on a December episode of "Blue Bloods". This is what I've found out, again the information available for this song is very limited.
The following is from answers.com: On April 9, 2011 at 7:41 pm JimmyMarshMusic [1] said:
Jimmy Marsh is the artist who sings "Going Out Tonight" as aired December, 2010 on CBS' "Blue Bloods" [Episode 10 - After Hours]. This song features West Coast rapper Roscoe Umali and it hasn't been released. For information on Jimmy Marsh, visit jimmymarshmusic.com. Jimmy Marsh is a Boston-based rap artist signed under the label of Donnie D. Productions. (I copied and pasted this from answers.com. However I edited it a bit.)
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Discuss:Who_sings_were_going_out_tonight_from_blue_bloods#ixzz1K5XABURr
This episode was recently shown in the UK, so that brought another surge to my blog. It's surreal to do a google.com search and my blog is the top 4 results for that search. The thing is I don't know a lot more about that song than I did when the "Blue Bloods" episode aired back in December.
I only know about the song because I watched "Blue Bloods" and then wrote about it on my blog. Then I had a few people find my blog by googling "Blue Bloods". From reading what search terms people used to find my blog, I realized a lot of people for interested in this.
themusicaddict
Point Guards continue to dominate NBA playoffs, Lady Gaga "Get Thee To A Nunnery", Under appreciated songs of the day
Hello,
I wrote a blog yesterday about how this NBA post season has had the theme of the importance of point guards. (Yes, I know that's a bit obvious, but point guards are even more important than usual this year.) That trend continued last night in the Boston-New York series. It was seen in the performance of Rajon Rondo, he scored a career playoff high 30 points. He also had 7 assists and 4 rebounds. Rondo wasn't perfect as he had 4 turnovers but that was in an intense 42 minutes.
The flip side of the point guard situation, the Knicks starting point guard Chauncey Billups sat out the whole game due to injury. Also look how much the Jazz fell apart once Deron Williams was traded away. However the Jazz started falling apart before he was traded.
One final thing about point guards, it's good seeing Andre Miller playing for the Trailblazers last night. Not that I care about the Trailblazers, I just enjoyed seeing the old Ute point guard. Remember when the Utes basketball team used to be relevant? Those were some good memories with him, Keith Van Horn, Michael Doleac and all the others dominating. They even dominated my beloved Cougars, but that was okay. While watching the Portland game last night, I realized out of all those players that Miller has been the best pro. I don't think I would have predicted that. Out of all those players he was also my favorite. I saw him at the U a couple of times on campus, like a real student! Also like Miller I have a learning disability. So I related to him. He's a gritty hard nosed player that plays the game the way it should be played.
Today is Day 39 of the NFL Greedout. Yesterday both sides met for 7 hours and it sounds like they are getting closer to a deal. It seems like the players are starting to buckle, which isn't a big surprise. Rick Reilly, over at espn.go.com. wrote an article yesterday. He's trying to get us to feel empathy for the players. Here's the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=6388708
I'm sorry I don't feel sorry for anybody in this whole debacle. Obviously the owners aren't going to be poor probably ever. It sounds like if the Greedout goes on for too much longer, the players might have to get jobs. How am I suppose to feel empathy for them? They have to get a job? So! Welcome to reality. Reilly writes about one player that "only" gets $10,000 from the NFLPA's lockout fund. And.....? I wish I had "only" $10,000 to draw from.
And guess who showed up to the NFL contract negotiations yesterday? Yes, Jerry Jones. What is it with owners of Dallas sports teams and loving the limelight so much? Jones don't you have the draft to "help" prepare for? Of course the brains of the organization are probably glad that Jones is away. Jerry this would be a perfect time to learn how to be a better general manager. Obviously you are the owner and aren't going to give up that position, at least you should be the best you can be. And if you already are the best you can be, it's time to hire a real general manager.
I also don't feel sorry for us, the fans, that might have to go without pro football. That's at the very bottom of the list of hard things in life. A football vacation would be a good thing for many fans. It will be a chance for them to focus on something else, something that's probably much more important. I say this as a football fan. Of course my football fix will be perfectly satiated by college football, which is the better form of football.
Lady Gaga has struck again. Her new song is now available, the name of it is "Judas". Yes, it sounds like the song is about Judas Iscariot, the man who kissed Jesus and betrayed him to his enemies. Here's one of the lines from the song, "in the most Biblical sense, I am beyond repentance/Fame hooker, prostitute, wench,". Apparently the theme of the video is going to revolve around Mary Magdalene. Of course, in the Bible she's referred to as a prostitute, a myth that has been mostly disproved now. But with an alleged prostitute the theme of the video, one can only guess how depraved Lady Gaga will make that.
Rolling Stone refers to the song as "button-pushing, morals-tweaking mode". Really Lady Gaga pushing buttons? She's done that so much now though that it has become cliche. Again the easiest way to draw attention to oneself is by pushing buttons. When you do that, it doesn't even need to be good. Now I'll admit when Gaga's CD is released I'll probably buy it on opening day. She's crazy talented. However when there are mainly kids that are buying her music and watching her videos, I wish she would present a better message.
Most of these kids are tweens, who are at a very fragile age. I realize Lady Gaga's goal and the record companies goal is to sell as many records they can. Stefani, can I call you Stefani? I wish you would consider the possible consequences of your "art". Remember these are the same tweens that are voting for Scotty McDreary on "American Idol". They'll barely remember who he is a year from now. (An example, where have the Jonas Brothers gone?) They will remember who you are Gaga, you'll still be a superstar. However they'll also remember the pornography that you call "art". True artists don't need to rely on pornography and other attention getters to get a message out. Also why would you want to promote some of the messages you do.
I realize as a parent, that's my job to prevent my kids from seeing what I deem offensive. But when I don't live with my kids, my influence is severely limited. So Stefani, Lady Gaga, I would appreciate some help please. I thought about posting the complete "Judas" lyrics here, but I decided against it. Other than asking for a more moral message from Gaga, I don't want to promote her mainly immoral messages.
Under appreciated songs of the day:
Maroon 5's "Through With You" is a great kiss off to an ex song. But this next song is a true butt kicker:
So that no one will accuse me of having a theme, here's a Top 500 song:
themusicaddict
I wrote a blog yesterday about how this NBA post season has had the theme of the importance of point guards. (Yes, I know that's a bit obvious, but point guards are even more important than usual this year.) That trend continued last night in the Boston-New York series. It was seen in the performance of Rajon Rondo, he scored a career playoff high 30 points. He also had 7 assists and 4 rebounds. Rondo wasn't perfect as he had 4 turnovers but that was in an intense 42 minutes.
The flip side of the point guard situation, the Knicks starting point guard Chauncey Billups sat out the whole game due to injury. Also look how much the Jazz fell apart once Deron Williams was traded away. However the Jazz started falling apart before he was traded.
One final thing about point guards, it's good seeing Andre Miller playing for the Trailblazers last night. Not that I care about the Trailblazers, I just enjoyed seeing the old Ute point guard. Remember when the Utes basketball team used to be relevant? Those were some good memories with him, Keith Van Horn, Michael Doleac and all the others dominating. They even dominated my beloved Cougars, but that was okay. While watching the Portland game last night, I realized out of all those players that Miller has been the best pro. I don't think I would have predicted that. Out of all those players he was also my favorite. I saw him at the U a couple of times on campus, like a real student! Also like Miller I have a learning disability. So I related to him. He's a gritty hard nosed player that plays the game the way it should be played.
Today is Day 39 of the NFL Greedout. Yesterday both sides met for 7 hours and it sounds like they are getting closer to a deal. It seems like the players are starting to buckle, which isn't a big surprise. Rick Reilly, over at espn.go.com. wrote an article yesterday. He's trying to get us to feel empathy for the players. Here's the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=6388708
I'm sorry I don't feel sorry for anybody in this whole debacle. Obviously the owners aren't going to be poor probably ever. It sounds like if the Greedout goes on for too much longer, the players might have to get jobs. How am I suppose to feel empathy for them? They have to get a job? So! Welcome to reality. Reilly writes about one player that "only" gets $10,000 from the NFLPA's lockout fund. And.....? I wish I had "only" $10,000 to draw from.
And guess who showed up to the NFL contract negotiations yesterday? Yes, Jerry Jones. What is it with owners of Dallas sports teams and loving the limelight so much? Jones don't you have the draft to "help" prepare for? Of course the brains of the organization are probably glad that Jones is away. Jerry this would be a perfect time to learn how to be a better general manager. Obviously you are the owner and aren't going to give up that position, at least you should be the best you can be. And if you already are the best you can be, it's time to hire a real general manager.
I also don't feel sorry for us, the fans, that might have to go without pro football. That's at the very bottom of the list of hard things in life. A football vacation would be a good thing for many fans. It will be a chance for them to focus on something else, something that's probably much more important. I say this as a football fan. Of course my football fix will be perfectly satiated by college football, which is the better form of football.
Lady Gaga has struck again. Her new song is now available, the name of it is "Judas". Yes, it sounds like the song is about Judas Iscariot, the man who kissed Jesus and betrayed him to his enemies. Here's one of the lines from the song, "in the most Biblical sense, I am beyond repentance/Fame hooker, prostitute, wench,". Apparently the theme of the video is going to revolve around Mary Magdalene. Of course, in the Bible she's referred to as a prostitute, a myth that has been mostly disproved now. But with an alleged prostitute the theme of the video, one can only guess how depraved Lady Gaga will make that.
Rolling Stone refers to the song as "button-pushing, morals-tweaking mode". Really Lady Gaga pushing buttons? She's done that so much now though that it has become cliche. Again the easiest way to draw attention to oneself is by pushing buttons. When you do that, it doesn't even need to be good. Now I'll admit when Gaga's CD is released I'll probably buy it on opening day. She's crazy talented. However when there are mainly kids that are buying her music and watching her videos, I wish she would present a better message.
Most of these kids are tweens, who are at a very fragile age. I realize Lady Gaga's goal and the record companies goal is to sell as many records they can. Stefani, can I call you Stefani? I wish you would consider the possible consequences of your "art". Remember these are the same tweens that are voting for Scotty McDreary on "American Idol". They'll barely remember who he is a year from now. (An example, where have the Jonas Brothers gone?) They will remember who you are Gaga, you'll still be a superstar. However they'll also remember the pornography that you call "art". True artists don't need to rely on pornography and other attention getters to get a message out. Also why would you want to promote some of the messages you do.
I realize as a parent, that's my job to prevent my kids from seeing what I deem offensive. But when I don't live with my kids, my influence is severely limited. So Stefani, Lady Gaga, I would appreciate some help please. I thought about posting the complete "Judas" lyrics here, but I decided against it. Other than asking for a more moral message from Gaga, I don't want to promote her mainly immoral messages.
Under appreciated songs of the day:
Maroon 5's "Through With You" is a great kiss off to an ex song. But this next song is a true butt kicker:
So that no one will accuse me of having a theme, here's a Top 500 song:
themusicaddict
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
This is the Year of the Point Guard in the NBA Playoffs.
Hello,
I've only watched a few minutes of the NBA playoffs so far, but there's clearly a trend going on. A team with a strong dominant point guard is going to lead it's team to the NBA title. Will it be Derrick Rose, Darren Collison, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo etc.
If I was starting a team I'd definitely choose Rose over Collison, however Collison obviously makes the Pacers go. It seemed that the Pacers were on their way to tying the series at 1 game a piece last night. That is until Collison sprained his ankle and wasn't able to come back into the game. All of sudden the Pacers looked out of sync and their offense was much less effective. Although T.J. Ford's three quarter shot at at the end of the third quarter gave them some temporary life. Ford, yes, is a point guard. If Collison had been able to play the second half, Indiana probably would have won that game. Instead Rose threw the Bulls on his back and dragged them to a 1-1 series tie.
When the Hornets knocked off the Lakers in Game 1 of their series, who was the man? Paul stepped up the most for the Hornets. Of course it was Chris Paul, who again is a point guard. He spurred the Hornets to their victory. Chris Paul had 33 points, 14 assists and 7 rebounds. Paul was a very efficient 11 of 18 from the field.
Even my adopted playoff team, the Thunder are lead by their point guard, Russell Westbrook. Kevin Durrant may be the star and the leading scorer, but Westbrook is the one that led the team. Westbrook was 12 of 23 from the field, including 3 of 4 from 3 point land. Westbrook finished with 31 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds. An outstanding performance in all facets of the game.
I'm glad the Thunder won the game, but I'm disturbed they were credited with that controversial goal tending basket. Isn't why they have 3 refs? Even the NBA, an organization loathe to admit mistakes, admitted that call was botched. Why are leagues taking so long to enact rule changes to use video on these kind of plays. Maybe like in the NFL coaches can have 2 challenges on plays that go beyond the current rules. Also the NBA should enact that rule asap. The Thunder still might have stormed their way to victory. We'll never know for sure as the goal tend was allowed.
themusicaddict
I've only watched a few minutes of the NBA playoffs so far, but there's clearly a trend going on. A team with a strong dominant point guard is going to lead it's team to the NBA title. Will it be Derrick Rose, Darren Collison, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo etc.
If I was starting a team I'd definitely choose Rose over Collison, however Collison obviously makes the Pacers go. It seemed that the Pacers were on their way to tying the series at 1 game a piece last night. That is until Collison sprained his ankle and wasn't able to come back into the game. All of sudden the Pacers looked out of sync and their offense was much less effective. Although T.J. Ford's three quarter shot at at the end of the third quarter gave them some temporary life. Ford, yes, is a point guard. If Collison had been able to play the second half, Indiana probably would have won that game. Instead Rose threw the Bulls on his back and dragged them to a 1-1 series tie.
When the Hornets knocked off the Lakers in Game 1 of their series, who was the man? Paul stepped up the most for the Hornets. Of course it was Chris Paul, who again is a point guard. He spurred the Hornets to their victory. Chris Paul had 33 points, 14 assists and 7 rebounds. Paul was a very efficient 11 of 18 from the field.
Even my adopted playoff team, the Thunder are lead by their point guard, Russell Westbrook. Kevin Durrant may be the star and the leading scorer, but Westbrook is the one that led the team. Westbrook was 12 of 23 from the field, including 3 of 4 from 3 point land. Westbrook finished with 31 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds. An outstanding performance in all facets of the game.
I'm glad the Thunder won the game, but I'm disturbed they were credited with that controversial goal tending basket. Isn't why they have 3 refs? Even the NBA, an organization loathe to admit mistakes, admitted that call was botched. Why are leagues taking so long to enact rule changes to use video on these kind of plays. Maybe like in the NFL coaches can have 2 challenges on plays that go beyond the current rules. Also the NBA should enact that rule asap. The Thunder still might have stormed their way to victory. We'll never know for sure as the goal tend was allowed.
themusicaddict
"Hawaii Five-0": Less Than Exciting Stories, Great Music
Hello,
If you were wondering what that amazing song in last night's episode was, this is it:
Isn't it convenient that Sean Combs (P Diddy or whatever name he's going by this week) also happened to star in last night's episode. Too bad it was another mediocre episode for this series. The song and story line were extremely similar. Although I'm glad the "H50" producers focused more on the Skylar Gray singing rather than the Puff Diddy rapping. Although for a rap song this isn't a bad song.
Then last week the episode closed with this amazing song, R.E.M.'s "Walk On Back":
themusicaddict
If you were wondering what that amazing song in last night's episode was, this is it:
Isn't it convenient that Sean Combs (P Diddy or whatever name he's going by this week) also happened to star in last night's episode. Too bad it was another mediocre episode for this series. The song and story line were extremely similar. Although I'm glad the "H50" producers focused more on the Skylar Gray singing rather than the Puff Diddy rapping. Although for a rap song this isn't a bad song.
Then last week the episode closed with this amazing song, R.E.M.'s "Walk On Back":
themusicaddict
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Ha Ha Ha, the NBA playoffs and Nirvana blow, "The Conspirator" is great
Hello,
Again sorry for the infrequent blogs of late, I've just been very busy. Things should settle down for the next little while though.
I'm a humongous fan of basketball, but not a big fan of NBA basketball. However I'm a sports fan so I'm well aware the NBA playoffs started yesterday. The arrogance of David Stern permeates the league. I hate the superstar calls and there's a lot of false drama. Also many players play like they don't care, they're just there for the ridiculously big contract. Also the NBA playoffs are the worst playoffs in sports, other than college football. Has the NBA switched plyoff series to best-of-9 yet? The two month grind of the NBA playoffs is too long. The NBA is motivated by greed and it's too long playoffs show that. This postseason has been marked by a bunch of blah games and games going as expected. Although today's games have had a few surprises. My designated playoff team, the Thunder, start the playoffs tonight. I might even watch some of that game.
College basketball has the best playoffs, everything is done in 3 weeks. Every game is meaningful and either team can win almost every game. Every game is a win or go home, which means maximum effort by both sides. That also means maximum drama. In the NBA best-of-7 series, a team can lose 3 games and still win the series. Where's the drama in that? Many times even Game 7s in the NBA aren't that exciting.
There have been some entertaining things that have happened in the first two days of the NBA playoffs. In the off season the Bulls made a "big" free agent signing. (I rolled my eyes as I wrote that last sentence.) They signed Carlos Boozer, possibly thinking he would be the final piece to take them to the NBA title. (Whatever!) The Bulls paid $80 million dollars for the stiff. I read that he gave the Jazz the chance to match the deal. They declined, thankfully they declined. At the time I thought it was the right decision and at this time I know it's the right decision. I say that even with how crappy the second half of the Jazz's season was. Carlos Boozer is emblematic of what's wrong with the NBA currently.
He doesn't play hard all the time, he rarely plays defense and even when he does he's not very good at it. He doesn't play with heart. This is his job and he acts like it's a job. He doesn't play as if he's an extremely fortunate individual. No one is ever going to confuse him for Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen. Hell, I don't think anyone is going to confuse Boozer for Ron Harper. I particularly loved this paragraph, following Chicago's first game victory over the Pacers, from espn.com:
"The Bulls prized free-agent acquisition was bad in his first playoff game as a Bull. He was 4-for-11 from the field for 12 points. He grabbed just six rebounds and committed five fouls and four turnovers. Not to mention that he got lit up repeatedly by Pacers forward Tyler Hansbrough on the defensive end. If the Bulls want to go deep in the postseason, they simply have to get a better performance out of their power forward."
Why is anyone surprised by the above paragraph? He's an over hyped player. He's not a clutch player and he got blitzed by Tyler Hansbrough. Hansbrough, yes the same player that's barely been heard from since his North Carolina playing days a few years ago. I enjoyed reading the comments from fans following this article. More comments were about getting rid of Boozer in the off season, rather than the Bulls actually being in the playoffs. There were a few observant fans though that realized how hard it would be to get rid of Boozer with that albatross of a contract. Good news Chicago, only 4 more years of this player and his contract. Can you see why many Jazz fans weren't upset when he left for Chicago? Not only were many Jazz fans not upset, many of us were ecstatic that he left the Jazz.
The other highlight for me in the first 1.5 days of the NBA playoffs is that New Orleans went into LA and beat the Lakers. A team that many consider having a strong chance to make the NBA Finals. Where was the great Kobe Bryant to save the Lakers? Other than the five turnovers he had a pretty solid game. Although I'm not a big fan of Bryant, he's an ultimate gamer. He's one of those rare players that is a killer. He wants to win and will do whatever he can to win. Boozer can learn a lot from him.
Now do I think that the Hornets are going to win this series? No, are you kidding me? The Hornets have as much of a chance to beat the Lakers as I do of marrying Jennifer Aniston. If the Hornets somehow find a way to win this series, Jennifer consider that my proposal.
As I'm writing this blog the Knicks are opening up their series with the Celtics. I'm hoping for a sweep by the Celtics. I want the Knicks hype train ground to a halt as quickly as possible. Of course once the NBA Finals have come and gone and the labor issues resolved, the Knicks hype will start up again. Carmelo isn't all that. It's not a coincidence the Nuggets finished 18-7 once the unloaded him to the Knicks.
I'll be cheering for the Thunder tonight, although I don't know if I'll be watching it. One thing I'll be watching for sure is episode 4 of "The Killing". The first three episodes have been simply amazing. The story so far has been told very well. The woman, Mireille Enos, that plays the lead detective has simply been a revelation. She plays her character to perfection. It will be interesting to see her relationship with her fiance continue to unravel. She's not going to be moving to California. I'm not sure what's holding her in Seattle, but her fiance isn't enough to pull her away. A true anomaly in modern entertainment, where story trumps shocks and explosions. This show reminds me so much of the excellent "Rubicon". I just hope it doesn't end after one season also.
Quick reviews: Another well told story is the new Robert Redford directed movie "The Conspirator". This movie proves the adage that truth is stranger than fiction. All the many things that happened once Lincoln was assassinated truly are unbelievable. However those things really happened which make for an exciting story.
It's frightening how Edwin Stanton and President Johnson overwhelmed rule of law in order for Mary Surratt to be executed. But don't feel sorry for Surratt, she seems to be as guilty as Stanton thought she was. This situation reminded me of Dick Cheney and all the crap that happened after 9/11. In fact Dick Cheney should have played Edwin Stanton. As with both Johnson and Bush, the President wasn't necessarily the person in charge. It says a lot that we never saw President Johnson in "The Conspirator". It seems that's Redford saying how important he was in this drama. I'm reading a book that's about this exact same topic. Certainly a lesser known story in history, but an amazing story. In Redford's able hands, this story is given the attention it deserves. I'm excited by the news that Stephen Spielberg is making a movie about Lincoln.
Similar to how story trumps all in "The Killing" and "The Conspirator", another story that belongs in that category is "The Kings Speech". What a great movie, Colin Firth plays the future King with so much skill. We really empathize with how humiliating it was for him not to be able to speak as he would have liked. Geoffery Rush was equally brilliant as the speech therapist who helped him get his groove back.
"Rio" is about as you would expect. It's a good kids movie, but nothing an adult would ever want to see more than once. That's the same review I give to "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs". If it wasn't for kids, there would be no reason to make either one of these movies.
I just barely watched the first "Dirty Harry" movie. I love movies from that era, that was obviously before political correctness. Also they didn't mind showing a lot of flesh, whether there was any relevance to the story or not. I enjoyed watching Clint Eastwood, he's deservedly a legend. I hope for many more excellent movies from him. One thing I noticed about this movie is how he was the only actor I recognized. All the rest of the actors seemed to have faded away making very little lasting impact.
The early 1990's version of "Flipper" was interesting. I had forgotten that Paul Hogan actually had roles after "Crocodile Dundee".
I'm not a big Foo Fighters fan, but their new CD "Wasting Light" has been praised so much that I had to check it out. I listened to it at napster.com. I liked it so much that I bought it and also the Foo Fighters Greatest Hits. Both are good CD's.
This is my favorite song from the new CD, this is called "Back and Forth":
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the one hit wonder known as Nirvana. A very impassioned Nirvana fan voiced his disapproval with my thoughts. His arguments made me reconsider my position about Nirvana again. The more I think about it, the more I come to the conclusion that Nirvana still sucks. I've asked a few other people their opinion and overall the overwhelming opinion is that Nirvana is vastly overrated. A lot of the comments I received started off with "Nirvana sucks". I agree 100%. If Kurt Cobain hadn't killed himself, he would have completely disappeared by now. He would have faded into obscurity as much as MC Hammer has.
I invite people to post comments and disagree with me, but Nirvana is vastly over rated.
themusicaddict
Again sorry for the infrequent blogs of late, I've just been very busy. Things should settle down for the next little while though.
I'm a humongous fan of basketball, but not a big fan of NBA basketball. However I'm a sports fan so I'm well aware the NBA playoffs started yesterday. The arrogance of David Stern permeates the league. I hate the superstar calls and there's a lot of false drama. Also many players play like they don't care, they're just there for the ridiculously big contract. Also the NBA playoffs are the worst playoffs in sports, other than college football. Has the NBA switched plyoff series to best-of-9 yet? The two month grind of the NBA playoffs is too long. The NBA is motivated by greed and it's too long playoffs show that. This postseason has been marked by a bunch of blah games and games going as expected. Although today's games have had a few surprises. My designated playoff team, the Thunder, start the playoffs tonight. I might even watch some of that game.
College basketball has the best playoffs, everything is done in 3 weeks. Every game is meaningful and either team can win almost every game. Every game is a win or go home, which means maximum effort by both sides. That also means maximum drama. In the NBA best-of-7 series, a team can lose 3 games and still win the series. Where's the drama in that? Many times even Game 7s in the NBA aren't that exciting.
There have been some entertaining things that have happened in the first two days of the NBA playoffs. In the off season the Bulls made a "big" free agent signing. (I rolled my eyes as I wrote that last sentence.) They signed Carlos Boozer, possibly thinking he would be the final piece to take them to the NBA title. (Whatever!) The Bulls paid $80 million dollars for the stiff. I read that he gave the Jazz the chance to match the deal. They declined, thankfully they declined. At the time I thought it was the right decision and at this time I know it's the right decision. I say that even with how crappy the second half of the Jazz's season was. Carlos Boozer is emblematic of what's wrong with the NBA currently.
He doesn't play hard all the time, he rarely plays defense and even when he does he's not very good at it. He doesn't play with heart. This is his job and he acts like it's a job. He doesn't play as if he's an extremely fortunate individual. No one is ever going to confuse him for Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen. Hell, I don't think anyone is going to confuse Boozer for Ron Harper. I particularly loved this paragraph, following Chicago's first game victory over the Pacers, from espn.com:
"The Bulls prized free-agent acquisition was bad in his first playoff game as a Bull. He was 4-for-11 from the field for 12 points. He grabbed just six rebounds and committed five fouls and four turnovers. Not to mention that he got lit up repeatedly by Pacers forward Tyler Hansbrough on the defensive end. If the Bulls want to go deep in the postseason, they simply have to get a better performance out of their power forward."
Why is anyone surprised by the above paragraph? He's an over hyped player. He's not a clutch player and he got blitzed by Tyler Hansbrough. Hansbrough, yes the same player that's barely been heard from since his North Carolina playing days a few years ago. I enjoyed reading the comments from fans following this article. More comments were about getting rid of Boozer in the off season, rather than the Bulls actually being in the playoffs. There were a few observant fans though that realized how hard it would be to get rid of Boozer with that albatross of a contract. Good news Chicago, only 4 more years of this player and his contract. Can you see why many Jazz fans weren't upset when he left for Chicago? Not only were many Jazz fans not upset, many of us were ecstatic that he left the Jazz.
The other highlight for me in the first 1.5 days of the NBA playoffs is that New Orleans went into LA and beat the Lakers. A team that many consider having a strong chance to make the NBA Finals. Where was the great Kobe Bryant to save the Lakers? Other than the five turnovers he had a pretty solid game. Although I'm not a big fan of Bryant, he's an ultimate gamer. He's one of those rare players that is a killer. He wants to win and will do whatever he can to win. Boozer can learn a lot from him.
Now do I think that the Hornets are going to win this series? No, are you kidding me? The Hornets have as much of a chance to beat the Lakers as I do of marrying Jennifer Aniston. If the Hornets somehow find a way to win this series, Jennifer consider that my proposal.
As I'm writing this blog the Knicks are opening up their series with the Celtics. I'm hoping for a sweep by the Celtics. I want the Knicks hype train ground to a halt as quickly as possible. Of course once the NBA Finals have come and gone and the labor issues resolved, the Knicks hype will start up again. Carmelo isn't all that. It's not a coincidence the Nuggets finished 18-7 once the unloaded him to the Knicks.
I'll be cheering for the Thunder tonight, although I don't know if I'll be watching it. One thing I'll be watching for sure is episode 4 of "The Killing". The first three episodes have been simply amazing. The story so far has been told very well. The woman, Mireille Enos, that plays the lead detective has simply been a revelation. She plays her character to perfection. It will be interesting to see her relationship with her fiance continue to unravel. She's not going to be moving to California. I'm not sure what's holding her in Seattle, but her fiance isn't enough to pull her away. A true anomaly in modern entertainment, where story trumps shocks and explosions. This show reminds me so much of the excellent "Rubicon". I just hope it doesn't end after one season also.
Quick reviews: Another well told story is the new Robert Redford directed movie "The Conspirator". This movie proves the adage that truth is stranger than fiction. All the many things that happened once Lincoln was assassinated truly are unbelievable. However those things really happened which make for an exciting story.
It's frightening how Edwin Stanton and President Johnson overwhelmed rule of law in order for Mary Surratt to be executed. But don't feel sorry for Surratt, she seems to be as guilty as Stanton thought she was. This situation reminded me of Dick Cheney and all the crap that happened after 9/11. In fact Dick Cheney should have played Edwin Stanton. As with both Johnson and Bush, the President wasn't necessarily the person in charge. It says a lot that we never saw President Johnson in "The Conspirator". It seems that's Redford saying how important he was in this drama. I'm reading a book that's about this exact same topic. Certainly a lesser known story in history, but an amazing story. In Redford's able hands, this story is given the attention it deserves. I'm excited by the news that Stephen Spielberg is making a movie about Lincoln.
Similar to how story trumps all in "The Killing" and "The Conspirator", another story that belongs in that category is "The Kings Speech". What a great movie, Colin Firth plays the future King with so much skill. We really empathize with how humiliating it was for him not to be able to speak as he would have liked. Geoffery Rush was equally brilliant as the speech therapist who helped him get his groove back.
"Rio" is about as you would expect. It's a good kids movie, but nothing an adult would ever want to see more than once. That's the same review I give to "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs". If it wasn't for kids, there would be no reason to make either one of these movies.
I just barely watched the first "Dirty Harry" movie. I love movies from that era, that was obviously before political correctness. Also they didn't mind showing a lot of flesh, whether there was any relevance to the story or not. I enjoyed watching Clint Eastwood, he's deservedly a legend. I hope for many more excellent movies from him. One thing I noticed about this movie is how he was the only actor I recognized. All the rest of the actors seemed to have faded away making very little lasting impact.
The early 1990's version of "Flipper" was interesting. I had forgotten that Paul Hogan actually had roles after "Crocodile Dundee".
I'm not a big Foo Fighters fan, but their new CD "Wasting Light" has been praised so much that I had to check it out. I listened to it at napster.com. I liked it so much that I bought it and also the Foo Fighters Greatest Hits. Both are good CD's.
This is my favorite song from the new CD, this is called "Back and Forth":
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the one hit wonder known as Nirvana. A very impassioned Nirvana fan voiced his disapproval with my thoughts. His arguments made me reconsider my position about Nirvana again. The more I think about it, the more I come to the conclusion that Nirvana still sucks. I've asked a few other people their opinion and overall the overwhelming opinion is that Nirvana is vastly overrated. A lot of the comments I received started off with "Nirvana sucks". I agree 100%. If Kurt Cobain hadn't killed himself, he would have completely disappeared by now. He would have faded into obscurity as much as MC Hammer has.
I invite people to post comments and disagree with me, but Nirvana is vastly over rated.
themusicaddict
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Happy Birthday Mom, Get rid of the "American Idol" judges.
Hello,
I just would like to wish my Mom a happy birthday today. She has been such a great Mom, helping me through so many things. Happy birthday and thanks Mom.
I've been busy the last few days and haven't been able to write as much as I would like lately. Hopefully I'm back to writing 4 or 5 blogs a week.
I'd like to congratulate Rolling Stone magazine for having their second great cover in a row. On this cover is the amazing Adele. Not only that but Rolling Stone is showing her in a good light without her having half of her clothes off. Let's see if we can make it three in a row, how about next R.E.M.? Or maybe such amazing shows as "The Good Wife", "Castle" or why "American Idol" should die as soon as possible.
I love this song so much:
Speaking of which, due to an issue with the DVR last night I didn't see this week's performance episode. I did read Annie Barrett's review of it though. I don't always agree with her, but it sounds like another craptastic episode. The judges continue to praise everyone and Jimmy Iovine continues to suck. Very sneakily "AI" is supplanting Iovine with will.i.am. I wasn't overly impressed with Mr. Black Eyed Pea, but he couldn't be worse than Iovine. The only ones worse than Iovine are the judges. I didn't think it was possible for the judges to get worse than previously.
Do we really need the "American Idol" judges? If all they are going to do is praise everyone, just have Seacrest do that. Especially get rid of Dawg, at least Jennifer Lopez is attractive to look at. Just try to break her out of her one idea critiques.
I'm afraid that Scotty McDreary is going to win this season. Again each song continues to sound the same from week to week. Of course why fix what isn't broken. Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze and Scotty McDreary winning "AI" back to back to back. If that doesn't kill "American Idol", I don't know what will.
I think I've figured out the voting. The people who vote are mainly tween girls and over 40 women. They generally vote for guys, no matter how craptastic they are. For instance, what the hell is Jacob Lusk still doing on this show? With most of the voting going towards the males, I won't quite say men, and teenage females I know who's going to be voted off. Haley Reinhart thanks for playing, but she probably will be going home tonight. After her I think we'll finally get rid of Lusk, Stefano Langone and Paul McDonald. Then any of the remaining contestants could win from there.
However the question now is will "American Idol" win? Not with most of the remaining contestants. Could you imagine how bad things would be if Jacob Lusk wins? Seriously who do you think is going to make a better CD Pia Toscano or every song sounds the same McDreary? Who's CD would you buy? Also I question the decision of having Kelly Clarkson on "AI" tonight. She's the original and probably the best "American Idol", do they really want people comparing her against this season's bunch? I don't think so. Can you imagine how bad this show is going to get before going off the air? In corporate America money talks and quality walks.
According to TMZ, leaked helpfully by Nigel Lythgoe, the top vote getters this season have been Lauren, Scotty and James Durbin.
themusicaddict
I just would like to wish my Mom a happy birthday today. She has been such a great Mom, helping me through so many things. Happy birthday and thanks Mom.
I've been busy the last few days and haven't been able to write as much as I would like lately. Hopefully I'm back to writing 4 or 5 blogs a week.
I'd like to congratulate Rolling Stone magazine for having their second great cover in a row. On this cover is the amazing Adele. Not only that but Rolling Stone is showing her in a good light without her having half of her clothes off. Let's see if we can make it three in a row, how about next R.E.M.? Or maybe such amazing shows as "The Good Wife", "Castle" or why "American Idol" should die as soon as possible.
I love this song so much:
Speaking of which, due to an issue with the DVR last night I didn't see this week's performance episode. I did read Annie Barrett's review of it though. I don't always agree with her, but it sounds like another craptastic episode. The judges continue to praise everyone and Jimmy Iovine continues to suck. Very sneakily "AI" is supplanting Iovine with will.i.am. I wasn't overly impressed with Mr. Black Eyed Pea, but he couldn't be worse than Iovine. The only ones worse than Iovine are the judges. I didn't think it was possible for the judges to get worse than previously.
Do we really need the "American Idol" judges? If all they are going to do is praise everyone, just have Seacrest do that. Especially get rid of Dawg, at least Jennifer Lopez is attractive to look at. Just try to break her out of her one idea critiques.
I'm afraid that Scotty McDreary is going to win this season. Again each song continues to sound the same from week to week. Of course why fix what isn't broken. Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze and Scotty McDreary winning "AI" back to back to back. If that doesn't kill "American Idol", I don't know what will.
I think I've figured out the voting. The people who vote are mainly tween girls and over 40 women. They generally vote for guys, no matter how craptastic they are. For instance, what the hell is Jacob Lusk still doing on this show? With most of the voting going towards the males, I won't quite say men, and teenage females I know who's going to be voted off. Haley Reinhart thanks for playing, but she probably will be going home tonight. After her I think we'll finally get rid of Lusk, Stefano Langone and Paul McDonald. Then any of the remaining contestants could win from there.
However the question now is will "American Idol" win? Not with most of the remaining contestants. Could you imagine how bad things would be if Jacob Lusk wins? Seriously who do you think is going to make a better CD Pia Toscano or every song sounds the same McDreary? Who's CD would you buy? Also I question the decision of having Kelly Clarkson on "AI" tonight. She's the original and probably the best "American Idol", do they really want people comparing her against this season's bunch? I don't think so. Can you imagine how bad this show is going to get before going off the air? In corporate America money talks and quality walks.
According to TMZ, leaked helpfully by Nigel Lythgoe, the top vote getters this season have been Lauren, Scotty and James Durbin.
themusicaddict
Monday, April 11, 2011
Pia Toscano will be the real winner of this season of "AI", Top 10 seasons of "AI" ranked
Hello,
There have been several developments since Pia Toscano's shocking dismissal last Thursday from the faltering "American Idol" franchise. First of all Jimmy Iovine's Interscope label is in the works of signing Pia to a record contract. Jimmy Iovine seems to be lame as a producer, but even he recognizes talent. Apparently they are going to get Pia in the studio and rush release a CD. She has already been working on that CD! If they can get it done quick enough I think they should release the CD around the end of this weak season of "American Idol".
"The American Idol judges may have been shocked that Pia Toscano was sent home last week, but Idol EP Nigel Lythgoe wasn’t. “I know the [voting] results, so I know she was never a frontrunner,” Lythgoe revealed." (thanks to ew.com)
I love this comment, Lythgoe continues the "AI" air of arrogance. Everything about this comment makes me sick. First of all in corporate America's constant talking of transparency, what they really mean is they want you the employee to be transparent. The senior management aren't expected to follow this. It goes the same for public transparency. Why doesn't "AI" announce what the voting results are? What do they have to hide? If they could make money from the voting, they would announce the results. In fact, they are probably making money some way from not revealing each contestants votes. Money is corporate America's sole driving force.
I love how Lythgoe is trying to come off as an expert about how he knows the voting results, of course you do Nigel. After all you are the executive producer.
Why do I keep on watching this show, I have no idea. I heard someone say yesterday that he thinks this season is the most talented of all 10 seasons. If that's true this show has been living on hype for a long time. Looking back over the last several seasons, each year has only produced one or two great contestants. Usually the one who went on to be the most successful didn't even win, a trend that has already continued this year.
Anyway I took a few minutes to do a little research. I know this is a little premature but here's my Top Ten for the seasons. This is based on how well they did on the show and my opinion of each season's pure talent. Feel free to argue if you would like.
10) Season 2 was probably the weakest from what I can tell. When your winner is Ruben Studdard, that says a lot about the weakness of that season. Clay Aiken was the runner up. I think the two most talented contestants that season were Kimberly Locke and Joshua Gracin. Gracin has probably sold the most records maybe?
9) Season 4 had an amazing winner in Carrie Underwood. But other than her, there wasn't a lot of depth that season. Bo Bice and Constatine Maroulis are probably the next two most successful. Maroulis was on the show earlier this season. I didn't have to see that, but he was terrible from what I hear.
8) Season 9 was a complete train wreck. When Lee Dewyze is your winner, you know that wasn't a real great season. The year before Kris Allen was the lowest selling winner of their debut CD following winning "American Idol". That was until Dewyze released his debut CD. Will that drop continue? I think it might. Crystal Bowersox is probably the most talented from Season 9, but she released an uneven debut CD. She might be too independent to succeed using someone else's methods. That's a compliment by the way. I also liked Casey James and Siobhan Magnus from this season.
7) Season 10 has been a less than inspiring season so far. Pia Toscano is clearly the standout by far. The "winner" is going to be anticlimactic now. Who's the next most talented person this season? Beats me? Besides Pia, who I think will absolutely explode, but of course that all depends on if she gets the right people to work with. Other than that who's going to have lasting success? Honestly I don't see any of these having any lasting success.
6) Season 7 was highlighted by David Cook, who is one of my favorites ever. I think his debut CD was pretty amazing. Let's not even mention the dumped from his record label David Archuleta. I think the next most talented person from that season was Carly Smithson. I loved her big booming voice. If she got with the right band, she could be a Hayley Williams.
5) Season 1 perhaps had the best ever of Idols in the amazing Kelly Clarkson. The woman has a winning personality and that amazing voice. She also has had several great song and big hits. And no those two things don't always go together. Season 1 is so high on my list mainly because of Clarkson. I also did like Tamrya Gray's debut CD, she also has a great big voice.
4) Season 6 was won by Jordin Sparks. As for talent I really like Melinda Doolittle and Likisha Jones. Chris Sligh has co written a big hit for Rascal Flatts, that counts for something. Season 6 is so high in spite of train wrecks such as Sanjaya, Haley Scarnato and talentless Chris Richardson.
3) Season 3 was a fairly strong season. I've never got the appeal of Fantasia Barrino. She recently appeared on this season of "AI" and I thought she was horrendous. This season is powered by 7th place finisher Jennifer Hudson. Not only an amazing and powerful voice, but she's a fairly big movie star as well. She deservedly won an Oscar, in likelihood the only Idol to win an Oscar. How did she lose out to such lightweights as John Stevens and George Huff?
2) I'm surprised Season 8 is so high on this list. Again not a very exciting winner in Kris Allen, who quickly is disappearing into obscurity. Adam Lambert is on his tail but not as quickly fading into obscurity. For me Season 8 talent wise was provided by the 4th, 9th and 11th place finishers. Allison Iraheta had such an amazing voice, unfortunately her sales hasn't caught up to her talent. Megan Joy, one of the most gorgeous Idols ever, plus she also has an amazing voice. Like Bowersox she chose to follow her own path, that's not a good tactic on the follower mentality of "American Idol". I also loved Alexis Grace. The attractive mother with the huge voice finished in 11th. One of the most horrendous early dismissals in "AI's" history.
1) Season 5 is I think the best season, in spite of Taylor Hicks winning. Katherine McPhee finished second and has released a couple of solid CDs. I hear you rolling your eyes, but check out "Unbroken". That CD features many great songs. However obviously the highlight of Season 5 was the humongous selling Daughtry. Many great songs and the go to man for songs about relationships ending. I'm not a big Kellie Pickler fan but she also has had some success. It's good she came on this show or she would still be working at Sonic.
themusicaddict
There have been several developments since Pia Toscano's shocking dismissal last Thursday from the faltering "American Idol" franchise. First of all Jimmy Iovine's Interscope label is in the works of signing Pia to a record contract. Jimmy Iovine seems to be lame as a producer, but even he recognizes talent. Apparently they are going to get Pia in the studio and rush release a CD. She has already been working on that CD! If they can get it done quick enough I think they should release the CD around the end of this weak season of "American Idol".
"The American Idol judges may have been shocked that Pia Toscano was sent home last week, but Idol EP Nigel Lythgoe wasn’t. “I know the [voting] results, so I know she was never a frontrunner,” Lythgoe revealed." (thanks to ew.com)
I love this comment, Lythgoe continues the "AI" air of arrogance. Everything about this comment makes me sick. First of all in corporate America's constant talking of transparency, what they really mean is they want you the employee to be transparent. The senior management aren't expected to follow this. It goes the same for public transparency. Why doesn't "AI" announce what the voting results are? What do they have to hide? If they could make money from the voting, they would announce the results. In fact, they are probably making money some way from not revealing each contestants votes. Money is corporate America's sole driving force.
I love how Lythgoe is trying to come off as an expert about how he knows the voting results, of course you do Nigel. After all you are the executive producer.
Why do I keep on watching this show, I have no idea. I heard someone say yesterday that he thinks this season is the most talented of all 10 seasons. If that's true this show has been living on hype for a long time. Looking back over the last several seasons, each year has only produced one or two great contestants. Usually the one who went on to be the most successful didn't even win, a trend that has already continued this year.
Anyway I took a few minutes to do a little research. I know this is a little premature but here's my Top Ten for the seasons. This is based on how well they did on the show and my opinion of each season's pure talent. Feel free to argue if you would like.
10) Season 2 was probably the weakest from what I can tell. When your winner is Ruben Studdard, that says a lot about the weakness of that season. Clay Aiken was the runner up. I think the two most talented contestants that season were Kimberly Locke and Joshua Gracin. Gracin has probably sold the most records maybe?
9) Season 4 had an amazing winner in Carrie Underwood. But other than her, there wasn't a lot of depth that season. Bo Bice and Constatine Maroulis are probably the next two most successful. Maroulis was on the show earlier this season. I didn't have to see that, but he was terrible from what I hear.
8) Season 9 was a complete train wreck. When Lee Dewyze is your winner, you know that wasn't a real great season. The year before Kris Allen was the lowest selling winner of their debut CD following winning "American Idol". That was until Dewyze released his debut CD. Will that drop continue? I think it might. Crystal Bowersox is probably the most talented from Season 9, but she released an uneven debut CD. She might be too independent to succeed using someone else's methods. That's a compliment by the way. I also liked Casey James and Siobhan Magnus from this season.
7) Season 10 has been a less than inspiring season so far. Pia Toscano is clearly the standout by far. The "winner" is going to be anticlimactic now. Who's the next most talented person this season? Beats me? Besides Pia, who I think will absolutely explode, but of course that all depends on if she gets the right people to work with. Other than that who's going to have lasting success? Honestly I don't see any of these having any lasting success.
6) Season 7 was highlighted by David Cook, who is one of my favorites ever. I think his debut CD was pretty amazing. Let's not even mention the dumped from his record label David Archuleta. I think the next most talented person from that season was Carly Smithson. I loved her big booming voice. If she got with the right band, she could be a Hayley Williams.
5) Season 1 perhaps had the best ever of Idols in the amazing Kelly Clarkson. The woman has a winning personality and that amazing voice. She also has had several great song and big hits. And no those two things don't always go together. Season 1 is so high on my list mainly because of Clarkson. I also did like Tamrya Gray's debut CD, she also has a great big voice.
4) Season 6 was won by Jordin Sparks. As for talent I really like Melinda Doolittle and Likisha Jones. Chris Sligh has co written a big hit for Rascal Flatts, that counts for something. Season 6 is so high in spite of train wrecks such as Sanjaya, Haley Scarnato and talentless Chris Richardson.
3) Season 3 was a fairly strong season. I've never got the appeal of Fantasia Barrino. She recently appeared on this season of "AI" and I thought she was horrendous. This season is powered by 7th place finisher Jennifer Hudson. Not only an amazing and powerful voice, but she's a fairly big movie star as well. She deservedly won an Oscar, in likelihood the only Idol to win an Oscar. How did she lose out to such lightweights as John Stevens and George Huff?
2) I'm surprised Season 8 is so high on this list. Again not a very exciting winner in Kris Allen, who quickly is disappearing into obscurity. Adam Lambert is on his tail but not as quickly fading into obscurity. For me Season 8 talent wise was provided by the 4th, 9th and 11th place finishers. Allison Iraheta had such an amazing voice, unfortunately her sales hasn't caught up to her talent. Megan Joy, one of the most gorgeous Idols ever, plus she also has an amazing voice. Like Bowersox she chose to follow her own path, that's not a good tactic on the follower mentality of "American Idol". I also loved Alexis Grace. The attractive mother with the huge voice finished in 11th. One of the most horrendous early dismissals in "AI's" history.
1) Season 5 is I think the best season, in spite of Taylor Hicks winning. Katherine McPhee finished second and has released a couple of solid CDs. I hear you rolling your eyes, but check out "Unbroken". That CD features many great songs. However obviously the highlight of Season 5 was the humongous selling Daughtry. Many great songs and the go to man for songs about relationships ending. I'm not a big Kellie Pickler fan but she also has had some success. It's good she came on this show or she would still be working at Sonic.
themusicaddict
Friday, April 8, 2011
What The Hell? Pia Toscano goes home.
Hello,
I realize "American Idol" is only a heavily hyped, overly dramatic reality show. And I feel stupid that I actually care about things that happen on this show. But Pia Toscano being sent home is unbelievable. I've been seething since I found out the news about Pia. I've read some of the reasons about why Pia Toscano was voted off. They range from tweens and above 40 year old women doing most of the voting, not enough support from the Northeast, Pia was boring and mechanical and people didn't vote for her because they thought she was safe.
I wasn't able to watch last night's episode as we changed out the DVR in our house. I went to ew.com as I knew they would have the news. When I saw that Pia Toscano had been voted off, I absolutely couldn't believe it. I automatically checked the date as this has to be an April Fool's joke right? Right? No it wasn't. There was genuine hatred when Pia's name was announced as going home. mjsbigblog.com, the ultimate "AI" website has a collection of tweets from former Idols. Most of those tweets are shock or anger. Here's the link: http://mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-alums-weigh-in-on-pia-toscanos-surprise-boot.htm
I especially agree with the comments of Jennifer Hudson, Daughtry, Carly Smithson, Todrick Hall, Katie Stevens and Chris Sligh.
Pia's not the perfect singer, she had her weaknesses. But her talent was a lot higher than any weaknesses. But in a world where people like Britney Spears and Ke$ha sell millions of records, surely there's a place for Toscano! She's only 22 and will continue to improve. She has all that's needed to be a superstar. She's got a great voice and she's an amazingly beautiful woman. With "AI" contracts how they are, she probably won't be able to sign with anyone at least until after the "AI" tour is over. If I was in charge of a record label, which I'm not as I have too much sense, I'd sign her as soon as possible. I would get someone like Will.i.am to work with her. Look at the amazing things he did with Fergie on her solo CD. I also suggest Amy Winehouse's producer, Mark Ronson, could help her reach her potential. Maybe Jennifer Lopez could take her under her wing. Whatever though I see a bright future for Toscano.
I don't know what the reason was that she was voted off, but that was an insane development. Let's look and see who we have left. We have Jacob "The Cockroach" Lusk left, nothing can kill him off. He made a really dumb comment and had another mediocre performance and he's still around? He has no charisma, stage presence and at best a mediocre voice. There also is the one trick pony, Scotty McCreery, remaining. He's really starting to think he's cool, but he sings the same damn song each week. Who else is there James Durbin? Please, he of the fake tears. Everything about him screams contrived and wanna be. Stefano Langone, the roller coaster man. Paul McDonald finally broke loose, but he doesn't have a chance of winning. I'm getting tired of Casey Abrams, it's starting to feel like he's a bit of a one trick pony as well. I think that Lauren Alaina and Haley Reinhart are both good, but women, which seems to be a liability this season.
One good thing about this shocking elimination is how this may be the final death knell in the "AI" franchise. How seriously can one take a show where the best singer doesn't even make the Top 8? Another thing that will help speed up the death of "AI" is "The X Factor". When Simon comes back on TV, people will realize how much we miss him. "AI" will suffer from having Randy Jackson on for so many seasons. I don't think the "AI" tour will help either. In fact if anything they should cancel that. That will remind people how awful this season was. TV executives this is what you get when your show has jumped the shark and you continue to milk it to death. Clearly having all these "amazing" producers and Jimmy Iovine was also a death knell. They haven't added much besides terrible arrangements and Iovine pimping the hat for the same company each week. Do we really have to wonder why the music industry is in so much trouble?
The quality of "AI" and their "winners" continues to go down hill. First we had Kris Allen and then Lee Dewyze win, who is it going to be this year? At the rate this "competition" is going I think William Hung has a chance to win next season. Other than Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood and David Cook the best contestants have been non-winners. People like Jennifer Hudson, Daughtry and Crystal Bowersox have had or will have more success than most of the winners. Pia Toscano is going to be in that group.
themusicaddict
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