Author: Mike Farley (Page 49 of 63)

American Idol: Everyone Rebounds

March 21, 2007 / Mike Farley

Last night’s “American Idol” featured most of the eleven contestants elevating their game in a big way.
It was 60’s British Invasion week, where the guys were coached by former Herman’s Hermit Peter Noone, and the girls were helped out by former British pop diva LuLu. Both of them have got to be sixty-ish yet were remarkably spunky and helpful with their coaching.

What was really great about yesterday’s show was the fact that everyone realized this is a competition and that, genders aside, it was time to bring the “A” game or face swift elimination. Almost everyone brought that game, and in fact, the ones that didn’t were only B-pluses. Fear will do that, I guess.

Okay, here we go…..

THE REALLY GOOD

Melinda Doolittle is already a star. I don’t think she has it in her to even remotely suck. She is professional, and performs every song with a conviction that none of the other ten contestants have. Melinda sang “As Long As He Needs Me,” and I’m more convinced every week that it’s her competition to lose. Randy said it was the best vocal of the night, Paula said Melinda never sounds forced, and Simon said Melinda made a boring song sensational with an impeccable vocal.

THE GOOD

Too bad for all of these folks that Melinda is in Season 6, but they do have a shot as well….

Chris Richardson scaled things back, and instead of dancing and doing vocal acrobatics he just focused on singing. Good move. His acoustic version of “Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying” was really, really good. He never wavered offf pitch and the judges knew it. Randy said it was a different side of Chris and a great performance, Paula said it was sexy and charming, and Simon said it was Chris’ best performance yet. I would keep an eye on this kid, he’s starting to peak.

Blake Lewis did a really original version of the Zombies’ “Time of the Season,” with a limited amount of beatboxing. Like Chris, Blake focused on his vocals and really did a nice job. It was original without being over the top. Randy said Blake had a “massive YO factor,” Paula said Blake picked a good song, and Simon said Blake was “a million times better than last week.” I would keep a close eye on him as well.

Jordin Sparks is also starting to peak, and her version of “I Who Have Nothing” was just short of spectacular, meaning it was just short of Melinda. When you think that Jordin is only 17, it’s downright ridiculous that she is this good. And I think she may just rise up and take this all the way to the final 2 or 3. Randy said it was one of the best performances last night, Paula said Jordin has great range, and Simon said she sang a gloomy song beautifully.

THE IN-BETWEEN

Haley Scarnato kicked things off last night and her legs and outfit that was held on with thumb tacks really did a nice job. I mean, did anyone notice that Haley was singing? She did and actually was better than usual, with her version of “Tell Him.” I think she tried hard but was still mediocre, and honestly she’s not going anywhere when she dresses like that. Randy said it was the perfect song choice, Paula said it was “girlish” and Simon called Haley a “naughty thing.” He added that it was fun but shrieky in spots. Again, the legs and the small amount of fabric help her a ton.

Stephanie Edwards sang “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me” (what was with all those long titles in the sixties?) and it wasn’t nearly her best. I have a bad feeling that Stephanie is separating herself from the pack in the opposite direction, because she was so promising early on. Randy said it wasn’t her best performance, Paula said it was the right song but pitchy, and Simon said Stephanie is losing her edge.

Lakisha Jones sang “Diamonds Are Forever” and they had to keep harping on the fact that she was wearing a million dollars worth of diamonds. Um, that is like a nickel to “American Idol,” so we really don’t care. Lakisha was not at her best last night and showed that she is not in the same league as Melinda anymore. Randy said it wasn’t his favorite Lakisha performance, and Simon said it was like seeing “Lakisha in 50 years.” Odd comment, but strangely accurate.

Phil Stacey sang “Tobacco Road” and it was not bad but kind of all over the place, like he was rocking but shouting too much. Randy said it was “pretty good but pitchy,” Paula said it was a good choice but pitchy, and Simon said it was nothing more than a bar band performance. Phil could also be in danger of hitting the road this week.

Chris Sligh also sang a Zombies song with “She’s Not There,” and though it wasn’t bad, it still wasn’t vintage Chris. This guy is not going anywhere, but he can certainly do better. At least he didn’t play with the arrangement too much this week to make the song sound modern. Randy said that he felt like all of the night’s performances were great including this one, Paula said the vocals were good, and Simon said Chris didn’t have the best vocal but that he was way better than last week. Then Chris did something really disturbing with Ryan….he pulled a Taylor Hicks and did a shout out to the “Fro Patrol.” Be very afraid, little kittens.

THE BAD

Sanjaya took on the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” a surprising choice for the usually subdued kid, but he actually came out of his shell and wasn’t nearly as bad as usual. Still, when looking back at clips of each singer it’s still clear that Sanjaya does not belong here anymore. Randy said the performance “shocked” him, Paula said that this was the Sanjaya she was waiting for, and Simon made reference to a little girl crying in the audience and that the girl’s reaction mirrored his own. Read: Simon still thinks Sanjaya sucks, and I agree with him. But the girl was crying because she was overwhelmed, and that makes me realize that he isn’t going anywhere, at least not this week. The kids and Vote For the Worst will still support this non-talent.

Gina Glockson did her rocker chick thing once again with the Stones’ “Paint It Black” and it really looked like a karaoke performance. Gina has a niche in this, but really doesn’t belong among the top talent. Randy said it was pitchy and “just aight,” Paula said Gina was better than last week, and Simon said there were “moments of complete torture” and that it was “style over content.” Amen to that, Cowell. Gina is in serious danger.

So my bottom 3…..Phil, Stephanie and Gina, and I’m picking Gina to go home thanks to Simon’s comments.

Oh, and since the show is still two hours long but with less and less contestants every week, the producers fill it up with the after-performance-interview-and-contestant-backlash thing, which is really getting old. Do I care what Gina thinks about Simon’s comments? Hell no….take your medicine like an adult and get on with your attempts to sing.

So tonight we’ve got the results, and I hope Stephanie can hang on another week, because she really is better than she showed last night. I’ve had enough of Gina and Sanjaya. How about you?

Alternative, American Idol, Pop, Rock

Road Warriors 6

March 16, 2007 / Mike Farley

Rock legends Aerosmith have been around, literally. But the band will play its first ever show in India on June 2 as an extension of their tour of Europe and Dubai.

Maroon 5 is set to release their long-awaited sophomore effort on May 22, but won’t begin a full-fledged tour until September. However, it was just announced that the band will open for The Police on July 10 in Miami.

The Campus Invasion Tour was set up to raise awareness of the ongoing genocide in Darfur, with three concerts in some of the nation’s largest college towns (Austin, Atlanta and Philadelphia). Confirmed bands are Dashboard Confessional, Gym Class Heroes and Augustana. The tour will help raise funds for the Save Darfur Coalition, an alliance of 180 organizations responding to atrocities in Sudan, Africa.

Acclaimed Tennessee rock band Kings of Leon are back with their first album since 2004. RCA Records will release the new album, Because of the Times, on April 3 and among stops on the band’s forthcoming tour are appearances at both Coachella and Bonnaroo. Complete listing of dates Continue reading »

Alternative, Concerts, Pop, Rock

American Idol: What Is Wrong With This Picture?

March 15, 2007 / Mike Farley

Our worst fears were recognized on the “American Idol” results show last night. Brandon Rogers, one of the better male singers in the competition, was sent packing while Sanjaya held on for at least another week. I’m quite fearful that the idiots voting for this non-talent are going to keep him in it for several painful weeks. Nothing other than a joke explains it, because anyone who has ears that work should know the truth, and the judges even battered this kid on Tuesday.

Oh well, that’s why they play the games, and part of the game is having America take control from here.

The show started with a group sing of a Diana Ross song, and it was predictably dripping with processed cheese. Then it was on to business. Lakisha and Gina were declared safe, and then Brandon was sent to the bottom 3. Jordin, Chris Richardson and Melinda were then safe. Melinda got a huge ovation from the studio audience, confirming my belief that she is the frontrunner.

Then Phil was sent to the bottom 3 before Chris Sligh, Stephanie and Blake were sent back to safety. That left Sanjaya and Haley.

But before the announcement, we were treated to an ageless Diana Ross performing “Love You More Today than Yesterday” from her new album of classics.

Then, Haley was sent back to safety, and I’m convinced it’s only because Simon suddenly gave her props. Way to go, Cowell. You apparently were mesmerized by Haley’s legs on Tuesday and paid no attention to her vocal.

So it was Sanjaya, Phil and Brandon in the bottom 3. Phil was sent back, and then I got nervous, because I don’t trust the American voters. And my fears were realized and Ryan Seacrest sent Sanjaya back to safety and wished Brandon luck on his journey home.

I can’t say Brandon didn’t disappoint in the last few weeks, but if you take this competition for what it is, a SINGING competition, then you see where I’m going with this…..Sanjaya does not belong here anymore. Oh well, no sense crying over spilled curry. For Brandon, good luck….you’re going to have a nice career regardless of the outcome, and I think you know it.

To the rest of you, get your dialing fingers ready to vote for everyone by Sanjaya next week if you know what’s good for you, and for all of our ears.

American Idol, Pop, Rock

American Idol: Separation Among The Top 12

March 14, 2007 / Mike Farley

Last night marked the start of the finals of “American Idol” on the big stage at the Kodak Theatre with a huge band and a huge audience. Just as big were some of the performances, and there was a definite separation of classes between the talent that started to show.

The show started with a recap of some past winners and finalists who went on to nice careers, and then a bit on Diana Ross, who was the the focal point of song choice and coaching this past week. I would put Diana in the same category as a Stevie Wonder…that is, a living legend. So it was no surprise that most of the contestants were awestruck by her.

But on to the competition, and this week there were five classes of talent. Here is the recap:

THE REALLY GOOD

Melinda Doolittle has owned this class the last few weeks, but this time she had competition in Lakisha.
However, I’m crowing Melinda the favorite until she is actually dethroned, which may not happen. Melinda sang “Home” and it was, as usual, incredible. She is also the only singer in this thing that could pull that song off. I was thinking she sounded like a young Gladys Knight, and then Simon said that exact same thing. Randy said it wasn’t his favorite performance of Melinda’s but that it was strong, Paula said she is so exciting, and Simon said Melinda made a boring song fantastic. Amen to that.

Lakisha Jones sang “God Bless the Child” and was simply awesome. She had great control of her voice and the judges said so. Randy said it was sensational, and Paula said Lakisha looked beautiful. Simon said “You’ve got it” and that Lakisha and Melinda are in a different class of talent than everyone else. Again, amen to that.

THE GOOD

Jordin Sparks closed out the night in fine form, singing “If We Hold On Together.” At 17 years old this girl is talented way beyond her years. Randy said as much, and also added that he thinks this is a 3-singer race between Jordin, Melinda, and Lakisha. I’m not sure I’d go that far. Paula said Jordin has a natural gift, and Simon said it was a very very good vocal.

Stephanie Edwards sang “Love Hangover” and did a great job with a boring arrangement of the song. Randy said it was good but not Stephanie’s best. Paula didn’t like the arrangement and Simon said it was the wrong song choice and that she didn’t deliver last night. I’m not sure I agree with Simon. Thing is, Stephanie was still one of the best last night.

THE IN-BETWEEN

Phil Stacey redeemed himself a week after I thought he was going home. Phil sang “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” and really did a decent job. Randy thought it was boring but a good vocal, Paula said the arrangement wasn’t uptempo enough, and Simon said Phil has a tendency to shout in the middle of songs. I thought it was better than the judges gave Phil credit for.

Blake Lewis took on a classic, “You Keep Me Hanging On,” and as usual added his own flavor to the arrangement. Thankfully though, he didn’t add any beatboxing and just focused on singing. Randy said Blake was good but that he doesn’t need to change the arrangements all the time, Paula said it was good enough for Blake to have a hit with the song (big stretch), and Simon said he “didn’t get it.”
Still, Blake is way safe.

Chris Richardson was also pretty good with his version of “The Boss.” Chris is a really good performer who looks and acts a bit too much like Justin Timberlake at times, but he still can do better. Randy said he overdid the arrangement and some of the vocal runs, Paula said he was the best guy of the night, and Simon said if you take away the performance, it was a “dreadful” vocal. I’m not sure about that. I think Chris is safe for a while too.

Gina Glockson is at the bottom of this group, because I think she was kind of boring and pitchy with her version of “Love Child.” Randy said it wasn’t his favorite Gina performance and was pitchy, Paula said she knows Gina can do better, and Simon said it was just okay.

THE BAD

Look, I’ve been pimping Brandon Rogers all along, but he continues to be less than impressive every week as this competition moves along. This guy is a great singer, but he keeps choosing songs that are too safe. Last night he did “Can’t Hurry Love” and not only was it middle of the road, but he forgot the words in the middle. Randy said Brandon looked more like the background singer that he is, and Simon said it was “a complete letdown.” I can’t say I disagree, but I think Brandon should be safe this week.

Chris Sligh took a big dive last night. He made a complete butchery of the arrangement to “Endless Love” and didn’t even perform it that well. Randy said it was a mess, Paula said Chris is trying to hard to be contemporary, and Simon said Chris “murdered” the arrangement. Chris is way too good to be in this group, but he just didn’t have it yesterday.

Haley Scarnato sang “Missing You” and was pitchy throughout. She is a cute girl with nice legs, but the dress she was wearing looked really strange. And I think the producers were going too much for the Katherine McPhee look. Randy said it was a valiant effort, Paula thought it was pitchy, but Simon surprisingly said it wasn’t that bad, and that Haley had a nice stage presence. My take? I have to say that Haley has a shot at going home this week.

THE REALLY BAD

Sanjaya just keeps getting worse, doesn’t he? This kid has no business being on that big stage, and it has never been more obvious than last night’s rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Randy said it was “not very good,” and thats being kind. He also commented that at least dude has nice hair.
Paula said Sanjaya didn’t grab the audience, and Simon said the only similarity between Sanjaya and Diana Ross is their hair. Look, America has taken this kid as far as he can go, but it’s time to pull the plug. He is so glaringly bad.

Another thing to note is that there was more witty banter and gay-bashing going on between Ryan Seacrest and Simon. For some reason, it was pretty funny last night. The judges seemed to really have fun and laughed a little instead of bickering, which was kind of refreshing.

So your bottom 3……Sanjaya, Haley and Brandon. And I think Haley is saved by the fact that Simon had nice things to say, and Brandon is just a much better singer than Sanjaya. I hope that America gets it right and keeps Brandon around, and finally does the right thing with Sanjaya.

We’re also going to be treated to a Diana Ross performance tonight, and that will likely make Carrie Underwood look like the lightweight that she is.

So there you have it America, we’ll find out tonight just how good a collective judge of talent you really are…

Alternative, American Idol, Pop, Rap

Road Warriors 5

March 9, 2007 / Mike Farley

Def Leppard will not be touring with Kiss after all. The band instead announced that they will be playing North American dates with Foreigner and Styx. Throw it all into a blender if you like, because no matter who the other bands are on the bill, it’s still a draft beer and mullet fest.

British pop songstress Lily Allen’s career has exploded almost as fast as Barry Bonds’ upper body. After wrapping up the MTV “Discover and Download” tour, Allen will kick off a new headlining tour in Houston on March 16 after two appearances at SXSW. Allen’s album, Alright, Still, has tabbed her as an artist to watch by all of the major critics and she’s been dubbed the “queen of myspace.” If you want to see what the fuss is all about, you can catch Allen on her spring tour Continue reading »

Alternative, Concerts, Jazz, Pop, Rock