American Idol 9 Top 12 – iTunes Reviews

By On 03/20/2010 · 84 Comments · In AI Season 9, American Idol, iTunes

A big thank you to the peeps who asked if I’d be reviewing the iTunes performances this year. As you can see, the answer is YES. It’s nice to know y’all enjoyed my efforts last year.

First off, nearly everyone sounds better recorded.  Some of the improvements were really unexpected. Some didn’t surprise me at all, as I sensed good recording voices with a few of these kids.

The problem I see this year is a lack of performance skills. These kids can sing, they just don’t know what the eff to do once they hit the big stage–Crystal, Siobhan and to a degree,  Big Mike being the exceptions.

On with the critiques. (After the Jump)

  • Michael Lynche – “Miss You” – I’m digging the soulful, funkalicious vibe on the recorded performance. The transitions between Mike’s falsetto and his chest voice are much smoother in the recording.  – Get it at iTunes
  • Didi Benami – “Play With Fire” – I wish her interpretation of this song had more of an ominous, don’t-eff-with-me vibe, and the recorded version loses some of the live version’s slinkyness. But still, I love Didi’s lovely tone and phrasing. With the right songs she could be killer. – Get it at iTunes
  • Casey James – “It’s All Over Now” – This may sound nutty, but I’m getting a 60′s era Mike Nesmith vibe from Ricky Minor’s arrangement, especially the riff.  And Casey sounds fantastic. His gravelly country growl is immensely recordable.  Now, he’s just got to loosen up some in his live performances.  Get it at iTunes
  • Lacey Brown – “Ruby Tuesday” – With the pitch problems cleaned up, the recorded version is a big improvement.  Except I’m not crazy about some of the phrasing.  Stretching “knows” and “mind” from the verse into three syllables is a little precious. -  Get it at iTunes
  • Andrew Garcia – “Gimme Shelter” – Kill me now, but this recording is really good.  And it’s more than just cleaning up Andrew’s vocals. He sings the song with a conviction and dynamic range totally absent from his live performance. Astonishing -  Get it at iTunes
  • Katie Stevens – “Wild Horses” – Ugh. Katie turns the song’s bittersweet, sad sentiment into a prettified, souless dirge.   Better than her pitchy live performance, but…Zzzzz.  -  Get it at iTunes
  • Tim Urban – “Under My Thumb” – The recorded version of this song is even more f*cking insane than the live version.  It’s incredibly creepy and offensive to hear lyrics like “The squimin’ dog has just had her day” sung as if it were a happy shiny Jimmy Buffet jam.  – Get it at iTunes
  • Siobhan Magnus – “Paint it Black” – I didn’t care for the live version of this, and I’m sorry to say I don’t like the recorded version either. There’s something about this that just leaves me cold. When she pushes the upper-reaches of her vocal range, I find it unpleasant. I had the same issues with Carly Smithson and Adam Lambert in their season. But it’s more than that–her singing voice sounds like a monotonous moan to me. Absent the visual presentation, I’m not feeling a connection to the lyrics. – Get it at iTunes
  • Lee Dewyze – “Beast of Burden” – I love, love, love Lee’s recorded voice. He’s got a really pleasant rasp, and he knows how to phrase a song. It’s too bad he comes across nervous and unsure on stage.  Get it at iTunes
  • Paige Miles – “Honky Tonk Woman” – I do get a Tina Turner vibe off of Paige. But there’s something missing.  Even in this recorded version, I keep waiting for her to ratchet up the energy a notch.  I do like her vocals, though -  Get it at iTunes
  • Aaron Kelly – “Angie” – Aaron’s recorded voice sounds good.  I wouldn’t say he’s not connecting to the lyrics, but I’m not hearing the deep heartbreak the lyrics of this song convey.  I found that when I listened to Aaron’s live performance, without looking at it, I liked it more. – Get it at iTunes
  • Crystal Bowersox – “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” -  Words I would use to describe Crystals recorded performance: Bold, Soulful, Effortless.  Like some of her fellow Idols, she’s not overthinking or trying too hard.  Instead, her phrasing and interpretation seem to come from instinct.  Love this girl.  Get it at iTunes

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  • GEORGI

    MJ, you must have read my mind! I agree with all of your reviews. And keep on doing these — I enjoy your take on things, even when you don’t agree with me.

  • revcat

    Re: Aaron, I can’t remember a 16 year old boy on Idol hanging with the big boys very long. If I’m wrong, please refresh my memory. Considering his age and the fact that he has lots of time (age wise, not contestant wise) to grow, I think he has a future (in country which as far as I know is absent male teen stars). I hope Aaron sticks around on the show for quite awhile, but would love to see an all girl top 3. Siobahn, Crystal and Didi.

  • Kiska12

    MJ, Thank you! I was wondering as well if you are going to do the studio version review… great to read your opinions.

  • hollygo9

    I’m onboard with anyone who can make a Mike Nesmith reference accurately. :p

  • Toonces74

    The judges have said that Andrew Garcia has got an amazing recording voice. Check out the TeamAndrewGarcia channel on YouTube if you want to hear what he’s capable of.

    Thanks for the reviews, MJ.

  • canadiandcfan

    yay!! Thanks MJ! i really enjoyed ur reviews last year, and i’m glad to see them back.

  • jessabean

    Holy cow! Crystal is awesome, but I lover her so much, I’m like Slezak – I have to hold back before I become so annoying, no one listens to anything I say. :D

    But Lee!!! You weren’t kidding! I downloaded Beast of Burden on your recommendation and it’s sooooo good!
    He brings a heartache to the song that the original lacks. I mean, could anyone ever really believe that Mick Jagger wanted a woman that wouldn’t sleep with him?! Conviction! That’s what Lee brings to that song.

    Love it!
    Thanks!

  • Joyed

    Thanks for the thread!

    First a comment about the overall production on the songs – I think they are better produced than most of the tracks from last year that tended to seem to be recorded with a cheap backing track instead of actual instrument. Thanks Idol!

    Now the songs themselves:

    Mike – Not my style of music. When his voice is in the zone he sounds nice, but hearing that falsetto makes me cringe. He doesn’t have one so (like Tim) he shouldn’t try to sing in it!


    Didi     – I loved her performance and I really liked this version. Her recorded voice sounds a lot like the live, and I appreciate that her unique phrasing shines through. Worth buying in my opinion.

    Casey – Again, not my style of song, but he sounds well recorded.

    Lacey – Sounds better than her live performance, but I didn’t find this track especially enjoyable. I would have preferred to hear her version of The Story as a studio. (Bleh to the Stones catalogue ;p)

    Andrew – This song is one I’d never heard before, and I really liked it from first listen. While I don’t think his performance skills are that strong, his voice sounds great recorded (which surprised me cause I think he sounded more limited live). I liked how he built on some of his longer held notes. Definitely worth buying if you’re a fan.

    Katie – It was boring for me live, and while not great for me recorded, she reminds me of those young peaganty Disney singers who record. I actually think she could have a career in this area. Buy if you’re a Katie lover, but otherwise there are definitely better versions of this song.

    Tim – I’d never heard this song before he sang it, so I came in with no perceptions of how it should sound. I really liked this. He sounded surprisingly nice recorded. His “less sinister” version of the song just made it sound to me like someone had just discovered that they had more power in their relationship than they knew, not necessarily relishing that power over another. This is a nice listen.

    Siobhan – I do like her, a lot, but felt her performance was more music theater, less recording artist and this studio recording held that up. This sounds like a cast recording not something you’d hear on an artist’s album. I really like her, so I’m hoping that soon she’ll have a better sense how to attack a studio recording – it is definitely not the same way you attack a performance (which is why Tim’s works better as a recording than live performance, IMO)

    Lee – He definitely is better recorded, but I don’t think he plays enough with dynamics in the song to make it more interesting. I actually thought Andrew did a better job of this, even though I like Lee more overall. These songs all feel so repetitive that they really did need some stronger interpretation to keep them interesting.

    Paige     – I thought she was great live, one of the best vocals of the night. Her recording sounds almost the same. However, like Siobhan, IMO, I think she doesn’t know how to do vocals that are best suited to a recording vs. a live performance. A few of her choices were puzzling to me.

    Aaron – I think he is so sweet, and I thought I’d hate his performance of this song when I looked it up on youtube. However, he sounded nice the night of the show, and decent recorded. He is such a sincere singer, which isn’t the same as being a great singer, but it is a nice quality.

    Crystal – she sounds the same to me live as recorded – nice. I’m starting to like her personality more as she gets more comfortable on the show, but I wish she’d add more dynamism to her understated vocals. (It may also be that I’m just into the type of music she is into – I remember cringing every time a Tracy Chapman song came on)

    Anyone who read this whole thing – I hope you share your thoughts cause I am super curious to know what others thought!

  • monleo1705

    MJ’s reviews are back!! And I was right!! I KNEW Andrew had a fantastic recording voice, just like what Simon had said too! That’s why i love that dude….but somehow he just seems to come off blah on stage…Just so odd! I really, really hope he has a chance to shine soon on the Idol stage and people can stop bashing him for once cos he does have such potential to become a recording artist…

    The other person i really loved was Didi. OMG – her vocals may be sweeter in the recorded version and less energetic, but i realised hers is one album i would so buy! Hope she goes far….maybe even pull off a silent Kris Allen. Go Team Didi and Team Garcia~!

  • http://twitter.com/maxsmom61 CathyMK

    I’ve only listened to Casey’s, Lee’s, Crystal’s, and Siobhan’s. I like Crystal’s and Siobhan’s, but they just aren’t a style of music that I normally listen to. Love Casey’s. I could see him ending up having a Keith Urban-type Country/Pop/Rock sound, with an added bluesyness. He might be the highly successful country male that AI hasn’t had yet, when you add in his looks and laid-back charm.

    Lee’s Beast of Burden is my favorite. It’s got all of the yearning sexyness that I was hoping he’d put into his performance. I really hope that he can get past his nerves and show us more of this on stage. It takes some talent to successfully turn a Rolling Stones song into a tender love song!

    I like Andrew’s voice a lot, but haven’t been impressed with him on AI yet. Glad to hear that his studio recording is good. Guess I’ll check it out. I’m surprised at how good Ricky and the band sound on the recordings this year too. Seems like they’re making the recorded arrangements closer to the performance arrangements than they have in the past. Yay!

    Thanks for the reviews, MJ. I always enjoy hearing your opinions.

  • Lulu2

    Heartily agree with you about Andrew. I actually liked his performance, but I bought the single. And it’s REALLY good. I like Siobhan–she has an amazing instrument, she’s musical and somewhat unpredictable and fun–but didn’t like Paint it Black very much. It was too weird, all over the place stylistically, and I find her high notes interesting but not exciting. Adam Lambert was exciting. Crystal is very exciting without that. I bought Paint it Black the single and I just don’t find it that great to listen to. Didi’s recording of Playing with Fire lacks the excitement of her performance.

  • SREEP22

    i like AndRews voice too…with a little more perfrmance in the live shows HE can beat A LOT OF PEOPLES..You can do this A.G..

    NICE REVIEW mj..

  • SREEP22

    the pichy ones are RANDY AND KARA jajaja…andrew deserves is spot in the top 10 and a posible top 5..for sure..

  • cheese

    I listened to a bunch of them on YouTube, but none of them blew me away. I thought Lee and Crystal sounded the best and I was kind of disappointed in Siobhan’s. I thought Andrew sounded just as bad on the Gimme Shelter recording as he did live – I guess I just don’t like the tone of his voice because I’m not hearing the greatness (maybe it was just the wrong song for me, for him)

  • chearts77

    I’ve only listened to 4 of them right now – Didi, Crystal, Siobhan and Casey – I agree with you, MJ, on your comments of those four. I love Didi’s voice, but I noticed she was lacking the “claws” in her recorded version. Still love it, though. I love the country/rock vibe from Casey and I’m assuming that was Casey’s guitar solo mid way through?? Crystal just seems so effortless. I can’t get into Siobhan’s voice. I wanted to like her…but I really can’t. Her voice just isn’t something I’d listen to.

    Off to listen to a few others.

  • Inconnu

    Really happy for the return of this thread (which I read religiously all last year) and off to download Casey, Lee, Didi, Crystal and Andrew. I don’t have a favorite yet.

  • rkt

    I actually was surprised how good Andrew sounded on a rock song. He would sound INCREDIBLE if he records songs like “Sunday Morning”… I think Andrew has the best recording voice in the entire competition. He just doesn’t know how to pick songs and he is not comfortable performing on stage – he only started singing when he was 18 – I bet even Aaron has more experience than him. Unfortunately I am not sure he will get better at picking songs at this point of the competition. He has so much potential, I just hope he can pick a right song for once before he leaves…

  • Lu

    MJ – ITA about Lee. He’s become my fave. Crystal is awesome but I just don’t like the type of music. I love Lee’s raspy voice… he reminds me a little of my fave AI5er. I hope he can get control of the nerves.

  • amiroamor

    I’m sorry but Lee is so 2003. Hurm..

  • babybelle32

    This group is very raw, but I don’t see that as a problem, it could actually be a lot of fun seeing them develop and figure out who they are as artists. I love the people from the seventh and eighth season, but one of the things that makes AI a good tv show is not knowing who will win when we are just at the top 9. One of the reasons why Kris Allen won voters over is because people were impressed by his growth from the start of the season to the last show. Kris came on the show knowing who he was as an artist, so I can’t wait to see what happens with this group.

    I will admit that I’ve been worried about whether or not some of these are up to the task of really evaluating themselves and doing what it takes to become better. I’m holding out hope that Mike, Crystal, Paige, and Lee will surprise everyone.

  • CRB

    Siobhan definitely has a musical theater type of voice. I think that every time I hear her sing in her natural voice. I really don’t have any inclination to hear those iTunes versions though. Lee’s got a cool tone and you can hear that live but his inability to push without going off the note has been his problem or I could see him winning.

  • koshka

    amiroamor:
    03/20/2010 at 4:37 pm
    I’m sorry but Lee is so 2003. Hurm..

    LOL Thats what I think of Crystal – but she’s more like.. sooo.. 2001.

  • http://mjsbigblog.com/luvadamlamberts-american-idol-tour-2009-washington-dc-re-cap.htm luvadamlambert

    Thanks for doing this again mj I liked it last year…

    As usual I TOTALLY disagree …:)

    surprisingly I actually bought 4 songsthis week: Aaron,didi, siobhan, and Lacey. The only one I love in the top 12 is didi, some I bought I don’t like like Lacey, but I thought they were AMAZING!

    I wish crystal was b4 I was born..

  • Mieps

    So far I seem to be in the minorty, but I loooooove Siobhan’s studio version of Painted Black and play it on repeat. Not liking the high note, but the rest is wonderful.

    Actually, hers and Crystal’s are the only ones I bought since they kept me interested enough to actually listen to the whole song.

  • http://twitter.com/maxsmom61 CathyMK

    Listened to Andrew’s. It is much better than the live version, but still didn’t blow me away. Hopefully he’ll find his footing soon. I do love his voice.

    I agree, Babybelle, it’s fun to have the competition still open to almost any of them to win.

    Here are a few videos of Lee performing live in a club with his band. He looks and sounds pretty comfortable, so I think if he can just stop worrying about it being a competition and being judged, he could surprise everyone. (Well, everyone except those of us who’ve found his preIdol stuff!)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgq9_ELwBF0&feature=channel

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov51e3ME7Wc&feature=channel

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVqav5TARXQ&feature=channel

  • dancingqueen

    Crystal was as good recorded, as I hoped. Andrew, Mike, & Casey all impressed me more recorded than live. Lee still sounds to me like he’s holding back a bit, but, it’s a nice recording. I wasn’t as impressed as the judges with Siobhan live, and less impressed with the recording. Not interested in purchasing the others this week.

  • DLee

    Here are a few videos of Lee performing live in a club with his band. He looks and sounds pretty comfortable, so I think if he can just stop worrying about it being a competition and being judged, he could surprise everyone. (Well, everyone except those of us who’ve found his preIdol stuff!)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgq9_ELwBF0&feature=channel

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov51e3ME7Wc&feature=channel

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVqav5TARXQ&feature=channel

    Wow, did he write those songs too? I’m impressed. I can’t wait for his make-over…more sideburns, no more chin hair.

    He’s like a cuter, more hairy, Chris Daughtry.

  • ohmyra

    Sry. Wouldn’t give a nickle for any of these.

  • jinxx315

    Um is Andrew Garcia’s studio song Auto tuned???

  • koshka

    Mieps:
    03/20/2010 at 4:57 pm
    So far I seem to be in the minorty, but I loooooove Siobhan’s studio version of Painted Black and play it on repeat. Not liking the high note, but the rest is wonderful.

    Actually, hers and Crystal’s are the only ones I bought since they kept me interested enough to actually listen to the whole song.

    I like Siobhan too. I’m not sure if it is the song that has hooked me or her singing it. Its been running through my head for the last 2 days. If she can get control of her voice, she could threaten the front runner in a few weeks.

    I thought Andrew sounded amazing.. but I just don’t get anything close to an IT factor with him.

  • koshka

    He’s like a cuter, more hairy, Chris Daughtry.

    Ok that just turned me off. LOL

  • Kiska12

    It is funny how my opinions are so close to MJ’s and i listenned to the recordings earlier in the week. I bought Lee’s (love his raspy tone!), liked Andrew and Casey. Did not quite appreciate Siobhan and also thought that Didi lacked the darker sound of her live preformance. Lee is my favorite.

  • Mieps

    I’m not sure if it is the song that has hooked me or her singing it

    With me it’s kinda weird too. I like the song, I know that, but I do think she’s nasally which I don’t necessarily care for. So it’s quite intriguing to me why I can’t stop listening to it.

  • MaryS-NJ

    I bought Casey, Lee, Didi and Crystal.

    I’ve been playing Casey’s on repeat while I was doing laundry. Playful, bluesy, l just love his voice! And MJ, I hear what you mean about the arrangement.

    Crystal is smooth and soulful. She reminds me of the late, great Eva Cassidy so much is some of her phrasing.

    I love Didi’s voice and while I can understand what MJ’s saying about it being a little less edgy than the lyrics, but she sounds like one of those quiet, dangerous women who hide a sharp dagger inside a velvet glove if that makes any sense.

    I like the raspy tone of Lee’s voice and Beast of Burden is one of my favorite Stones songs. He sounds John Mayerish and musically that’s a good thing.

    Really for all the talk about the alleged shortcomings of this season there are some great recording voices in this bunch.

  • CRB

    He sounds John Mayerish and musically that’s a good thing.

    I said that exact thing to the person that I was watching the Idol performances with on Tuesday night. And as an extra bonus Lee doesn’t look like a “special needs” kid in the middle of a fit when he is singing like Mr. Sexual Napalm.

  • http://twitter.com/maxsmom61 CathyMK

    Wow, did he write those songs too?

    Yes, Lee wrote all of the songs from his 2 albums. I think he’s one of the best songwriters to be on AI, not that that matters during the competition. Casey and Crystal are excellent songwriters as well.

  • Inconnu

    Out of the 5 I listened, Andrew and Lee came on top. I’m surprised about Andrew because I’ve pretty much written him off (and he was my fav to start with). Yes, he’s got a really nice recording voice and this is a very nice rendition of Gimme Shelter. He definitely has a problem on the show meeting expectations. That’s too bad because he’s talented and this recording proves it. (I haven’t watched any of his youtube stuff).
    I’m surprised also to like Lee so much because Beast of Burden is one of my all time favorite Rock songs and as far as I’m concerned, it shouldn’t be messed with – but I like the arrangement and his raspy voice.
    I agree that Didi is not forceful enough on this recording – something seems to be missing – but I like the fact that she chose that song (one of the better ones of the Rolling Stones catalogue imo). The arrangement is lovely and so is her voice and her phrasing. I really hope she just had a rough start on the show and will get better and better as the weeks go by.
    Great recording from Crystal, always the right song for her, the right delivery, great energy. I find also that the tone of her voice has a purity to it, very lovely. I have a problem though with Crystal. As great as I think she is, I don’t feel part of her growth and of her journey. I feel like she’s there already. I’d like her to go outside her comfort zone and surprise me. It’s the element of anticipation and surprise that I’m missing from her I guess.
    I think Casey’s voice is too thin for the real Rock-and-roll renditions and I’m not crazy about the song so…. I prefer him on slower songs and bluesy stuff. Casey is another one who I really wish will do well on the show and make it to Top 5.

  • whatever4444

    The only one I bought was Siobhan’s and I loved. What a cool arrangement. It shows they put a lot of work in hers. Love it. So haunting I can’t stop playing it. <3

  • http://mjsbigblog.com/luvadamlamberts-american-idol-tour-2009-washington-dc-re-cap.htm luvadamlambert

    I think this is really strange but I thought lacey’s was better than the original o_0

  • rkt

    jinxx315:
    03/20/2010 at 5:46 pm

    Um is Andrew Garcia’s studio song Auto tuned???

    I think there is autotune in a couple of spots, but only for a second or so. I also think it could be Andrew’s own idea because he likes the current stuff.

  • jammasta

    I’ve gotten Crystal, Didi (I keep calling her Lilly :P ), Siobhan, Aaron, and Casey still, and my opinions of them haven’t really changed.

    Been playing Siobhan’s on repeat, even though it is a bit weird and disappointing at times (I’m totally beginning to hear the “monotonous moan” thing, so I hope she does some voice work >_>). Crystal and Casey are very excellently done. Aaron’s is a bit long (4:54 is enough to turn me away from a song >_>), but I like it. Didi’s on the other hand is a bit too short, but I still like it.

    Just from the 30 second previews, I’m beginning to see what people are seeing in Lee. I’m still not sold, but his voice is so much better recorded than live, where it’s kinda goaty and nervous. Andrew’s seemed a lot better than his performance, too. Might pick those up because I do like the surprise factors I got from both.

    As for Lee, I kinda can’t get my mind off the “Pants on the Ground” guy when he sings thanks to that awkward Lips of an Angel performance, and it’s kinda uncomfortable. So hopefully he can do something to stop reminding me of that guy (….go back in time and give himself a belt?). Or the lazy eyelid >_>.

    Andrew seems to have a great recording voice, but no performance skill. Explains why he’s turned me off so much lately.

  • ohiobofan

    Siobhan’s is the only one I downloaded this week and I love it. Especially the way that it starts. Her voice is so haunting and she knows how to use a stage!

  • chessguy99

    Pretty much agree with MJ, except on Siobhan’s. Her vibe is very much cutting-edge indie alt rock. I see where many won’t get Siobhan, but I see where fans of Paramore and Flyleaf would get her. Siobhan’s disconnect may come from her being an indie rocker, trying to win a mainstream singing competition.

  • lorenzo

    Aaron’s “Angie” is GREAT! I really didn’t think I’d purchase a think this year.. but the little shit got me.. I love that song, and the kids got a beautiful voice. and of course dipshit Simon says to not try to sing the higher stuff, or “belt” which is bs, that kid can sing, I just think he’s scared to death live.. on national tv.. I’ve played music my whole life, but I can’t sing live.. my insides FREEZE.

  • koshka

    chessguy99 – I didn’t make the paramore flyleaf connection… but that probably explains my attraction. *lightbulb moment*

  • songsungblue

    I thought Siobhan sounded oddly breathy on her recording.

  • CRB

    songsungblue:
    03/20/2010 at 7:17 pm

    I thought Siobhan sounded oddly breathy on her recording.

    Tags: Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Lacey Brown, Lee Dewyze, Michael Lynche, Paige Miles, Sibhan Magnus, Tim Urban

    Sometimes a misspelling is so shocking it just takes ones breath away.

  • Jive

    Thanks MJ! I almost forgot about the iTunes versions. I’m heading off to listen now!

  • bakyspritz

    The production value has definitely gone up since they have started recording these. Can’t say anyone turned me off. A lot of it is if these singers have a voice that fills the void.

    My take.
    Andrew Garcia – My fav.- He records really well. I hope he gets something going.
    Aaron Kelly – good young country voice. I think he may have a real shot at being successful after this.
    Lacey and Soibahn – both recorded OK but they should go into acting/theatre. Soibahn would be perfect for Glee.
    Lee – he’s good but unfortunately his type of voice is already full of company right now.
    Crystal and Didi – both sound really good in the recording. Also a very crowded field.
    Tim Urban – Sounded pretty good on his recording but not much depth there. Preteen girls would love him but unfortunately he’s on the older side of his sell by date. He should have gone into that industry a few years ago.
    Katie – same as Tim
    Michael Lynche – I like his old school R&B style. Unfortunately it’s not in right now.
    Paige – There is nothing wrong with her voice but nothing about her stands out.

    Oops forgot about Casey. That tells you enough. It’s hard to stand out.

  • Joyed

    Here are my thoughts on the evolution of the Idol iTunes downloads:

    Season 7: Pretty good production. The instruments sounded like instruments. However, they did not seem to record the vocals for all contestants well. Some sounded amazing, while I think others like Syesha and Carly’s voices were recorded poorly on several of their songs – to the point where they lost the unique vocal qualities that you could hear in a live performance.

    Season 8: I feel like the instrumental production went full on karaoke in almost every track from this Season. It reminded me of how cheaply produced the semifinals felt, where you couldn’t even see the band. I also felt like they recorded a few people weirdly, where their unique vocal qualities were muted (several Kris and Allison songs come to mind, although others of their songs sounded great recorded). However, I also thought they did some interesting things with the vocal recordings. I liked that they started layering the artist’s vocal with their own singing to make it seem more like a studio recording (Adam, in particular stands out in my mind as having got this treatment on some recordings.)

    Season 9: So far, they seem to have great instrumental production and be doing a great job of capturing the vocals so that each contestants voice sounds like him/herself (if that makes any sense). I’m so glad, because I think this will make people more likely to buy them than when they sound poorly produced and mixed.

  • shell29

    After listening to Lee’s studio recording, I can finally see what Simon sees in him. I did not get all the love for this guy, but he sounds great on the recording. If he can just find a way to transfer that to the big stage, he’ll be golden. I still think we’ve “been there, done that” with Lee & Casey (I liked his studio recording too). Of the two, I think Lee has the greatest potential to grow on me.

    Crystal-Love her. I’ll buy anything she releases.

    Aaron-Don’t know how far he’ll go in the competition, but he has potential. I think he needs a little more seasoning and then he’ll be good to go.

    I enjoyed Andrew’s itunes recording. Much better than his live performance (which just didn’t work for me). I still like this guy and hope he comes back strong this week.

    Paige – There is nothing wrong with her voice but nothing about her stands out.

    Couldn’t agree more. She’s competent, but that’s it. Like MJ, I felt there was something missing from her recording. It just fell flat for me.

    I still like Siobhan, but I wasn’t crazy about her Paint It Black recording either.

  • sylvanaire

    I agree on just about everything with mj too, except for Siobhan. I thought they smoothed out the screech very well, so it fits the song perfectly. I think she’s still a little tentative in her stage presence, I wanted more attitude when she walked down those stairs Tuesday night. Good idea, but she just didn’t commit like I think she could have. That will come it time as she gets more comfortable, I think. I d/l-ed all the ones I was interested in before I read mj’s review, but went back for Lee and Andrew on her recommendation, and agree they are really good recorded. So I ended up with everyone except Katie, Andrew and Tim, lol. They are just too young for me to care about, regardless of how well or poorly they do individually. ETA: Ha! I completely forgot about Paige. I didn’t get her’s either, lol.

    I actually prefer Lee’s pre-Idol music to anything I’ve seen him do on the show so far. Of his 2 albums, I like Slumberland much better. The songs on that one are much more musically and rhythmically interesting, imo. I do want to say thank you to whoever linked those YouTubes of Lee performing pre-Idol. 1) It’s great to see he can be comfortable on a stage, bopping around and groovin’ to the music. Reminded me a little of Kris (but even more low key), I want to see that Lee on my TV, and 2) all those songs were from his first album, So I’m Told, and were much better live than on the record. The recordings are very sleepy and boring imo, but he infused quite a bit of life into those songs on stage. Good for him! I’ve never disliked Lee, he just has yet to prove himself to me on the show. Glad to know he is capable. I won’t resent his staying if he can just pull it together on the Idol stage, lol.

    CathyM-K, I noticed you mentioned Casey is a good songwriter, but I haven’t seen any of his pre-Idol music floating around out there, could you (or anyone who knows) point me in the right direction? Thanks!

    And what is the meaning of this emoticon? >_> Thanks!

  • gangreen29

    I don’t understand what about Paige’s recording that people don’t like. She sounds great to me, is it her phrasing or something?

  • sylvanaire

    Well, I don’t like the way Paige changed the words, point of view, tbh. If you can’t sing it the way it’s written, lyric-wise, don’t sing it, imo. It’s not so much her vocals. I just think it makes a joke of the song. IMO, YMMV, etc…

    In fact, I didn’t like it when Syesha changed Mrs Jones to Mr Jones her year, either. David Cook sang Little Sparrow without changing the pronouns, even though at first look it looks like a woman’s lament, but was able to make it sound like an older man’s desire to give advice to a young woman, or a confession of a former heartbreaker.

    It’s not always necessary to change the pronouns to sing a song well. Joan Baez used to sing from the male point of view on folk songs, and it never sounded weird. Just my opinion.

  • Joyed

    I don’t understand what about Paige’s recording that people don’t like. She sounds great to me, is it her phrasing or something?

    I think she sounds great too, despite the fact I don’t really like the song. I think she has the best pop voice of all the remaining contestants. In my review I just felt like in a couple of places she tried to add flair to the song, but I didn’t like the choice because I didn’t think it worked for the studio version the way it would have worked live. But that’s just me being picky.

    I can’t wait to hear her on a song I would actually like. I hope she picks a great pop song next week (if the theme allows).

    ETA: I thought about it more, and I do think phrasing is a weakness for her. She sometimes unintentionally breaks the flow of a line with her phrasing and where she chooses to breathe. It can make her singing sound labored instead of effortless. I hope she can work on this because her voice is pretty much there (minus some pitch bobbles and the Smile performance).

  • gangreen29

    n fact, I didn’t like it when Syesha changed Mrs Jones to Mr Jones her year, either. David Cook sang Little Sparrow without changing the pronouns, even though at first look it looks like a woman’s lament, but was able to make it sound like an older man’s desire to give advice to a young woman, or a confession of a former heartbreaker.

    I don’t think that is a good example, the lyrics of little sparrow easily can be interpreted just like how you mentioned, and it isn’t as gendered of a song. If Syesha and Paige hadn’t changed the wording than they would have blatantly been singing about being in a relationship with a woman.

  • Dlynne

    Didi’s recording is amazing. I really like Lee’s and Siobhan’s too.

    ETA: I wish Didi’s was longer. I want a full version. Oh, and I’ve had Alex Lambert on repeat…still bitter about him being gone. His recording voice is wonderful.

  • sylvanaire

    Perhaps it wasn’t the best example, gangreen29, but he did pick a song that he didn’t have to change the lyrics, so on that, my point still stands. And why would you have to interpret her singing a song from a guys perspective, as if she’s the one in a relationship with a girl? If you are going to automatically assume that she’s singing from that pov, then she should have picked a different song. The other girls didn’t have that problem.

    Regardless of my reasoning, my opinion still stands that I don’t like that performance from her, nor have I liked any song from her yet this season. Walk Away is the only one I’ve d/l-ed, and it’s okay, but nothing special to me. I’m not closed to her completely though, I am willing for her to change my mind in the coming weeks, but it’s unlikely I’ll vote for her, because I have other contestants I prefer more. She seems like a nice, sweet girl (I like her much more than Katie, for example), I don’t hate her or anything, she just hasn’t impressed me yet. *smile*

  • http://twitter.com/maxsmom61 CathyMK

    Sylvanaire, Casey had several songs up on his website before the season started. Unfortunately, I only saved one of them. There must be someone else who saved the others. Hopefully they’ll share eventually. The song I saved is called Freezin’. You can download it from my Mediafire account. The 1st file is an AAC file, which is better quality, but might not work on every non-Apple device. The 2nd is an mp3, which should work on any music player.

    http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=715069a99ec395b77432d3c9683f450a29ef22ff3f38b470a4648785df63f216

    Here are mp3s of live versions of some of Lee’s preIdol songs:

    http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=715069a99ec395b77432d3c9683f450ab9482217d507c75c5d27c407d4c31e46

  • Jupi

    I listened to all of them and my favorites were Siobhan’s, Didi’s, Paige’s, Lee’s and Crystal’s Itunes recordings. They all sounded great, and I especially loved ‘Paint It Black’.

    I’m a fan of Katie and Aaron but I was disappointed with their recordings for this week. Maybe I just don’t really like the songs that they picked – too boring IMO.

    Pretty much indifferent to the others.

  • thesheriff

    wOw!!! Lee’s was out.STAND.ing!!! I’ll make love to him (in my fantasies lol)!!

    I didn’t try anyone elses. I’m all for Siobhan but just for the purpose of the show. She’s fun for me to watch…not completely sold on music to my ears. As far as Crystal…i think she’s truly amazing but she isn’t all “that” as far as entertaining…kinda vanilla for me.

  • Lu

    As far as Crystal…i think she’s truly amazing but she isn’t all “that” as far as entertaining…kinda vanilla for me.

    That’s exactly how I feel… thanks for summing it up for me! :)

  • jga94

    MJ, I totally agree with you about Andrew’s recorded version….I was pleasantly surprised.

    And out of all the recorded versions, I like Lee’s the best. I love,love,love his recording voice and his delivery. I also like Crystal’s (not a surprise), Mike’s (but I don’t care much for the song really) and Siobhan’s….but I do agree with you that the visuals Siobhan brought to her performance (the setting, the lights, the dress with the boots….eerie) added up to the drama and overall score of her performance….but I do not deny that her vocal prowess even in recording cannot be denied…

  • unwritten25

    I don’t think that is a good example, the lyrics of little sparrow easily can be interpreted just like how you mentioned, and it isn’t as gendered of a song. If Syesha and Paige hadn’t changed the wording than they would have blatantly been singing about being in a relationship with a woman.

    Is there a reason she couldn’t have done that? So what if they had been blatantly singing about being in a relationship with a woman? I honestly don’t really care about pronouns…nothing about Paige really stands out to me. She’s better than some (I’m looking at you, Tim and Katie) but not the best by a long shot. I think out of many of the middle people she has a good chance of becoming a frontrunner with the right song and more personality.

    I agree with pretty much all of this except the Siobhan assessment. I loved her live performance and her studio. I know a lot of people were against “The Screech” (as it’s now being called) but for me, it added emotional depth to the song, it didn’t detract from it. It’s not a happy song, and the screech/scream she did for it made me feel the song deeper than I would’ve if she hadn’t done that. Someone who connects to her song (which Siobhan did, immensely) is needed in a season that contains the likes of Tim Urban and Katie Stevens. Just sayin’.

    Crystal is amazing. Anything she makes, I will buy hands down. Also, Lee’s studio was really, really good. He has such a recordable voice! Here’s to hoping that he *shows* us that he has that much talent next week. I think Simon really hit it on the head – he needs to realize that he does have a truckload of talent and get more confident.

  • cookcricket

    mj, I appreciated all of your reviews last yr. and I’m glad to see them back this yr. I have only listened to Crystal and Siobhan’s and love them both. I’ve tried to go to YT to listen to the rest, but keep getting pulled into watching Crystal and Siobhan’s live performances again. (Including some from previous weeks).

    I’m a little surprised at how much I like Siobhan since Crystal’s style is more of what I listen to and love, but there is something very haunting about her style to me.

    Love them both.

    ETA: Okay off to try to listen to some others.

  • springboard

    I love Siobhan’s Paint It Black, her voice, the interpretation and the emotion she puts in.
    Casey is a surprise, I like it a lot more than her performance.
    The dispointment is Crystal. I like her but this lacks flair and personality.
    I dodn’t like Didi’s and Lee’s versions.

  • wjmtv

    Wow. Lee wins this round, no question. Bravo, dude!

  • LisaE

    Lee’s would be my favorite if his voice was slightly less nasally and I didn’t have these random flashes of Gokey.

  • alxsavage

    I adore Crystal’s recording voice, the girl got’s soul, I have been listening to her pre-idol EP, it’s exactly the kind of music that goes straight to your heart.

    BTW, I really, really hate it when someone changes the gender on the lyrics just to make it fit. It’s absolutely unnecessary, IMHO, a bold singer dares to sing the song as it is. For example, I remember Kat MacPhee’s version of The Beatles’ Something performed at the Top 12 results show on S7. Hearing her sing “Something about the way HE moves” just ruined the song for me (one of the most beautiful Beatles songs ever).

    I just don’t think music should be that literal, specially when those are songs that we all know. So thumbs down for Paige for this decision.

  • Ratna12

    BTW, I really, really hate it when someone changes the gender on the lyrics just to make it fit. It’s absolutely unnecessary, IMHO, a bold singer dares to sing the song as it is……

    I just don’t think music should be that literal, specially when those are songs that we all know.

    LOL. What are you saying ? You mean Kara is wrong when she said that Tim/Aaron can not sing a certain song because they are only 16 (on the last day of semifinal)? I forgot the specifics.

  • alxsavage

    LOL. What are you saying ? You mean Kara is wrong when she said that Tim/Aaron can not sing a certain song because they are only 16

    LOL, I think Simon did say that he didn’t agree with Kara on that one, but I don’t exactly mean that, I think it would be wrong if Aaron changed the lyrics to make them suit his age. For me, it’s all about respecting the original song.

  • tinydance

    I have seen Andrew’s videos on youtube and he is not a bad singer. I think Andrew might have one of those recording voices.

    Lacey has a voice for Country.

    I really liked Lee’s recording. He gave it his own spin.

  • bean99

    Thanks for the reviews, Mj. I wasn’t going to buy any after listening to some of them but after you said how good Andrew’s was, I checked it out and loved it. I loved Siobhan’s live performance but it didn’t translate to the recorded one for me. I do agree about Lee & Casey’s recording voice but didn’t like the songs enough to buy.

    I usually pick up quite a few recordings each season but it kind of bugs me that these early ones are now $1.29 instead of .99. I know it’s nothing in the grand scheme of things but will probably make me think twice. Maybe it’s because I have 5 favorites, lol.

  • Lu

    I cannot believe how much I love Lee’s recording. I’ve had it on my ipod on repeat. I’m anxious to get some more of his stuff!

  • monleo1705

    wjmtv:
    03/21/2010 at 2:25 am
    Wow. Lee wins this round, no question. Bravo, dude!

    Actually I would like to think it’s a tie between Lee and Didi. Lee was probably the best sounding guy on this week’s recording but Didi was amazing!! And she has the most hits on youtube for her recording, hehe. She’s like a Sarah Mclachlan but slightly unpolished version. I can’t wait to buy her album!! Her voice is so unique and records like an angel!

  • carolinacharms

    I find no real surprises in the review. Sioban continues to get the hot, red poker down the throat and buckets of hydrochloric acid in the eyes. Meanwhile, Crystal walks on water. Neither treatment is warranted by any objective standard.

  • JudyOhio

    Oops, I messed the quote thing up, so posted below

  • JudyOhio

    ETA: I wish Didi’s was longer. I want a full version. Oh, and I’ve had Alex Lambert on repeat…still bitter about him being gone. His recording voice is wonderful.

    Is there a studio recording of Alex? Didn’t know that and would love to hear it. I couldn’t find it in this thread. Could you find a link for that Dlynne? Thanks.

  • SarahP

    i love lee’s and i find his vocals pretty much similar to his live performance. its a very pretty song and cant imagine it being a rolling stones song.

    Oh, and I’ve had Alex Lambert on repeat…still bitter about him being gone. His recording voice is wonderful.

    i dont think he had a studio version but perhaps a live performance version? since his vocals are pretty good live, his live performance recording may be similar to studio recording.

  • Nativenewyorker

    I have listened to all of the studio versions. This is my take.

    Siobhan – the girl has a glorious voice. That high note was cleaned up and came across beautifully. She has an incredible voice, simple as that.

    Aaron – I just do not like the sound of his voice. He has the emotion, but the voice is lacking, not enough power, seems on the verge of going off key, too weak for me.

    Andrew – This was a real shocker! Who knew this guy could sound that good! But he can’t do it live. That’s his problem.

    Casey – I have to be honest here. I just do not like his voice. There are so many guys who could sing like him. I still do not hear anything remotely original or unique enough for me.

    Crystal – She sounds marvelous on the recorded version. Her voice is great live or recorded. Just great!

    Didi – She really comes across stronger on the recording. Live she was kind of walking a tightrope, fighting in parts to stay on pitch. It did lose the power of the live performance, but the vocals came through quite well.

    Katie – This is someone else whose voice does not connect with me at all. The recorded version cleaned up the pitch issues, but her voice is ordinary, not particularly special or different, just boring.

    Lee – Now this is the way I want to hear him. He has the superior voice over Casey. They are both very similar, but Lee is the real thing for me. Now all he has to do is somehow manage to do this in his live performances. I knew the guy had potential.

    Michael – He sounds smooth, those high notes are beautiful. Very good, both live and recorded.

    Paige – This may sound strange, but I liked the live performance better. Her hoarseness gave it a grittier feel, which worked better for this song. I do not like her recorded version at all. She doesn’t have enough power for an r&b diva voice. Just not nearly good enough!

    Tim – I am truly at a loss for words. How he could take a song like “Under My Thumb” and make it sound so insipid, I just don’t know. His voice is total crap. The guy had no business getting to the finals. This is a voice you could hear in any bar or club.

    Lacey – I do not like her recorded version, even with the voice cleaned up. Just not enough voice for this competition. Even her unique sound doesn’t record well. Another one who should never have made it to the finals.

  • calvinshobbes

    no notions of Rolling stones songs. I thought Tim really did a good job with the song. It had a cool vibe and would be something I could hear on the radio now for the summer. YMMV.

  • Reflections On Life

    of the rolling stones itunes recordings…
    LEE - my fav is lee’s beast of burden. the angst with which he rocks it gives it more poignancy than the stones original. i was blown away & frankly quite surprised at that level of earthy vulnerable sexiness from him.
    CRYSTAL - crystal’s is just so polished, effortless, instinctual – like melinda doolittle, she just doesn’t “belong” on idol. the live version showcased her clearer-than-expected tone.
    DIDI - didi is less in-your-face than in her live performance, but more cool-as-a-cucumber (like “i don’t get mad, i get even”), a diff but equally valid interpretation.
    MICHAEL - i like michael’s miss you, very clean & showed off his vocals.
    CASEY - casey’s was fun for its arrangement. his singing neither added nor subtracted. it was a win for ricky minor, not for casey.

    the rest had very forgettable rolling stones i-tunes, but did have some good other itunes…
    Michael – this woman’s work – his lower-than-maxwell’s voice add’s poignancy to the lyric
    Didi – rhiannon - i like her rhiannon better than stevie nicks because she makes me relate to the lyric.
    Lacey – the story – she sounds very diff from brandi carlisle, so brings a jewel-like intimacy to the song.
    Crystal – give me one reason – agree with sleazak of EW that she makes the song more sexy in an urgent & raw way.
    Andrew – sugar we’re going down – his spin makes the song cooler & more interesting than fall out boy’s own version.
    Paige – walk away – i was surprised at how good (not yet great) it was, showed she’s capable of being a pop-rock artist. but can an african american female make it in this genre? it’d probably sound even better w/ laryngitis!
    Casey - i generally liked-not-loved all his i-tunes.
    Aaron - his 2 country i-tunes songs were pretty good, better than i was expecting! country’s justin beiber?

    Siobhan is better on TV than on i-tunes, where she’s completely boring. I *don’t* get the paramore / flyleaf thing from her. But I could see her fronting an 80′s-influenced band, like the killers or panic at the disco or franz ferdinand – she has the rounded tones of ’80s new wave / modern rock. Her quirky-ugly-cute thing is more 80s-early90s too. I also love her head-tones live – almost enya-like!

    Katie is on the wrong show. She needs to hook up with Disney fast, before she ages out of that genre. She looks & sounds like Selena Gomez & Demi Lovato, if a little more boring than them, but Disney could coach & morph her.

    Tim reminds me of Ashton Kutcher in That 70s Show! He has the clearest tones of this group of 12, but that makes him better as a session singer or k-tel singer. I find his come on get higher even more comical than his under my thumb (“swing of your hips”, “pull me down hard”… seriously??). Could he pull off “hey soul sister”, with its reggae vibe? Maybe a singer, not an artist.

  • wonderings

    Is there a studio recording of Alex? Didn’t know that and would love to hear it. I couldn’t find it in this thread. Could you find a link for that Dlynne? Thanks.

    There are only the performance recordings available for those that went out 24 – 13, unfortunately. So they’re short & definitely ‘tweaked’ in spots, which may or may not be necessary, depending on the performer.

    The tracks are still on itunes but they’re pretty buried – searching for a contestant out before Top 12 will only bring up the main Idol page that does not list contestants other than, yes, the Top 12. But if you go to any of the T12 contestants second performances there are “listeners also bought” links to the bootees.

    Here’s a link to “Everybody Knows” to try:
    http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/everybody-knows-american-idol/id359964508?i=359964595

    I spent 4 bucks on all three of Alex’s tracks as a small amount of support b/c I dig his voice and wanted to show TPTB that I’d buy his music. They amp up the background vocals/music and put some subtle but unnecessary & annoying echo/reverb on his voice in places. Grrrr. I prefer the vocals taken straight from his performances.

  • CynicalDog

    These varied reviews show how much of a “YMMV” quality there is to music. I adored Lacey’s studio version of “Ruby Tuesday” and I’ve listened to it multiple times because I can’t get enough of it. I told my partner that I’d definitely buy an album by Lacey, based on that one song, even though I didn’t care for any of her live performances. I also loved Siobhan’s studio recording of “Paint it Black” more than I liked the live version, and again, I’d love an entire album from her. When she sings she seems to really feel/mean/interpret the lyrics, and I think her voice is gorgeous.

    The big surprise for me about the iTunes studio versions of the songs was that I didn’t really like Crystal’s recording, and in fact, I’ve only listened to it once. I much preferred her live AI performance, which I felt had more personality. If I had to name my one single favourite artist it would be the Indigo Girls (I’ve been a fan since I first saw them live 22 years ago), but I’ve always preferred them live to recorded, too.

    Crystal was definitely my favourite when this season of AI started, but I’ve since gravitated towards Siobhan. I hope Crystal will shake things up a bit this week and surprise me with an unconventional song choice/arrangement like David Cook did so often.