Dan’s San Jose American Idol Tour Re-Cap

So you think that Kris will sell more albums and that Adam is destined to a lesser career being played at clubs. We’ll see. Sorry, meant this for the previous post with MJ on the radio.

I agree with you on Adam. He just seems too cabaret.

Interesting recap – thanks Dan. I noticed most everyone seems to have issue with Anoop’s glasses.

Thanks for the recap Dan. I was not going to miss the Idol concert last year for anything, because of David Cook and David Archuleta, so I know how you feel. Both Davids’ rocked Chicago that night, but I also came away a fan of Jason and Michael that night too. Interesting how that happens! Anyway, I am not sure I want to go this year. Last year was my first time watching the show, and my first Idol concert. This year Kris and Matt were my favorites, but the rest didn’t interest me very much. Based on your review however, which seemed pretty impartial to me, I may just try and get some tickets!

Thanks for sharing the recap. We obviously have very different musical tastes based on who you liked in the concert and what I’ve seen and liked in YouTubes, let’s just say Scott and Danny don’t work for me, and Allison and Adam do.

But hey! sounds like you had a great experience and came away liking and being more impressed by people than you had going in. That’s always a great experience to have. Rather to be more impressed than less.

Thanks for your recap, Dan. I’m not a fan of Anoop’s glasses either. But maybe they make sense with the whole show and between song banter?

Dan thanks for taking the time out to write your recap. I appreciate anyone who cares enough to share their opinion ( and that is all it is, not fact, not etched in stone, just your opinion and I hope others realize that fact) I personally do not agree with some of your assessments (Adam, Allison) and that is the beauty of MJSBIGBLOG we all get to have and explore our own likes and dislikes. Thank you again.

Thanks for posting. I can only laugh hard on your impartiality. Whatever floats you boat i guess. i really have to make my US trip earlier and watch this concert. It is getting to be interesting. i love to see Adam rock it out. Thanks for inspiring me to do that.

Thanks Dan — I was hoping that Anoop’s glasses were a tongue-in-cheek thing? Guess I’ll just have to wait for my show!

This is the second time a fan who said Adam was lacking something at the concert.Its funny how fans notice and critics dont lol.

Adam IS cabaret and the sooner he realizes it, the better off he’ll be. You nailed that one on the head.

This year Kris and Matt were my favorites, but the rest didn’t interest me very much. Based on your review however, which seemed pretty impartial to me, I may just try and get some tickets!

Funny, I thought the opposite.

Thanks for taking the time to recap. It’s interesting to read everyone’s opinion. When I read that you loved Scotts performance, I knew right then and there, your taste in music and singers are on the complete opposite spectrum as mine. But, the world would be a boring place if we all liked everything the same. ADAM RULES!!!!

Yeah, Adam’s vocal and performance style isn’t for everyone — He’s said it himself in interviews.

edit: don’t question the motives of posters. you have no idea what they are thinking. don’t put words in their mouths or bait them

I was at the San Jose concert too and for me Adam’s astounding voice (and amazing moves) floored me. I read that everyone’s vocals really do lose something over the TV (not to mention covert concert youtubes) but I thought how much better could it really get? But whoever said that was dead right, EVERYONE sounded better than on the show, but for me the difference was most pronounced with Adam — his voice not only completely filled the venue, it seriously sounded like it could power out a couple blocks beyond, uncontainable. It was unreal, I still think back and can barely believe it.

I also REALLY enjoyed Kris too, clapping and singing along to Heartless was so fun. I loved the moment (I forget during which song, the new Killers one?) when the flowy gauzy curtain behind him dramatically DROPS! and is quickly pulled to each side of the stage. Great staging choice! I think my favorite song of his set is the new Bright Lights, which I didn’t even know, but his jumping up and jamming on the guitar is so infectious, the song completely rocks. And the Idols look sooo happy when they all sing together for the last song, make goofy faces at each other and break out some silly dance moves, they look like they are having the time of their lives.

What a GREAT concert!

This is the second time a fan who said Adam was lacking something at the concert.Its funny how fans notice and critics dont lol.

Critics know how to spot talent and fans are just reporting on what they like.

ETA: Thanks soveryMel, I can’t wait to experience Adam in all his glory too.

Is this reviewer a guy?. I always want to get a male point of view of these AI concerts since most AI fans are female. like pereau the other day. so when peole say “too cabaret ” what exactly are they saying?.

Not all critics.Critics dont spot talent.They have to sit though a show that they dont want to enjoy and write a crappy review.Critics are almost like the fans.
They offer opinons but nothing more really.

Read Dan’s impressions of the San Hose Idol concert’ ¦

Is San Hose another name for San Jose?

This is the second time a fan who said Adam was lacking something at the concert.Its funny how fans notice and critics dont lol.

Is this only the second one? I’ll expect more before generalize it to a ‘fan’ consensus.

Nice recap Dan. I think the AI concert is like a box of chocolate. You really need to taste each one of them to see which plead you the most. Based on the reviews I read, it’s a box full of surprise I’ll say.

I noticed most everyone seems to have issue with Anoop’s glasses.

I kind of liked them. It sort of fits in with that a-dorkable quality he has. The man does apparently need them to see, maybe he thought they would be better than having to worry about contacts.

Great recap!! Glad you came away a tenative fan of Matt. He seems to be having that affect on people a lot once they meet him and hear him live on tour.

Thanks again, and Matt Rocks!! (sorry couldn’t help myself) :biggrin_wp:

I kind of liked them. The man does apparently need them to see, maybe he thought they would be better than having to worry about contacts.

I wondered if they were prescriptions because why else would he put them on?

Thanks for the great recap. When I saw Anoop’s glasses, I assumed that they were just a bit of a joke for that one performance, but I guess not. They are just so large. Like the ones that Monica from Friends put on when she had a turkey on her head and was trying to get Chandler to laugh.

But, I guess he’s going somewhere with them. Where, I do not know. I think he’d do better with some more normal-sized sunglasses. Seems like an easy thing to change. It seems to be distracting people from his performance, so he may want to consider changing them. If people are thinking “What’s with the glasses?” it can be harder to get into the music.

Always great to get different perspectives so thanks for taking the time to write.

I’m not a fan of Anoop’s glasses either. But maybe they make sense with the whole show and between song banter?

I was at the Sac show and the glasses are a mystery to me… no banter that I recall or even any backstory that has come up as far as I can tell. It didn’t make me love him any less– he was really good on that stage.

Thanks for the recap, Dan. I agree with 80% of your review: I didn’t care for Scott nearly enough to even consider buying anything he would produce and I think Adam’s set was a magical musical masterpiece.

Dan: Thankyou for posting your recap. It’s nice that you thought Danny and Kris were fantastic. They are both very talented. I on the other hand, love Adam and do not find him cabaret at all. But hey…different strokes for different folks. If we all loved the same thing, this world would be a boring place.

I wondered if they were prescriptions because why else would he put them on?

They have high-index lenses these days. There are no medical reasons for lenses that size anymore, AFAIK. In fact, my friend who used to wear coke-bottle glasses now wears very small frames because if you have really bad eyesight, the smaller the lenses, the thinner they can be.

And those glasses aren’t thick so I think they are more for fashion than vision (if he needed them that big for prescription reasons, they would be super-thick and HEAV-Y).

But, I’m not cool, and maybe the glasses are. Frankly, the glasses didn’t bother me after the first few seconds, but I keep seeing them mentioned in recaps so think they are distracting people.

It figures that ‘Whole Lotta Love’ was the one Dan disliked the most. I guess if I were a guy I wouldn’t necessarily like it either. Since I’m a woman, I can’t get enough of it!!!!!!That song is pure SEX to me

Interesting review…but it kind of sounded like you just listened to the songs on You tube and weren’t really there. I would have liked a bit more of the “thrill of the show” and your reactions to the fan reactions and how the sets were handled and how the songs were showcased in a live performance and more about how the singers sang the songs to a live audience.

I would have liked to have had a bit more of the visual and less of the subjective.

I love Anoop’s glasses! hehe..

Squirrely, you will be so happy you bought a ticket! I didn’t decide to go till the last minute, paid way too much (I thought) for relatively close seats and was feeling a little conflicted and guilty about it — UNTIL I heard Adam sing. I don’t even care that I’m going to be eating ramen for the next week, it was TOTALLY worth it.

And seriously, I can’t speak for anyone else, but the moment the lights went down and Michael Sarver’s intro flashed on the screen and everyone started yelling and clapping, for me it seemed like all the internet “fanwars” just disappeared. You could see every single one of the 10 do their very best to BRING IT for the fans, and while maybe not all of them were as successful as others, each set had its own memorable moments. And the San Jose crowd loved em all, absolutely ate it up with a spoon.

Critics offer sound opinion based on observations regularly judge or interpret performances or other works (such as those of artists, scientists, musicians, or actors), and typically publish their observations. The basic requisite that differentiate a critic from a fan is the phrase “regularly judge or interpret performances or other works”. This means a critic have the expertise brought about experience in a field, to be able to form an opinion over certain matters or topics. Now can a fan be a critic – oh course yes. But a fan has to fulfill the basic requisite first.

cool recap…its unbelievable how different each recap is and how different someone’s reaction to the idols is…especially towards kris, adam and danny…

noticed most everyone seems to have issue with Anoop’s glasses.

i justed tweeted Anoop asking him to lose them. they are soooo totally un-cool and the whole dorky-sexy thing does not work for me.

I think the glasses are an ironic fashion statement. Quirky. They’ve certainly got people talking, maybe that was his intent.

Thanks for posting. I can only laugh hard on your impartiality. Whatever floats you boat i guess. i really have to make my US trip earlier and watch this concert. It is getting to be interesting. i love to see Adam rock it out. Thanks for inspiring me to do that.

PS: Sorry MJ is this a repost. I am having some technical difficulties on linking up to the site. Won’t happen again.

Help! Am I the only one who likes Anoop’s glasses?

Love, love, love your review and admire your courage to speak you mind!

Thanks for the recap, Dan. Loved your comments about Danny, and Matt, and also your comments about Anoop’s voice, and his interaction with the audience. Those are my three favorite contestants from this season, I am glad that you enjoyed their performances. :smile2_tb:

Whoa, he didn’t like Adam! I am so offended! Haha, I’m just kidding! I know Adam isn’t everyone’s style and that’s totally fine. I love hearing other people’s impressions and reasons for why they like their favorites.

edit: please don’t assume what posters are thinking

As for Kris and my harsh recap in yesterday’s post, I said something about Kris not being comfortable with winning over Adam. Both my fiance and I got that sense after his set. I got a lot of flack for that. I have to say that after hearing of his grandmother’s passing yesterday, his “lack of confidence” or whatever it was on stage that night in San Jose makes more sense to me now. We noticed something off about him. I’m sure he was aware of his grandma’s condition and that in a way affected his performance. I didn’t think he was bad that night, something just didn’t seem right to me. He said something to the crowd under his breath in between songs and I was like “WHAT? what did he say?” To me, it makes more sense now.

Yeah, Anoop, what is up with the glasses?! I think they’re OK for one song I guess, as a cute joke maybe?

Also, do we really have to congratulate posters on their bravery to post their opinions, be it opinions that aren’t complementary to Kris or Adam or positive reviews of Danny’s performance? This is what recaps are for, to voice OUR own views and how performers made us feel, not to recap what other people have said in the past. I got a lot of “good job for speaking up” yesterday when I said something negative about Kris, and while I appreciated the comments, I definitely thought, “is it really that bad to state my opinion?” Just a thought!

@Squirrely

“Critics know how to spot talent and fans are just reporting on what they like.”

Agree with you. My earlier response on “who’s a critic or not” states the basic differentiation.

“ETA: Thanks soveryMel, I can’t wait to experience Adam in all his glory too.”

Hey, i really envy you guys who are watching the concert. I just hope i really can move my skeds around so i can leave earlier for the US vs. year-end. Would like to see Adam rocks it out. I will surely love it. Enjoy it!

Critics know how to spot talent and fans are just reporting on what they like.

As a critic, I can tell you that’s absolutely not true. I am paid to write about what I see, what I hear, and what I like, based on every bit of baggage I bring with me to the theater. You can call it background, taste, knowledge or judgment instead of baggage if you want to, but it’s the same thing. Whatever and whoever I review, I’m not handing out report cards or puffing the show, just trying to say enough about what I saw to help other people decide if it’s something they want to lay out money for and make an effort to see. If they disagree with everything I say and think that what I hate is exactly what they love, well, I’ve done my job.

I’m not going to the AI concert this year, but if I were and I were reviewing it, I can pretty much promise I would think Adam was too screamy and not my cuppa. Sorry. Never could stand “Whole Lotta Love” or “Slow Ride.”

Did anyone tweet Adam to drop the vest worn at DSB? (by drop I meant change to something else. but of course he can just ‘drop it’)

Critics offer sound opinion based on observations regularly judge or interpret performances or other works (such as those of artists, scientists, musicians, or actors), and typically publish their observations. The basic requisite that differentiate a critic from a fan is the phrase ‘regularly judge or interpret performances or other works’ . This means a critic have the expertise brought about experience in a field, to be able to form an opinion over certain matters or topics. Now can a fan be a critic – oh course yes. But a fan has to fulfill the basic requisite first.

Exactly, wiccagirl. Unless we are talking about some podunk newspaper or other journalistic entity where the critic also cuts and pastes, types in sports agate and delivers the paper, a critic’s position is highly coveted and not easily handed out to just anyone. These folks by and large have a seasoned and educated approach to what they do. Certainly there are critics who I give more credence to, likely because their viewpoints are more on par with mine :king_tb:or they provide for me reasonable examples and arguments for why they say what they say (in other words, they don’t say so and so sucks because he sucks).

soveryMel I, too, have wondered what it must be like to be a person who doesn’t “get” Adam Lambert amid all this high praise from all aspects of the industry and the population. I am glad I am not among them, but I probably would be more productive and less sleep-deprived these days if I was. Adam casts a spell with his talent and his raw sexiness that I just don’t seem to be able to fully escape. I for one love Starlight and Bowie — heck, I love it all and wish he was allowed to sing even more songs!

And yes, what up with those Anoop glasses? Just dorky.

Tess wrote:
“Interesting review’ ¦but it kind of sounded like you just listened to the songs on You tube and weren’t really there. ”
I have the same impression after reading this recap. :unsure_tb:
Thank you for sharing tho

Thanks for posting! I disgaree on Megan but agreed with most of your other critiques.

I’m not going to the AI concert this year, but if I were and I were reviewing it, I can pretty much promise I would think Adam was too screamy and not my cuppa. Sorry. Never could stand ‘Whole Lotta Love’  or ‘Slow Ride.’ 

You never know – he might have changed your mind when you saw him live, if you were going in as an impartial viewer.

Thanks Dan for a diverting recap. I’m glad you enjoyed the show.

@natasha

“Help! Am I the only one who likes Anoop’s glasses??”

Nope. He looks good with or without his glasses.

Thanks Dan – that was a quite different take and a refreshing change of view.
I haven’t noticed anyone else specifically praising Scott so far, so I’m glad he impressed you so much.

I’m going to try to go to the concert with an open mind, expecting nothing. Adam might even disppoint me – it’s highly unlikely but not out of the question.

I wonder why Matt never moved me much during the show. Maybe it’s because of the mole or the hat.

omg, im cracking up. i blame the mole…

yeah, not a danny fan on the show, but he does have a great voice and im suspecting that come thursday, i’ll probably like his set (previously i had planned my bathroom break around him)

Lil…you probably nailed it on the head by describing her as a backup singer

WLL is my least fave of adam’s songs (based on the youtube clips)…i love his duet w. allison…such raw, beautiful energy. and i actaully like the bowie and muse songs for him, mainly bc i like those songs and that style of music suits him. but WLL is a bit annoying…i find him trying too hard to be “rock” on that performance (too much acting) .whereas he’s so natural w. Slow Ride. ….take it easyyyy….whoop.

Noop and the glasses? hehe, match made in geeky heaven

@BeckyMD Um I have a confession. I secretly love the DSB shiny metal studded vest *ducks* — I love it even more now that I’ve seen the concert from a seat just high enough so you can see the Idols bending forward at the waist on the elevator as they wait for it to rise. The back of his vest is immediately visible and totally screams “Look, it’s Adam!”

Thanks for writing, Dan.

I totally don’t get those glasses or outfit on Anoop. But hey, embrace your inner nerd and make him an outer nerd, too! Branding is interesting…

Dan, if you’re around, how did Danny’s “speech” go over?

Thanks again!

I love it even more now that I’ve seen the concert from a seat just high enough so you can see the Idols bending forward at the waist on the elevator as they wait for it to rise. The back of his vest is immediately visible and totally screams ‘Look, it’s Adam!’ 

LOL – too funny. I have ‘loge’ seats – fancy word for ‘not the floor’ so I may doing the same thing.

Did anyone tweet Adam to drop the vest worn at DSB? (by drop I meant change to something else. but of course he can just ‘drop it’)

I might get a twitter account just to beg Adam to obtain either a short sleeved shirt or a set of weights before he gets to my city. His voice is amazing, but the vest-wearing and mic stand molesting make me lol. I haven’t made it the whole way through one of his tour videos yet and I mostly liked him on the show.

I’m glad someone enjoys Scott : )

btw Dan, thanks for giving a real CONCERT recap and not a 500 world essay on who should have won AI ….i enjoy hearing stories from all the fans (even those of scott, lil, megan) about their CONCERT experiences and what they liked and didnt. its all part of the fun.

Did anyone tweet Adam to drop the vest worn at DSB? (by drop I meant change to something else. but of course he can just ‘drop it’)

He really does need to ditch that so anyone who tweets and gets him to do it is my hero.

Not all critics.Critics dont spot talent.They have to sit though a show that they dont want to enjoy and write a crappy review.Critics are almost like the fans.

The job of a critic is to go to a show, and while you’re right, probably some of them don’t look forward to some of them based on a certain amount of known quality, i.e. cover versions and cheese for AI, or for movies, say an Ernest film, that they don’t respect. Still the critic usually does try and be objective. Though that is impossible and they bring their own prejudices and preconceived notions and tastes. Also presumably professional critics have a history and knowledge base on which to judge, that fans might not. And if they’re good, imho, critics, they can say why they think something is a quality product or at the least say that it has value as fun/quality for others, even if they don’t personally get it.

I am thinking of Siskel and Ebert in their heyday and while they certainly had a wealth of cinematic knowledge to bring to their critiques, and certainly could/did base value of a film on things more than the average movie goer could reference, still they could also just say ‘for what it was, this was an enjoyable film’. Or ‘it was a good film for younger kids.’ So that’s how I would go into an AI concert if I was a critic. Though some critics whose reviews we’ve seen do that, others do not.

But for a fan, do we even try and look at things objectively? Most of us are going for a certain person, maybe a few people. We know ahead of time of the ones we don’t like or expect not to like. And much as I’m sure some of us try and be as objective as possible, I don’t think it’s possible. Professional crtics included. Which is why I discount certain critics I even like, when it comes to certain genres. Because I know they have their prejudices and they don’t match up with what I end up liking.

Natasha I like Anoop’s glasses as well. I like his geek chic. I think it’s fitting and his own version of a fashion statement without it being All. About. The. Different. Glasses, like it for Gokey.

btw, at first, i was wondering..who the hell is mike? LOL (wow, i am slooooow today)

Uh oh cheese, my irrational love of the DSB vest may compel me to start a competing twitter counter campaign … #savetheshinymetalvest LOL.

@soveryMel

I like the back of the vest too. Now I rethink it, it’s not the vest per se, but rather the whole demi outfit. It reminds me his outfit when singing ‘one’. Some ppl said he dresses to the event/song, but does he have too?

Thanks for the recap. Sorry you didnt get Adam, but more for me. YAY.

soveryMel , thanks for your recap as well. Glad you had a good time, too.

But I’m going to have to join the others in the Twitter campaign against that terrible bedazzled vest. He could wear just the shirt he has without it, and it would be fine. I mean he got rid of those stoopid jeans, why can’t he just go that last de-bedazzling step and get rid of that hideous vest?

Why Adam, WHY?

BeckyMD:
I think the original pants he wore at the first show were universally hated, and he either reads the internet or looked in the mirror and said, “hmmm, what the hell was I thinking wearing jeans with bestudded Mom-pockets on the front?” because he ditched them after that first show. IIRC he now wears the same black pants (with the glitter legs peeking through in patches) from the rest of the show for the DSB number as well. It’s much better than the original Jean Overload.

My hubs thinks Adam has an incredible voice, but he is a little annoyed that I am turned on by Adam’s WLL. He is just happy that Adam is gay (as if it really makes a diff to me), cuz I think he feels less threatened. On leaving the show, he said Adam really stood out amongst the rest, and actually thinks he could be a superstar. As other women’s significant others, my hubs patiently waited with me after the show to see Adam. I think he was secretly hoping close up Adam was going to be an ugly duckling. When he was two feet from us, my hubs knew by the look on my face that I was even more smitten than ever. I didn’t say anything to my hubs, but I thought Adam was one of the most beautiful men I’ve ever seen (and my hubs is very good-looking).

Uh oh cheese, my irrational love of the DSB vest may compel me to start a competing twitter counter campaign ‘ ¦ #savetheshinymetalvest LOL.

I’m with YOU! Just tell me when…

I’ve never used a critic’s opinion about anything (except food and that is limited to cleanliness and service issues) to guide me. I go to the movies that I think I will enjoy based on trailers regardless of what anyone says. I purchase music I think I’ll like after listening to a sample. I attend concerts of my favorite musicians. So while it’s nice to sometimes read an opinion that agrees with my own and interesting to read opinions that I don’t agree with, it would not influence my decision one way or the other. A million people could write about how Danny Gokey is the most awesome singer eva and I would still avoid listening to anything that comes out of his mouth. I’ve always wondered if I’m in a minority in this regard.

Did anyone tweet Adam to drop the vest worn at DSB? (by drop I meant change to something else. but of course he can just ‘drop it’)

I would if I thought it would do any good, or even get through the deluge of @replies the man gets on an hourly basis. I really hate that vest. I really really hate the whole top to bottom denim look on him, well on anyone really.

I wish he would switch to black denim trousers and a cool shirt or Tshirt and jacket. Anything but that HIDEOUS denim outfit. The studded boots are good though

ETA:

jericho

I’ve always wondered if I’m in a minority in this regard.

If you’re a minority then it’s a minority of two.
However, as much as Danny’s music grates on my nerves, times that by a thousand for Scott. OMG Scott, lounge singer extraordinary at the best 3 star hotel in atlantic city.

who the hell is mike?

I wondered about that too. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone refer to him as “Mike”. Weird.

“”"btw, at first, i was wondering..who the hell is mike? LOL (wow, i am slooooow today)”"”

LOL back at you, I was wondering that at first too

@soveryMel

I notice he changed the pants later. But the first impression is so carved in my mind that I can’t get rid of it every time I see the vest. The upper left grid in the pic below is precisely my expression the first time I saw the outfit. Now I’m more like bottom middle one….

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn43/hippie_1967/AI8/5931_103153601122_547861122_2551963.jpg

jericho , i usually change my mind about a movie if critics continually beat me in the head that i should watch it (im such an easy sell…sucker really)

with music, its less influential. i never pay attention to concert or cd reviews …the only affect they might have is that i might start paying attention to a certain artist if he/she is getting positive feedback, but i never change my mind about someone I already like.

Thanks for the recap. Appreciate your thoughts on all the idols. Disagree with your views on my favorite, but that’s the beauty of the whole thing. Different strokes. Also think that whatever Adam chooses to wear, he should continue to wear. I appreciate that he takes the time to choose his wardrobe and present himself. I wouldn’t want people “tweeting” me about what I’d wear, I wouldn’t presume to do that to anyone else. Especially since it’s obvious he made an effort with his wardrobe. I’d rather see him do that than come out looking like they’re about to wash their car or clean the garage.

You never know – he might have changed your mind when you saw him live, if you were going in as an impartial viewer.

Sure. It’s possible. I sit there, I watch and listen, and I wait till morning to write what I think just to give it time to settle. I’ve been doing it for just about 20 years, and I’m pretty good at knowing what I like and don’t like going in (in terms of the material, I mean), but every once in awhile, something surprises me. That’s the best possible thing. I mean, if I get sent to review some “Holidazzle!” thing at the dinner theater, I pretty much know I’m going to hate it. But, sure, it could surprise me and I would love it and wouldn’t that be awesome?

The thing is, going in knowing I hate “Whole Lotta Love” and “Slow Ride” (as songs) with the white-hot intensity of a thousand suns, and knowing that Adam doesn’t really do much to change up the originals, and also that he employs the “rock scream” I also hatehatehate… I can pretty much tell you that I would not appreciate those performances. And I can pretty much bet you that there are a fair number of critics out there who will come in knowing they’re going to roll their eyes and act all huffy about the entire concert because they think a reality show concert is beneath them OR all ready to laud Adam to the skies no matter how he performs because they loved him from Idol and were mad he didn’t win. It’s just the way it is. Some critics want to let possible ticket-buyers know what the concert is like, some want to sound smart, some want to put somebody or something down, some want to right a wrong or set the record straight or make everybody else think the same thing they do… There’s all kinds of motives out there, not all of them pure. I mean, my paper sent ME (the theater critic) to review AI because the music critic sneered at the whole idea.

BestAI Jul 14th, 2009 at 3:35 pm

My hubs thinks Adam has an incredible voice, but he is a little annoyed that I am turned on by Adam’s WLL. He is just happy that Adam is gay (as if it really makes a diff to me), cuz I think he feels less threatened. On leaving the show, he said Adam really stood out amongst the rest, and actually thinks he could be a superstar. As other women’s significant others, my hubs patiently waited with me after the show to see Adam. I think he was secretly hoping close up Adam was going to be an ugly duckling. When he was two feet from us, my hubs knew by the look on my face that I was even more smitten than ever. I didn’t say anything to my hubs, but I thought Adam was one of the most beautiful men I’ve ever seen (and my hubs is very good-looking).

OMG, that was exactly MY experience!!! I hoped hoped hoped Adam wouldn’t disappoint me close up bc I knew my fiance would have commented on that. But nope, I love him even more now! Fiance only said, “You said he was tall. He’s not THAT tall.”

Also think that whatever Adam chooses to wear, he should continue to wear. I appreciate that he takes the time to choose his wardrobe and present himself. I wouldn’t want people ‘tweeting’  me about what I’d wear, I wouldn’t presume to do that to anyone else. Especially since it’s obvious he made an effort with his wardrobe. I’d rather see him do that than come out looking like they’re about to wash their car or clean the garage.

I agree with this.

I might get a twitter account just to beg Adam to obtain either a short sleeved shirt or a set of weights before he gets to my city. His voice is amazing, but the vest-wearing and mic stand molesting make me lol.

I, as well as many others think that Adam looks great just the way he is. He doesn’t need to lift weights, lose weight, or have a rock hard body to be attractive.

edit: no lecturing, dial back the defensiveness

BeckyMD LOL those pics are hilarious, love his many crazy expressions! Thanks to you and weareallinnocent for letting me know that my sad and lonely path as a shiny metal studded vest aficionado is not quite so alone.

If loving a vest that totally matches the disco ball used in the set is wrong, I don’t wanna be right. Just feast your eyes on all the glitter:

http://bit.ly/45Lt06

Dan, thanks for the recap. My taste in music may be similar to yours because Adam does abs nothing for me. However, I have observed that my step-mom’s circle of tennis friends like Adam. These are women in their 40′s who grew up on arena rock and Adam takes them back to their youth, by their own admission.

I knew Danny’s speech was coming but my friend didn’t at the SJ concert. Her comment was “I paid $82. to hear him sing, if I want a sermon I will go to church.” She was offended and didn’t want to hear about his deceased wife again or how we should all live our lives.

jericho
Jul 14th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

I think reviews of any kind are really subjective and very rarely will I give them much credance. I might try a restaurant because a reviewer has said it is good…but I won’t go back unless I think it is. I may listen to a song…but I won’t buy it unless I like it. Movies…hah, if you believed everything a reviewer said you would only go to boring high-brow independent films that make you depressed for days….same with book reviews.

Reviews are a nice introduction….but they really don’t carry much weight. I don’t care how much anyone sings Danny or Scotts praises to the skies….I would never waste my money on their albums or concerts.

Not saying I don’t like to read reviews….I just take them with the proberbial grain of salt.

That’s the best possible thing. I mean, if I get sent to review some ‘Holidazzle!’  thing at the dinner theater, I pretty much know I’m going to hate it.

Then really, should you be the one to review it? If by a title, you already have written the review up in your head, why accept the job? I think that would be majorly unfair to the event being reviewed and the readers who count on the reviewer to at least have an open mind regarding what they’re viewing. IMO, to go in with such a closed mind does a disservice to those you are supposed to be enlightening. I would recuse myself because I would want to be a professional and sometimes that requires putting my personal tastes aside to do a proper evaluation.

A fan recap, on the other hand, I say go for it. Put all the bias you want in any blog or review. But when you’re being paid and people aren’t expecting to rely on your opinion I would expect professionalism.

Adam is a singer/musician and I believe he welcomes opinions on his voice/song choices. He mentioned if he didn’t do singing, he might go fashion route, so I think he will take opinions on his looks/fashion taste with a grain of salt. I don’t think such opinion is hurtful, especially when they are not intended to be so.

deleted off-topic remarks about Adam’s arms

I was wondering if this year’s show is 3 ($@&#!) hours again? It seems like it should be slightly shorter with 8-10 getting only two songs, but I won’t get my hopes up.

edit: no worries cheese, I edited the person you were responding to

“Especially since it’s obvious he made an effort with his wardrobe. I’d rather see him do that than come out looking like they’re about to wash their car or clean the garage.”

OOOOH This! Totally this!!!!!!! I get disinterested in the ones that look like they could be my neighbor. Boring!!!!

I love his arms *shrugs*

I dated a muscle man, he wasn’t fun to cuddle with.

Not all critics.Critics dont spot talent.They have to sit though a show that they dont want to enjoy and write a crappy review.Critics are almost like the fans.
They offer opinons but nothing more really.

The difference is, most critics’ opinions aren’t biased because they aren’t at all invested in the show. Seeing as how they “have to sit through a show they don’t want to enjoy”, it says even more for the ones who actually do impress them. I believe that the critics’ opinions are much more accurate and believable than any fan opinion could ever be.

posted in the wrong thread – moved to headlines

Dan, thanks for your review! Very succinct and to the point. It does seem to me as if you went in with an open mind since you were surprised at some you ended up actually liking. In fact, it’s not as if you can’t stand Adam. 1) you did state that he had a great voice and really liked Mad World and 2) liked Slow Ride as well because he seemed more natural in this song. I tend to like the more natural singer/aritst myself so I can appreciate that.

I’m curious though, and of course you don’t have to answer this, lol, but did you have a favorite going in to the concert this year? I know you mentioned Archie from last yr., but how about this yr.

smartcookie, I also want to thank you for your post. It’s nice to hear that reviewers/critics are human and take that fact into their reviews.

He just has no biceps,

http://tinyurl.com/mvamkw

Sorry you don’t find Adam attractive, cheese. Honestly, he always takes my breath away. I think he is stunning. Even before he sang a note, at the auditions, I thought to myself “oh damn! pleeeaase be able to sing because I have GOT to see more of you!” :biggrin_wp: And any boy that can wear that much eye makeup and still make me swoon, well that’s just sayin’ something right there.

edit: we aren’t discussing that particular topic again. If someone calls Adam “fat” they get to do that without a pile on or a beat down. If it’s too much for you, you are in the wrong place

Tess

Reviews are a nice introduction’ ¦.but they really don’t carry much weight. I don’t care how much anyone sings Danny or Scotts praises to the skies’ ¦.I would never waste my money on their albums or concerts.

Not saying I don’t like to read reviews’ ¦.I just take them with the proberbial grain of salt.

True, but not all reviews are equals. There are those that I read for entertainment value only, like Dan’s review for instance. But then there are certain reviewers who have won my trust through the years, and whose opinion does carry a lot of weight with me.

Jericho-That is the picture I was looking for when someone mentioned he needed to hit the weights. HAWT! My friends and I printed this one out yesterday as motivation when we worked out. Did I say how HAWT he is?

LOL!! Somehow this “impartial” review which completely disses Adam has turned into a debate about his bedazzled vest! How does that always happen!?

I hate the vest by the way.

It’s hard to wrap my head around the idea of preferring Scott to Adam (which this reviewer seemingly does) so I guess I can’t really glean anything from this person’s Idol experience. Our musical sensibilities are obviously just too far apart. Galaxies apart.

Nice love letter to Kris though, whose ANS is still one of my favs.

Reminder:

1. DIAL BACK the defensiveness. Posters are allowed to criticize an Idol without having to endure a pile on or a lecture from defensive fans. It’s upsetting to me to see posters editing their remarks to avoid the pile on. Don’t self edit! I’ve got your back. .

2. Don’t assume what fellow posters are thinking or put words in their mouths. It’s insulting to be second guessed and it starts arguments. That’s why I don’t allow it.

3. The opinions of the posters in this thread is NOT the topic. Stick to posting your opinion of the review, not your opinion on what other people are posting.

I am editing and deleting where necessary

“Critics know how to spot talent and fans are just reporting on what they like.”

Critics don’t always get it right though. I’m still laughing at the Oakland guy who thought the break out star of S6 would be ….Haley.

Of the concert goers who are critical of Adam, it seems like a lot of them simply don’t like his set list. They aren’t fans of “Whole Lotta Love” (not necessarily Adam’s take on it, just the song itself); they find “Starlight” boring, and Bowie isn’t their thing.

These reviews don’t bother me because it’s simply someone saying they don’t like a particular type of music. They either don’t like rock, or they like Nickelback-style rock (gag) or soft rock.

Personally, I think his set list is awesome, but that matches my preferences in music. I love Muse, and saying “Starlight” is boring is practically sacrilegious to me. ;P I played a Muse song in the car the other day and when it was over, a friend said “Umm…that was dramatic.” I just laughed. Muse is perfect for Adam.

People who don’t like Adam’s style of music aren’t going to be fans. People who aren’t willing to be transported to where he takes you, aren’t going to be fans. Different strokes, man. They can keep their Jack Johnson…I fell asleep at his concert.

ETA: “I didn’t say Adam was fat. He just has no biceps…”

Oh….then you didn’t see all the pictures.

Dan, Thanks for your recap. I kind of agree about Allison, and yet, for that reason, Slow Ride is my least favorite part of Adam’s set. Interesting that you liked Mad World (super theatrical and cinematic song) and not Starlight or Bowie – they seem to fit together more than WLL and SR. As for cabaret style, I’m not a fan of Adam’s cabaret performances too much – the ones that he did at Upright Cabaret – because they were very cabaret and that’s not my bag. But he did well at UC for what they were. Can I say “cabaret” one more time? Not sure what kind of “cabaret” show you saw in Thailand and am afraid to ask, but I don’t usually think of Adam=Thai ladyboy cabaret show. I never thought he was cabaret on AI, just creating his own Adam genre.

Great that Scott and Matt came off well. I don’t need to see a piano/guitar revue when I want to see performance art (i.e. Adam) at a concert. On the other hand, it sounds like Kris’s set is great to a lot of folks so that will be cool to see in person.

Critics don’t always get it right though. I’m still laughing at the Oakland guy who thought the break out star of S6 would be ‘ ¦.Haley.

I don’t even know who Haley is – so I guess I proved your point.

Not everybody is going to like Adam. And I’m interested in getting the opinion of a man since most of the recapers have been female. And many of them are in lust with Adam so I appreciate a male take on the show.;)

Adam’s crotch grabbing etc. on WLL comes across as completely choreographed so I can see where “cabaret” would apply. Obviously Haley Scarnato (who no one remembers) didn’t become a country superstar after all.

I was a fan of Archie S7 as well and I see a similiar quality in Danny. They can pour the emotion into a song in that r&B way. I think Danny’s preaching etc. will really hurt his career post Idol though. I can’t see anything but a train wreck ahead.

I don’t care what anyones training is, or their interests, or their histories, or their experience a critique will ALWAYS be subjective. Comments may be a little more sophisticated, comparisons may be broader or narrower depending on the reviewers context, words may be more precise, but a review can never be fully objective. Even though I am an Architect does it make my review of a building or monument any more correct than the review done by Joe the plumber. I may dissect the building differently and weigh items about the building based on architectural history and guidelines so the review may be based on more concrete principles but it doesn’t make my assumptions about good or bad carry any more weight.

Thanks for the recap – it’s so great to get different perspectives, esp. since we can see video, and balance it with our own observations. It’s like a good conversation.

Both critics and fans are offering subjective opinions (and also, some objective facts thrown in). The difference, IMO, and why I like to hear both is this: a music critic, worth the name, will have some breadth of knowledge about the field, for example, know what types of things are of value within a particular genre, what is difficult, and many other things, and use these to give a contextually based critique. For example, they might not be a fan of, say, country music or classic rock, or whatever. But they’ll be able to recognize a quality performance within that and evaluate accordingly. Their opinion is still subjective, but it’s not based on their own particular musical taste, it’s based on their ability to judge various musical and performance elements.

A fan, typically, (ie not acting as a critic), will usually have their own particular taste in music and performance inform their opinion. If they hate country, they’ll usually downplay those songs, even if they were excellently done. No problem, especially if the recapper notes that the style is not their thing.

Of course, even with fans, sometimes you can be won over by something so good, even if it’s outside your usual interests. Or repelled by something so bad, even if it’s right up your alley.

And not everyone who gets published is a real music critic, but you can usually tell it by the kinds of things they say, ignoring their evaluation of your favorite – see how they write, in general, and that’ll tell you what you’re getting.

Personally, I’m looking forward to the LA gigs, because there are more writers there who’s creds I know, so it’ll be easier for me to get the picture.

But I love the fact we’re getting so many people recapping. What I really like about this one is that, as someone said, it’s about the concert. If people feel like they have to have some long pre or post story to tell, it might discourage them from writing. You don’t need it! A plain old concert summary is more than enough!

—-

And regarding all the wardrobe advise. Idols, if you’re listening, don’t listen! Do your own thing. If your personal freak flag includes soccer mom bedazzling, go for it! If it includes geek glasses, do it! If your considered wardrobe strategy is to make it appear that you gave it no thought, that’s ok, too. I’m all for us fans laughing, groaning or swooning at the choices, but I’m also all for them suiting themselves. There’s charm in the ridiculous, as well as in the wonderful.

Well, since we are talking about wardrobe changes…could we request a tight v-neck tee and some different jeans for Kris?

Thanks Dan! I really appreciate your taking the time to write your recap and enjoyed reading it. Didn’t agree with some, but that’s fine. I’ll see for myself this weekend.

Regarding the vest, first-night jeans and subsequent wardrobe changes, I thought that first day he likely chose to go bedazzled because he knows how those things pop on stage. He was dressing for the cheap seats (which is the case with the makeup). We review these close-up photos and YouTube clips without having a concept of what they look like from the Heavens.

When lights hit sequins, it bounces right back and the effect is usually amazing live, from a significant distance. Oftentimes when you see a costume from a theater or dance production up close, they’re as hideous as all get out, but when the performer is on stage, they’re dazzling.

Adam probably picked the first closing ensemble out thinking in theater terms, but when the first photos, clips and YouTubes hit, he might have thought, “God, I look like just beamed in from some ’70s variety show … maybe I need to rethink that.”

If you get too muscular, you give up some flexibility.

I like Anoop’s glasses. But loose the jacket. lol.

Very vague “San Hose” recap…

Oh yikes, MJ I’m sorry! I truly didn’t mean to question the motives of posters or put words in their mouths or bait them, I honestly thought I was being supportive of the poster.

*goes back to lurking*

And seriously, I can’t speak for anyone else, but the moment the lights went down and Michael Sarver’s intro flashed on the screen and everyone started yelling and clapping, for me it seemed like all the internet ‘fanwars’  just disappeared. You could see every single one of the 10 do their very best to BRING IT for the fans, and while maybe not all of them were as successful as others, each set had its own memorable moments.

Thats what the Sacramento concert felt like as well. I know I had heard of boos for this guy or that guy at other concerts so I was a little worried. No boos except for that one second I thought they were booing Anoop but very quickly realized they were chanting his name. The crowd may not have been on their feet screaming for every performance but they all received nice applause and screams before and after each set. They all gave their best and put on a great show.

tiger92
Jul 14th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Well, since we are talking about wardrobe changes’ ¦could we request a tight v-neck tee and some different jeans for Kris?

I vote for that tight brown henley shirt.

Well, since we are talking about wardrobe changes’ ¦could we request a tight v-neck tee and some different jeans for Kris?

OMG please, yes. I’m over the plaid.

I like Anoop’s glasses.

OMG no. I hate the glasses.

And, as a huge Kris fan, I totally disagree on WLL – I loved it! I thought it rocked the place and got everybody stoked. Loved MW, too – (but do like the Gary Jules version better, sorry, especially the little kids making pictures with their hands) – Starlight, not so much, and I really wanted to love the Bowie medley, but I just didn’t like the particular Bowie tunes he picked out to sing.

Oh yikes, MJ I’m sorry! I truly didn’t mean to question the motives of posters or put words in their mouths or bait them,

You don’t have to go back into lurkdom. Just be careful not to make remarks that assume what others are thinking. It starts arguments.

Thanks, Dan for the recap. I think Scott is basically elevator music, but I’m glad that somebody likes him! I’m not a Danny fan at all, but I have a feeling I’m gonna at least sort of like him when I hear him sing on Thursday, based on the recaps I’ve seen. I’ve just got my fingers crossed that he will keep the sermonizing short, because that will really annoy me. I don’t know how I’m going to react to Megan — I like her quirky style, but I never really liked any song she did during the tv show. I have a feeling I won’t perk up until Anoop takes the stage, but I’m determined to try and keep an open mind about everyone — of course, I’m stubborn, so we’ll see if I am actually able to do this!

As for the rest — I think Adam’s a very good looking guy but wears too much makeup. I personally think he looks a lot better when he scales that back just a little bit. I like his freckles! And he’s got beautiful eyes. Of course I also think that Kris is hotter than Adam, so there ya go. Just my own personal preference. I do think it’s interesting that, fashion wise, Adam is the one wearing the distressed jeans (in the DSB finale anyway), after it was Kris was wearing those type of jeans the entire tv show. And now even though Kris is still wearing his fave plaid shirts (love the ubuttoned look!), his jeans no longer seem to have any rips or holes in them (and are progressively getting tighter). Hmm…

edit: no fingerwagging or lecturing. Folks here are allowed to criticize the idols, including their appearance. sorry

Dan, I really liked your comment. You seem to like the same music that I do – so I think if I saw a concert that would be my reaction too. With one or maybe two exceptions. I’d probably really enjoy Adam’s performance, even if sometimes I’d probably think it’s a little over the top (but that’s Adam I guess). And I do like Allison’s music…but I guess there is something missing for me too and I don’t know what it is either…..

@glamatheart

Sorry you don’t find Adam attractive, cheese. Honestly, he always takes my breath away. I think he is stunning. Even before he sang a note, at the auditions, I thought to myself ‘oh damn! pleeeaase be able to sing because I have GOT to see more of you!’  :biggrin_wp: And any boy that can wear that much eye makeup and still make me swoon, well that’s just sayin’ something right there.

OMG, that was my reaction too! When I first saw him I was like WOW. But I have to say (to me) he looked much better in the auditions – I thought his haircut was much better. Kris on the other hand was exactly the opposite. In the top 36 I liked his singing and did find him cut, but he didn’t strike me as handsome. But when the top 13 started I was like “He is HOT” (though he could be taller )

girlygirl, I’ve been wondering the same thing about Kris’s jeans lately. Do you think he is just working out alot or just getting a little meat on his bones?

In general, I think all of the Idols get better looking as the season progresses. It’s amazing what a stylist can do. I wish I had one.

Appearance and fashion are very important to Adam. And he’s selling sex in his performance as far as I can see. So I think comments on his appearance are ok. Ditto for a female artist like Britney who hurt her career by gaining weight. She was selling image and sex too so it mattered.

That said, I think Adam looks fine since his fans aren’t complaining.

Dan, thank you for a very consistent review. I can understand how someone who really liked Scott’s performance might not get into Adam’s music or presentation style. My mileage certainly does vary! What I would be interested in reading is what someone coming from your perspective thought of Danny’s “talk’ to the audience. How did you think that fit into the whole concert experience?

I adore the DSB shiney vest! DSB is such a wonderfully cheesy group song and Adam’s outfit is the perfect complement to it. Sometimes, all out cheesy style glitter is just the right way to go.

But I’m going to have to join the others in the Twitter campaign against that terrible bedazzled vest.

Don’t tweet him about it now. Adam’s twitter, facebook, myspace and e-mail all got hacked. Oops.

I think he did a bubbletweet with Danny about it.

Appearance and fashion are very important to Adam. And he’s selling sex in his performance as far as I can see. So I think comments on his appearance are ok. Ditto for a female artist like Britney who hurt her career by gaining weight. She was selling image and sex too so it mattered.

I don’t agree. This operates under the premise that only bone-ass skinny people are sexy, which IMO is patently untrue, yet we continually buy into the insane media stereotypes and abet the perpetuation of this myth. As far as I’m concerned, Queen Latifah is sexier than Britney on her BEST day.

As the aunt of an 8-year-old who has been motherless since the age of 4 (his mom died from complications of an eating disorder), I’m here to tell you, the shit ain’t worth it.

I was in San Jose as well and I enjoyed the show. I have a different take in terms of Adam’s performance. I loved Adam’s, Kris and Allison. Surprises for me were Anoop, Matt and Scott. All of them sang their hearts out but people like different things and I love Adam.

In terms of Danny, I met him before the show, he was nice and gracious. When he performed, I am not into his voice at all and I listened respectfully and people around me were dancing, singing, enjoying his performance. He LOST with his preaching who went on, on, on, and on. Thank goodness the band started playing otherwise he would have talked more. IMO, he needs PR lessons. He has great intentions but it comes WRONG and it does not translate for me at all.

Dan. Thanks for taking the time to give your opinion. I appreciate it as I appreciate anyone who is will to take the time and effort to give your own subjective experience of the concert. I am sure many agree with your assessments and many do not, since that is the point of a personal recap, your point of view is appreciated. My personal experience in seeing this concert at Tacoma was quite different than yours, however, I appreciate entirely that subjective taste differs and of course we all go into the experience with our favorites.

“tiger92
Jul 14th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Well, since we are talking about wardrobe changes’ ¦could we request a tight v-neck tee and some different jeans for Kris?”

Vada
Jul 14th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
“I vote for that tight brown henley shirt.”

I agree with both of you. Can we please get that cute boy into some faded jeans and tight henley, stat!! The cashmere v-neck from “What’s Goin’ On” or the dark blue henley from “Heartless” would both work. Hell just his tight white tee would be good.

I’m not a Kris fan but I actually liked the white t-shirt and vest thing he had going. Was that during the New York press tour? Anyway, I detest the plaid shirts he’s wearing during his set. He looks like a country singer up there. Adam’s jean vest during DSB is not my favorite either but it does seem to fit the cheesy mood of the song. Adam is very strategic like that.

I liked Kris in the all white outfit from the finale, that was the one time I did find him sexy.

ETA: Just to clarify , I think Kris is cute and adorable but not sexy – except in that white outfit.

Scott: wow! I enjoyed Scott very much, and it surprised me! He picked great concert songs, Bend and Break and 1000 Miles are both my favorites. Obviously amazing piano skills. If he puts out an album or a show like what he sung in the concert, I can actually consider buying it or going to see him.

I am so glad you enjoyed Scott at the concert. I hope that more and more people will now come to know who Scott MacIntyre really is. Maybe you can check out his new songs on his EP “View From Above” on iTunes esp. Easily Broken. What people see of Scott on AI is just a scratch on the surface as he always say on interviews and it is so true. As a Scott fan, I am not surprised at all because I know that’s what he can really do, amazing songs and amazing piano skills. I enjoyed the show and so glad I personally met him and his brother Todd.

Thank you for the recap.

Did anyone tweet Adam to drop the vest worn at DSB? (by drop I meant change to something else. but of course he can just ‘drop it’)

I must admit that I did!

It seems Dan likes the instrument players best. I really wonder how many of those would be performing in the tour if the rules were the same as they were when AI started and it was a singing contest only. My guess would be very few based on strictly vocal ability and performance. I sometimes think instruments should be limited more or not allowed, but that’s just me. Maybe that’s why I’m an Adam fan as I love great vocal ability. He is beautiful also and I may be old, but not dead yet and I know what a sexy, gorgeous, talented man looks like and it’s Adam. Kris is cute but not really sexy IMO. I liked David Cook last year but his style of rock doesn’t appeal to me like Rocker Adam. I’m not sure I’ll make a tour show, but I will see Adam in concert.

Thanks for the review Dan.
It’s funny, Megan singing appealed a lot to me in her audition. So that was a well rehearsed song for her. But later on, she didn’t know artistically herself well enough and wasn’t enough trained (or a quick study) to maintain that first impression i had of her. She might grow as an artist but she appears to me maybe not enough into it; i might be wrong though.
WLL with MW are my Adam’s best. Starlight not much and the Bowie set neither.
Love Kris set the most. I tought I would get tired of hearing Hey Jude but he sings it very well so it was all good for me.

I went to Thailand several years ago and saw a Cabaret show

For some reason I found that funny–we have cabaret here, it seems so random to see it in Thailand–unless you meant that Adam somehow reminds you specifically of Thai cabaret?

I don’t agree with some of the people you didn’t like so much (I love Adam and Allison and I particularly love Starlight and the Bowie Medley) and some you did (Scott will always sound like elevator music; I do also like Kris a lot).

It seems like the rockers in the group don’t appeal to you, whereas I love them, but to each his/her own.

On the fashion side, I wish Kris would not wear the plaid shirt each show. He should wear something else sometimes like a sexy T-shirt. The black shirt he wears at the end is good though

haha! we’re worse than the AI dressers……

“I get disinterested in the ones that look like they could be my neighbor. Boring!!!!”

Well, my neighbors look and dress very much like Adam so you never know, lol.

Mike, thanks for your review.

Based on ly on what I have seen in videos, I agree with a lot of what you wrote. Your assessement of Mike, Lil, Matt, Anoop.

Megan – I think you’re way too kind. I don’t think she can sign very well.

Scott – bores me to tears. I had to force myself to watch the videos. And I doubt I’ll watch him for the 2 concerts I go to.

Alison – I can’t disagree more. She is 17 not 12. There is nothing inappropiate with these songs.

Adam – I love Starlight and all Bowie — so I think his song choices are great but that is a matter of personal taste. WLL Adamized is way too tame for a club in Bangkok or even West LA — but I also don’t think it plays the same for all viewers. I can’t wait to see it live — twice!

Kris – here’s were I’m the polar opposite of you. I find Kris’ song choices and style mostly boring. But I am not a fan of soft rock/pop music and I don’t like that twand thing Kris does — sound sort of country to me. When I listen to Kris, I always find myself thinking about the originals — or a different, better cover. Heartless, I prefer The Fray original version vs. Kris’ bandzilla tour cover. TTTIHD, give me The Killers original alt rock version vs. this pop arrangement. And IMHO on ANS Kris doesn’t bring feeling to the song like the original songwriter, Bill Withers and isn’t in the same league as Michael Jackson (age 11) who did the best cover of Ain’t No Sunshine. And Rob Thomas owns Bright Lights. Finally, I find Hey Jude to always be fun but a bit karaoke — except when done by Paul McCartney after John Lennon was killed.

We disagree but were both right. In the end, music is often a matter of personal taste. I am certain I will love Alison, Adam and Matt in concert. I’m expecting to think Anoop is good and Danny has a great voice. And I know I will applaud loudly for Kris because I love him — not his music — but him. He may sing “Heartless” but he has a great heart and I can celebrate that, and his well-deserved win.

It seems Dan likes the instrument players best. I really wonder how many of those would be performing in the tour if the rules were the same as they were when AI started and it was a singing contest only.

Lots of singers know how to play instruments, so the tour allowed Idols to play instruments even when the show didn’t. On the show, Idol started letting contestants play instruments in competition during S7.

Here is an incomplete list of Idols that I recall playing instruments during the tour or results shows:

Season 4: Carrie (1)-guitar, Bo (2)-guitar, Nadia (8) – I think she played piano during a duet with Bo.
Season 5: Taylor (1)-guitar/harmonica, Chris D (4)-guitar, Bucky(8)-guitar, Lisa (10)-piano
Season 6: Jordin (1)-guitar, Blake (2)-guitar(?-something like that), Chris R (5)-drums (and guitar?), Phil (6)-piano, Chris S (10)-guitar(and bass?)

Season 7, obviously, people were allowed to play instruments. I didn’t attend that tour, so let’s see if I get this right: David C (1)-guitar, David A (2)-piano, Jason (4)-guitar, Brooke (5)-piano. Michael might have played something. IDK.

I think before Season 4 it was tough to play instruments on tour because I don’t think there was a band. Just a backing track? I don’t know. Carrie may have just played the guitar on the show. I think Bo played on the show and on tour with Nadia.

Now that I look at it, it is interesting that every AI winner for the last 5 seasons has played a musical instrument. Actually, they all played the guitar. Hmm… So, allowing instrument playing on the show may not have changed the results. Even 3 out of 5 runner-ups played instruments.

Reminder:

Wow. I’m still editing comments that fingerwag, lecture and contain OTT personal sharing.

Read and follow my guidelines:

http://mjsbigblog.com/?page_id=1172

For some reason I found that funny’“we have cabaret here, it seems so random to see it in Thailand’“unless you meant that Adam somehow reminds you specifically of Thai cabaret?

I was also trying to figure out this reference. Bangkok is packed with graphic caberet shows, and is famous for transexual caberet shows. But it also has a lot of glammed up karaoke shows that are just R rated. They now really cater to the tourist and business traveler with “an exoctic night in Bangkok” without moral restriction.

To Bangkok’s credit, it also have some of the best singers I’ve ever heard and some of the best restaurants in the world. I always try to stop there when I have a trip to SE Asia because it is one of the most interesting cities in the world.

Kristen, I wasn’t referring to Idols playing instruments on the tour, I was wondering how many would make the tour if they hadn’t been able to play instruments on the show. It has become less of a singing contest in recent years IMO.

Anya
Jul 14th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
‘I get disinterested in the ones that look like they could be my neighbor. Boring!!!!’ 

“Well, my neighbors look and dress very much like Adam so you never know, lol.”

HAHAHHAHAHAHA love it!

By far, the Thailand comment almost made fall-off my bed. I’m Asian, and I’ve been to Thailand. Equating Thailand and cabaret, the only thing that pops into my head is the word transvestite. They’re in every nook and corner in Thailand, some plays muay thai, some in bars, massage parlors, etc. They have a political party if I’m not mistaken.

Of course, that’s only a small part of Thailand’s wonders. Food, beaches, culture, flowers and temples…Thailand is amazing.

“”So I think comments on his appearance are ok. Ditto for a female artist like Britney who hurt her career by gaining weight. She was selling image and sex too so it mattered. “”"

edit: dial back the defensiveness, please

Just curious and if people gain weight that means that they are no longer attractive or sexy? I am sorry but I dont agree with that.

I was also trying to figure out this reference. Bangkok is packed with graphic caberet shows, and is famous for transexual caberet shows. But it also has a lot of glammed up karaoke shows that are just R rated. They now really cater to the tourist and business traveler with ‘an exoctic night in Bangkok’  without moral restriction.

Was Dan saying that Adam is too sexual, then? That would explain the "respect" comment. Maybe he'll explain the reference.

Noop: Noop needs to lose the glasses! And lose the outfit!

I second this lol. He wants to pull off the nerdy chic image, and many fans love it, but come on, I want to see that gorgeous face clearly and the glasses are big disturbing distraction.

Thanks for a great concert review. Others will disagree but I can only take so much overt fan squealing. So this was a nice change of pace. I don’t understand the over obsession some people have – for ANY of the Top 10. Seriously – all 10 of them pee just like the rest of us.

Anywho… I may not agree with your opinion of some of the songs/performers (based on the videos I’ve seen posted) but that’s ok. I’m glad you got some surprises out of the night.

Based on what I’ve watched I would agree with those who say the following:

Anoop – lose the glasses darling, you don’t need them for a fashion statement.
Danny – lose or at least shorten the “preaching” – I realize he’ll never lose it completely – just wishful thinking.
Kris – maybe lose the plaid shirts. It depends what he replaces them with. I liked the skull cap and T-shirt look he had going on in Matt’s Bubbletweet myself.

Kristen, I wasn’t referring to Idols playing instruments on the tour, I was wondering how many would make the tour if they hadn’t been able to play instruments on the show. It has become less of a singing contest in recent years IMO.

Oh, okay. I thought your comment was in reference to the tour since you made a comment about Dan liking the people who played instruments in his recap (even some of those he had not previously been impressed with while they were on the show).

Anyway, I appreciate your post because I’d never thought about how Idol winners for the last 5 years have consistently been able to perform with instruments while singing. I wonder if it’s a coincidence or there is some inherent factor involved there. It also makes me wonder if this might be a chicken-and-the-egg problem. Did AI adding instruments to the competition rounds favour contestants who can play or did AI add instruments because some many good contestants could play and it helped to flesh out those contestants for their post-Idol careers?

I guess it’s not a discussion to have here, but it’s a credit to Dan’s review that it fostered a new point for consideration.

Dan! What a fabu review! Indeed, it is rather refreshing to have a man’s perspective for a change. LOL. And oh…how I do like your no-nonsense approach to commentary. Yes! Seriously now, who needs all that prose and emotion when a sturdy outline will suffice? Well,l I know I don’t. You, sir, delivered the facts–and just the facts–as YOU see ‘em! Perfection, my boy. Perfection!

As to the critic vs. non-critic debate, everyone’s a critic in my view! No distinctions necessary.

Interesting review’ ¦but it kind of sounded like you just listened to the songs on You tube and weren’t really there. I would have liked a bit more of the ‘thrill of the show’  and your reactions to the fan reactions and how the sets were handled and how the songs were showcased in a live performance and more about how the singers sang the songs to a live audience. I would have liked to have had a bit more of the visual and less of the subjective.

–Tess

The beauty of this forum is that when you set out to craft your review, you may bring your own unique and preferred style to bear on your opinions/observations. Likewise, Dan wrote his review in a manner which suited him best. Variety is the spice of life!

Sorry you don’t find Adam attractive, cheese. Honestly, he always takes my breath away. I think he is stunning. Even before he sang a note, at the auditions, I thought to myself ‘oh damn! pleeeaase be able to sing because I have GOT to see more of you!’  And any boy that can wear that much eye makeup and still make me swoon, well that’s just sayin’ something right there.

Yep for sure! :biggrin_wp:

Dan: I’m really, really happy to read the positive comments on Danny. I know he has a lot of fans and it was nice to hear that you enjoyed him. I wish you would have written more about your impressions of the fans and the venue, etc. That’s always interesting to hear about too. But sounds like you were focused on the performances. Every recap I read gets me more and more excited for my turn at the concert. :smile_wp:

Oh yeah, I like Anoop’s glasses like some of you. I think it’s all fun!

Anoop – lose the glasses darling, you don’t need them for a fashion statement.
Danny – lose or at least shorten the ‘preaching’  – I realize he’ll never lose it completely – just wishful thinking.
Kris – maybe lose the plaid shirts. It depends what he replaces them with. I liked the skull cap and T-shirt look he had going on in Matt’s Bubbletweet myself.

Agree with all these. Wanna see the huge, dark eyes, don’t want to hear the sermon and would like Kris to dress like a performer.

Agree with all these. Wanna see the huge, dark eyes, don’t want to hear the sermon and would like Kris to dress like a performer.

I missed the part where Dan even mentioned Danny “preaching”. Are you referring to a different blog????

Mike: Good singer. I don’t know what else to say. I hope he had more stage presence to open the concert. I can’t see him doing music for a career. Hope he enjoy the tour experience.

Thanks Dan for your review, if we agree or not. Such is life. Regarding Michael I posted the following from his twitter on another thread and was the last poster so don’t know if many read this:

In the studio recording what I believe will be my first single next year. Good times.4:37 PM May 26th from txt

I agree with you in saying that about music as his career, but it sure looks like Michael disagrees with us, lol. :ponder_tb:

I love those glasses on Anoop…at least for concerts…but I don’t like the double-breasted coat on him…prefer the suit with the vest and suspenders..I think he’s just going for a look …as are most R&B singers….

The best song is Slow Ride where he’s the most natural and just being himself when he was interacting with Allison. I like Mad World’”great voice. Whole Lotta Love is the worst

i love Adam, he is gorgeous (minus the make up….grrrr i hate his eye glitter cos it takes the beauty away from his gorgeous eyes) and his voice is totally out of the world…but i have to agree with Dan that i hated hated absolutely hated WLL cos it was soooooo showy and all the gyrating just made me squirm…in a bad way..his singing is brilliant in WLL but i cant stand to look at his squiggly moves :grrr_ee:

so i’ve decided not to watch videos of WLL anymore and instead see Mad World and Slow Ride. he’s amazing in these videos

as to Kris’s wardrode and sexiness. i loovveee kris from Day 1 but funnily enough i never found him sexy, cute and adorable but not sexy…untill the night of the finale during ANS and Heartless. i loved the white tshirt with a waistcoat he wore for ANS..made him look super groovy and heartless…swoon…..his black tshirt, slightly unbuttoned and the supercool necklace or chain thing he wears… :wub_tb:

First of all, I LOVE ANOOP’s glasses! Yall, he’s just tryin to be trendy..its just a look he’s going for u know? 2nd of all…these glasses are kinda coming back. If you recall back in late 80′s a lot of R&B/hip-hop artists wore glasses like that. ALSO, if you notice…Ne-Yo has been sportin glasses like these SO cut the guy some slack…they’re not FUGLY…its just…DIFFERENT. it goes with his personality. the sexy R&B dorkilicious look

Wow the first negative comment about Adam. Wow were u really at the concert?. Cause i was and Adam can sing. It mind boggles me that anyone could say he can’t. Even if u don’t like his type of music he can sing anything. NOONE has that control over there voice as him. Throw anything at him, opera ect. He could do it. And do it well. And the way he expresses himself when he sings. FABULOUS. I loved Starlight. In fact i hope he does not change anything on his sets. Well maybe if he could sing more….. And u noticed the vest and u watched him and knew he had makeup on. that is exactly what he wanted. He gotcha!!!

I don’t doubt that Dan was at the concert — at least I HOPE he was! — but it would have been nice if he shared just a bit about his overall impressions of the experience of being in the venue, rather than just a rundown of each performer’s set. I could write a similar review just from watching YouTube videos, as someone else pointed out.

I went to Thailand several years ago and saw a Cabaret show. Adam fits that show perfectly, but it’s not a performance style I can love and respect.

Adam IS cabaret and the sooner he realizes it, the better off he’ll be. You nailed that one on the head.

Y’all are using the word “cabaret” as if it’s a bad thing. IMO, it’s not at all. According to the internet (and we all know that everything you read there is the truth! lol), the definition of ‘cabaret’ is “a form of entertainment featuring comedy, song, dance, and theatre”. The Moulin Rouge and the Folies-Bergà ¨re were cabarets. Basically it’s all-encompassing entertainment. MasterclassLady said, on Feb. 4/09:

Adam is a cabaret artist in every sense of the word ‘“ he embodies all genres of music and will be in the Top 2 this year.

JMO. YMMV, as it obviously does. That’s what makes the world interesting; to each their own. I personally think it’s about bloody time someone came along who (a) doesn’t sound like anyone else out there, (b) doesn’t make every song sound exactly like the one that came before it, and (c) delivers a visual performance that’s just as eclectic and unusual as their voice. I’ve been pretty nearly bored to death with music/singers/bands in the past several years, so at this point I’m saying “Cabaret? Sure, sounds great. Bring it on!”

Hi Dan, Loved your review. Thanks so much for taking the time to give your impressions. So happy to hear about the audience reaction for Kris. I just love this kid and really am praying (do I dare say that without sounding like a fanatic) that he is respected and appreciated at every stop on the concert because in my opinion it is so deserved for all that he brings to his performances in terms of musicianship, style, voice, interpretation. I love that you enjoyed Kris’s whole set. I also have to say that from watching the videos of the concert, so maybe it will be different in person, I agree with you completely about Adam’s Bowie Medley. Way, way too cabaret for me. And I also agree about his voice on Mad World. Just watching the videos his voice is gorgeous, but even this one feels less genuine to me and more theatrical than anything Kris sings. I am sorry Adam isn’t singing Tracks of My Tears on tour because to me that was his single best more restrained performance. But that isn’t who he is, I don’t think, and his fans and apparently much of the media love his over the top style. I can’t critize the energy and passion he puts into his performances even if I prefer a softer sound. Everyone to their own, I guess. Thanks for a great review.

Wow the first negative comment about Adam. Wow were u really at the concert?

That isn’t the first negative Adam comment and I doubt it will be the last. Believe it or not, Adam just does not appeal to everyone. I don’t think Dan ever said that Adam could not sing either. Just that the style was not appealing.

Good question, was Dan “there” or was this a utube review? LOL as if people need some guy telling us all about a show when we can see for ourselves (or in person) 50 videos of each performance of Adam Lambert from every conceivable angle and quality on utube and other places?

Or was this for the narcissistic purpose of self gratification; OH lemme drone on and on about my personal likes and dislikes blah blah blah.

What’s the point of posting this? Just to detract from him? Obviously this guy has different tastes than the thousands of people screaming their lungs out at the show. I can’t remember EVER hearing an acoustic guitar (by a novice at that) being described as “EPIC” ROFL, but ok. To each his own.

See? That’s how it works, to each his own.

How rude to say that ANYIDOLS’ performance is not “one I can respect”.

They are all doing their best to represent their individual talents and perform to the best of their abilities. How mean to say outright you can’t “RESPECT” someone. Especially the Gifted Adam Lambert, who’s been working with discipline and devotion to his craft for 17 years.

Hey Dan, might wanna take a read of the three opera experts who love Adam and raved about his vocal prowess and said that very few have that skill and it comes from HARD WORK. NOT from showing up for an AI tryout with your bro for a joke. Google opera experts Adam Lambert for a “REAL” review of performance. Jeeze………

Wow, to the people ragging on Dan for writing an honest review that does not sing Adam’s praises — are you guys new here? lol It happens every year. If someone doesn’t agree with their assessment of their Idol as the best evah, then that person must not have been at the concert, is lying, is deaf and stupid, and proof the reviewers’ epic wrongness can found in the fact that the Idols’ fans were screaming their heads off for their Idol.

Hmm . . . has the applause-o-meter comments started yet?

Hey Dan, might wanna take a read of the three opera experts who love Adam and raved about his vocal prowess and said that very few have that skill and it comes from HARD WORK. NOT from showing up for an AI tryout with your bro for a joke. Google opera experts Adam Lambert for a ‘REAL’  review of performance. Jeeze’ ¦’ ¦’ ¦

Great post. I think you are right. Adam is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dan…. I really don’t believe you were there. I think you are an imposter.

San Jose CA, what is your problem! I am absolutely astounded at this ridiculous piece of garbage that is being called an article. Dan, you need to use spell check and check your grammer.

You obviously do not like Adam. Were you one of the protesters outside the venue perhaps? You obviously do not know talent when it is right in front of you.

You like mainstream and piano. This was definitely a biased view of the concert. You actually haven’t even talked about the concert. Only each idol’s performance.

You must be a Jesus Freak also. You gave yourself away buddy. I grew up in CA and you people are unbelievable.

Adam has a voice that is flawless, conrolled and reaches such a high register it is absolutely beautiful! The man is talented beyond words. Don’t be so damn prejudiced!

You people need to look past the tip of your nose and see the world as it is, not as you want it to be.

ADAM ROCKS MY WORLD (ROCK GOD & SEX GOD)!!! HEAVY ON BOTH

ADAM IS PURE PERFECTION!!!