Idol Headlines for 10/23/07

The producers tried to get around this problem by picking groups that can stand out demographicallyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ the girl rockersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹the kidsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“the country brothersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’but I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think anyone here is going to create a Sanjaya-like buzz.

Wait — first we mock him and then we hold him up as the bar to which others are compared to? BWAH!

I’m very neutral on Carrie Underwood, but I find it so interesting how many of the reviews are actually LAUDING her for turning out more assembly-line music. When “My December” was released, I always suspected, but really couldn’t find any proof, that part of the negative reaction was from critics who were aghast that Kelly actually thought she had the right to try to be a real musician. Now that Carrie has displayed no similar impetus (and there’s nothing really WRONG with that, even if it makes me personally disinterested in her product), everyone seems to be nodding approvingly. It’s a sad world of entertainment when only certain people get to release “real” music and others aren’t viewed as having that privilege.

Boy Kat you said a mouthful. I agree. Carrie is nice and safe..nothing too risky and people like that it seems. Some people do try to do music that is a risk or different from the radio formula music that is so popular today and when they dont sell millions …people often say they are failures…but I find these people interesting and more than a singer most of the time..a lot of the risk takers go on idie labels and are musicians rather than singers. I think Bo Bice is a musician…wether you like him or not …his talent is diverse and he does take risks..not that we have to compare Bo and Carrie, just used him as an example since both have CDs out today.

Kat
It is confusing what seems to sell better.
I can apply your same argument to
Taylor’s cd (real music) and Daughtry
(assembly line rock).
…… bring it on ……..

mj
Oct 22nd, 2007 at 8:03 pm
I got last minute tix to see Kelly Clarkson tomorrow nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

And I ordered mine 6 weeks ago and paid premium price for the Atlanta show! I am jealous. MJ–have you ever been to one of her concerts???

beachn-

But don’t forget, Taylor’s latest CD was kind of a poppified version of what he’s known for. If he puts out a more acoustic second album, it’ll be interesting to see what happens–because he was one of the few winners who was EXPECTED to make a non-pop album, and then he really didn’t.

The more factory-esque music is, well…it’s not bad, per se. I mean, it’s good music, but it’s good because it comes from a construct, a formula that already knows what “the masses” (God I hate that term!) respond to as a whole. I enjoy a lot of Daughtry’s music, even though I don’t own his album or actively seek out his songs. Some of his lyrics are heartfelt. But the music itself is utterly predictable. I know exactly where every acoustic chorus, key modulation, and “emotional” swell is going to be placed. I guess to an extent people crave familiarity, which is why more formulaic music sells so well.

Hot acts, high prices
Soaring ticket prices continue to peak with online resale availability

Parents of Hannah Montana fans: Don’t give up on concert tickets yet.

SOURCE : HERALD MAIL

I think all music is real music. Everybody has musical preferences. What one calls “real music”, I might call “bad music”, and vice versa. Not one person can make statements about music and claim those as fact, they are merely opinions. Thankfully those opinions belong to each individual, and that individual alone.

What I don’t understand is why this is such a difficult concept to understand. I also don’t understand why so many people care about what other people like to listen to. You (generic) listen to what you like, and I will listen to what I like. Does it matter how many other people are listening to, and enjoying, the same thing as you?

that part of the negative reaction was from critics who were aghast that Kelly actually thought she had the right to try to be a real musician

The problem was that the music wasn’t good from most fan’s view. They heard the album online and were dissuaded by its quality from making a purchase. People can say her and Bo are real artists, but their art hasn’t wowed me and most critics. Just b/c they write and have control over their latest CDs, doesn’t ensure even good music. I’d take proven songwriters, that fit the talent’s style and vision, doing the same old stuff over disappointing artistry any day. Moreover, Kelly seemed to say from the cover to the tunes I’ll just copy Evanescence and people will say I’m original.

Now that Carrie has displayed no similar impetus

She co-wrote 4 of the 13 songs on the album including the debut single. The other 3 are likely singles not album filler, and she oversaw most of the songwriting sessions to have input and pick songs
that reflected her vision. She doesn’t have to write every song to prove herself and was smart enough to learn from the pros and consider their judgement of her writing instead of being bull headed about her opinion always trumping the advice of learned ears.

Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s cd (real music) and Daughtry
(assembly line rock).

Daughtry wrote 10/12 of his CD whereas Taylor’s was done by mostly the likes of Rob Thomas and Diane Warren. Taylor’s music, even the non-idol stuff, doesn’t diverge from what the template of the Ray Charles of the world did before him. He’s not taking soul music anywhere it hasn’t gone before just like Live has served as Chris’s musical blueprint. In much the same fashion, Blake is a musical pioneer to most of you. But he’s just following the path of other electronic guys you’ve never been exposed to. If you’d never heard of Martina or Faith or modern country wasn’t a radio staple, Carrie would appear novel to you. It’s just a matter of perspective and musical knowledge. So your problem w/ the Carries and Chrises is that they love musical genres that are more popular than the ones Taylor and such love.

Bucky Covington’s new video for his single “It’s good to be us” is online now

The problem was that the music wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t good from most fanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s view.

I find this to be a pretty broad–and unsubstantiated–statement. I’m a Kelly fan from day one and found her latest CD to be brilliant. And I have found may fans who agreed. I don’t think the fat lady has sung on this one yet.

What I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand is why this is such a difficult concept to understand.

Possibly because it’s an opinion, not a fact.

She co-wrote 4 of the 13 songs on the album including the debut single. The other 3 are likely singles not album filler, and she oversaw most of the songwriting sessions to have input and pick songs
that reflected her vision. She doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have to write every song to prove herself and was smart enough to learn from the pros and consider their judgement of her writing instead of being bull headed about her opinion always trumping the advice of learned ears.

I’m not saying she’s not a real artist. I was referring more to her musical style, wanting to branch out a little bit from where she started. And if you’ll go back, you’ll see that I said there was nothing wrong with it.

But then again, it’s the same old debate, because you refer to “being bullheaded about her opinion always trumping the advice of learned ears,” as if anyone who doesn’t slavishly follow the advice of the Sony execs (who aren’t gods and aren’t always 100% right) is just being selfish.

Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s music, even the non-idol stuff, doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t diverge from what the template of the Ray Charles of the world did before him. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not taking soul music anywhere it hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t gone before just like Live has served as Chrisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s musical blueprint.

Right, which is again what I said when I stated that Taylor made a pop album. Maybe I’ll type in all caps next time.

Daughtry wrote 10/12 of his CD whereas Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s was done by mostly the likes of Rob Thomas and Diane Warren.

But wait, I thought writing your own music was a sign of being bullheaded and not listening to the advice of learned ears? I’m so confused.

I don’t have a problem with people liking the music that they like, but just because I tend not to like pop music doesn’t automatically make me a “music snob.” Carrie has a lovely voice and her songs are very nice. That’s all they are to me, though. Nice. If someone else loves them, that’s fine. But please don’t call me a snob because I’m not into the formula.

MJ, thank you for the heads up. I still heart Bucky.

Bucky’s new video is nice. I didn’t think the bike thing would fit with the song when I originally read about it, but I think it works. I really like the song!

I wonder if Bucky’s music is real music?
:tongue1_tb:

I wonder if Buckyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s music is real music?

Since you’re the one throwing that term around today, I’ll let you tell me.

She co-wrote 4 of the 13 songs on the album including the debut single.

Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s cd (real music) and Daughtry
(assembly line rock).

Daughtry wrote 10/12 of his CD whereas Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s was done by mostly the likes of Rob Thomas and Diane Warren.

Exactly, Blooregard! I was wondering why the songs handed to Taylor are considered “real” music. Does the music have to be unpopular to be “real”?
Rob Thomas is very radio friendly, and popular! Some might even say formulaic!

I wonder if Buckyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s music is real music?

Since youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re the one throwing that term around today, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll let you tell me.

Actually, it was beachn who got the ball rolling on that one. To say that Taylor’s music is “real” and Daughtry’s is not is a pretty broad generalization.

Remember, YMMV.

To say that Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s music is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“realà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and Daughtryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s is not is a pretty broad generalization.

I agree. Daughtry writes a lot of his songs. I do believe that Daughtry’s current album is more formulaic than Taylor’s PRIOR albums, but that doesn’t make it better or worse or more or less real in my eyes.

Exactly, Blooregard! I was wondering why the songs handed to Taylor are considered à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“realà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  music.

I’ll try to explain my perspective, if you care.

First of all, I haven’t used the term “real music” today. I’ve used the terms “formulaic” and “factory.” Yes, I do think that there is a formula for pop music these days. And yes, I do think that most of the music on Taylor’s latest album conforms to that formula. Which is why I didn’t think his latest album was all that great, frankly. I don’t know what kind of music is “real” or “not real,” but I do hold an opinion that music that is cobbled together to produce a hit, that has no sense of emotion, is, well, “less real.” However, I can’t give you a list of all songs that qualify, nor do I think that’s how all pop music is produced.

And now I’m going to go back to snickering about how a discussion of Carrie Underwood somehow turned into a debate about Taylor’s music.

Kat, the term “real” came from Beach, as did the discussion about Taylor’s music. My comments weren’t directed towards you, but rather a comment made by someone else.

Shabby, I appreciate it, but I did kind of feel compelled to jump in there, as somewhere along the way there was a generalization made about “Taylor’s fans.” That’s all. Which was why I added the “if you care” disqualifier, since I know it really wasn’t a conversation between you and me.

Funny, when someone up above mentioned Taylor’s music being “real” music, I was thinking of his pre-idol releases. Not the Rob Thomas/Diane Warren songs that he doesn’t get into when he sings them in concert. I’m not a daughtry fan, but I do like his voice, liked him on Idol (altho I got bored with him), and I am impressed that he did so much writing on his CD. I don’t know why the Idol folks didn’t give Taylor that freedom, as he obviously knows how to write good songs. I’m hoping the next CD will be more in line with his talents. I agree that people just like what they like – it’s all good!

Kat–another term (from my very old generation)–not “substantial”. If a song is what could be considered “cookie cutter”, it will more than likely enjoy brief–if any fame. “Real”–or good music will usually sustain many, many years after it enjoyed its original status. And the examples could go on forever. And YES, there are always exceptions to every statement! (NO wars please.)

The younger generation is enjoying the “extremely good” music of the Allman Bros. today just as much as we did 30 years ago. As one young man said at a concert when I asked him how in the hell he knew who this group was: “Good music is good music!”

Kat

Regarding what you said about musical formulas, I understand that some songs are more formulaic than others. Like you said it doesn’t make a song bad. Music fulfills different needs for different people. Some people like music that makes them want to dance and sing along. Some like music that helps them relax, and others like music that causes them to reflect. I think almost all music follows some sort of formula.

That said, I happen to like Carrie Underwood’s ballads, and the songs with lyrics that bring about reflection. She makes me feel something when she sings, and that is what it is all about for this Carrie fan. I don’t care if there was a formula used in the making of some, or all, of her songs. All I care is that I enjoy listening to it, and it fulfills whatever it is I am looking for.

Now when I need something to energize me, I search out another musician, and so on.

I think we pretty much agree on this issue, we’re just coming at it from different angles.

Why does everybody have to be multi-talented?
The parts of the brain and the body that make you a good singer don’t make you a brilliant composer.
And those parts definitely have nothing to do with writing great lyrics.

Being a terrific singer should be good enough– ever hear of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah Vaughan?

And many great songwriters can’t sing. There’s an album of Stephen Sondheim singing his own work that is almost unlistenable. You wouldn’t really want to hear Irving Berlin sing any of his ballads.

You wouldn’t want to miss out on these great singers– or these great songs.

They are all artists.

I’m not sure I care whether Kelly or Carrie sings songs that reveal their personal views, emotions, or experiences.

After all, save for the late Spalding Gray, actors don’t get on stage and deliver personal monologues.

Kelly’s second lp and Carrie’s first had GREAT songs– and the best ones were written by other songwriters. Great songs are hard to come by. But with 5 or 6 million CDs sold apiece, Kelly and Carrie have access to the absolute best songs by the best songwriters– songs most artists don’t have access to.

They should take advantage of it. SO SMALL isn’t that good a song– no new artist would have a hit with it. NEVER AGAIN wouldn’t get any airplay if Kelly didn’t sing it.

I’m all for new singers trying out their wings as writers– but Carrie was smart enough to let the best songs win out on her album– and Kelly was too egotistical to have that happen.

Not everyone is Justin Timberlake. But I would argue that he is a better songwriter than he is a singer– he uses his voice well, but he has small pipes, unlike Carrie and Kelly, who both produce a bigger sound.

Shabby, you’re probably right. It’s great that you feel something when Carrie sings. I’m just of an opposite opinion–she sounds like a bot to me. A gorgeous voice, but so concentrated on technicality. I don’t get the emotion. But, just because I don’t doesn’t mean that no one else can or should.

I guess in a way all music follows some formula, but I do believe that there is a BIG formula out there today that most pop music follows. And when I refer to formula, I’m talking about musical structure and songwriting–certain words/images that are constantly used/alluded to, certain numbers of verses and choruses, use of key modulation and acoustic sections. And yea, I do find Rob Thomas to be one of the worst offenders!

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure I care whether Kelly or Carrie sings songs that reveal their personal views, emotions, or experiences.

And that’s fine, but that’s the kind of music I personally enjoy the most. And IMO — and it’s just my opinion, but one that I have a right to express just like everyone else — if the singer is just the singer, I want to hear some emotion behind their voice. And I don’t get that from Carrie.

Not everyone is Justin Timberlake.

And thank God for that!

Who’s “Taylor”?

Whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ?

Some loser who only won AI5 because sixteen fat Southern hausfraus voted for his gray hair. The only gig he can get right now is shilling cheap property in Alabama. Haven’t you heard?

Oh that guy. I thought you were all talking about the golfer.

And thank God for that!

You are most welcome, my child.

:sleep_tb:

Carrie’s music doesn’t move me much, but I admit it suits her very well. I can’t fault her because her pop/country style is in vogue right now. Same thing with Daughtry. His stuff is cookie-cutter pop/rock, but he executes it well.

And ALL music follows a formula of some kind (waltz, blues, march, ragtime, minuet, ballad, etc.); otherwise we’d have a series of random notes.

The thing that makes me furrow my brow at a lot of pop music these days is that the lyrics often are so insipid. Nickleback is one of the worst offenders of this, even though I think that generally the music itself is usually good.

Isn’t it all just semantics anyway? There’s nothing really to argue about, if you ask me. There is definitely a formula for pop music, in fact, different genres have different “rules”. It’s pretty obvious Chris and Carrie sings songs that stick close to the rules (IMO), whether they wrote them or not. And saying that in and of itself does not imply a value statement. It is what it is.

Also, not sticking to the rules tends to get more “artistic credibilty”, whatever that means, and there are people who like to listen to that type of music more and artists who like to play in that realm a little more than others. Or, you can stick to the rules for less popular genres and it will earn you a little artistic cred as well. It seems Kelly is a little more interested in not as closely sticking to the rules, and not particularly concerned about what that would do for her record sales. And there’s no inherent value judgement in saying that either. It is what it is as well.

I do take issue with critics who try to dictate to artists which realm they should stay in though. Lots of people seem to want the AI people to be stick-to-the-rules type singers, because everybody wants them to sell a lot of records or else they are “useless” in the world’s eyes. I don’t really think that’s logical, but that’s just me. Who knows who can produce great music? At least give folks a chance. Oh well.

mj
Oct 23rd, 2007 at 10:36 am
Bucky Covingtonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s new video for his single à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s good to be usà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is online now

Bucky is kicking it, all right. And he always looks like he’s having a good time.

Whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ?

Some loser who only won AI5 because sixteen fat Southern hausfraus voted for his gray hair. The only gig he can get right now is shilling cheap property in Alabama. Havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t you heard?

gee, I must look in the mirror more often and check my birth certificate, last time I checked I was 34 & I still voted for him. Plus he purchased the property, rather nice of him to give them a concert in return. Now he’s in process of writing his 2nd album.

Anyways….

Kat was kidding. We do that a lot around here.

Thanks for the Bucky link. He is adorable. And he has a guy who looks just like him on drums. :wink1_tb: :happy_tb:

“Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just a matter of perspective and musical knowledge. So your problem w/ the Carries and Chrises is that they love musical genres that are more popular…”

WOW. Just wow.

I’m still having trouble understanding all of Bucky’s lyrics. But I’m trying — I really am.

MJ, I read this and, well….Happy Thanksgiving. LOL.

Bo’s new CD kicks butt. Seriously. It’s the Bo we caught a glimpse of on Idol but who seemed to disappear into thin air after the show ended. Yup. All this talk of Carrie, just wanted to toss that in.

Carrie may have the gigunda production machine behind her and 100 TV appearances, but I’ll betcha my keyboard that not one of her songs will bring tears to my eyes. Finally hearing Bo as he should be heard, now that’s priceless.

MJ, I read this and, wellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.Happy Thanksgiving. LOL.

LOL! I know that turkey! He hangs out by the Starbucks near my condo. I saw him chase a girl to her car. When she got in, the turkey continued to peck at her door. She couldn’t get out of the parking space without running the turkey over.

That turkey is one aggressive son of a bitch! He hasn’t come after me. Yet.

“Boà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s new CD kicks butt. Seriously. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the Bo we caught a glimpse of on Idol but who seemed to disappear into thin air after the show ended.”

I loved Bo on Idol and am so happy to hear this CD! I agree with foxydonna – it’s good to have the “old” Bo back! This is a must buy for me.

ETA – I forgot how to quote properly – I obviously need to be reading and commenting more!

Just watched Bucky’s video and I like the song and the video! Thanks MJ!!

…I obviously need to be reading and commenting more!

Indeed you do DANTE, indeed you do.

dante
Oct 23rd, 2007 at 7:26 pm
I obviously need to be reading and commenting more!

So much word.

“”American Idol” also-ran, Katharine McPhee, graces the cover of October’s Atlanta Peach Magazine. Although Kat looks hot, she’s starting to look a bit like Real doll “Celine.”"

http://www.tmz.com/2007/10/23/katharine-mcphee-real-doll/

LOL! I know that turkey! He hangs out by the Starbucks near my condo. I saw him chase a girl to her car. When she got in, the turkey continued to peck at her door. She couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get out of the parking space without running the turkey over.

That turkey is one aggressive son of a bitch! He hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t come after me. Yet.

And I thought the only place having problems with Turkey was Iraq.

Those same people who like their music to all sound the same are the ones that eat at McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s, etc. as they know what their food is going to taste like and they seem to like familiar things. I’m a connoisseur as I like lots of types of music ( and food). I’m not big into country but I really liked Buckey’s video. I think Elliott’s CD is not Donnie Hathaway but more like pop/dance music with some R&B runs. I think he also played it safe. His fans like it and that’s what matters. I would not buy it as it all sounds the same to my ears. No one post much snark about Elliott, and I wonder why? :hmm1_ee:

Lots of interesting comments about “real” versus “formula” music.
Just like in all areas of life, there’s good “formula” music and bad “real” music. Real music implies more artistry but formula music can be great as well. To keep it real, AI is an entirely commercial enterprise where people get on the express train to success. I guess it’s possible for real artists to emerge but their pact with the devil is – Clive has signed you, now sell units. Of course if that doesn’t suit them, I assume they can leave Clive’s stable and put out an indy album as Bo has done. Right now, the music biz is on life support, so congratulations to any artist who can sell millions of CDs and keep it alive a little longer.

.

MJ, I read this and, wellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.Happy Thanksgiving. LOL.

MJ – I stopped in and HAD to comment on this. My college is playing Boston College on Thursday night. Our mascot is – yep – a turkey – so this article has been flying all over the internet on the Va Tech sites today… Dont let the turkeys get you down, MJ!

The critical consensus on Elliott’s album was that the vocals were there but the songs were just okay. I agree even though I think a couple of the sings were actually pretty good. I would have been happy with an album of Donny/Stevie covers but I don’t think that would have jump started his career. (The career that some thought he’d never have because he’d never appeal to the Pop crowd. Remember?) I agree that Elliott should get his share of snark.

Equal snark for all (even Bucky who I love).

No one post much snark about Elliott, and I wonder why?

Elliott has had his share of snark on this blog. I’ve got the fireant bites to prove it.

A friend and I saw Carrie at GMA and my opinion of her changed. I found her to be very likeable and it looked like she was having a good time. Plus, by pure luck we saw her afterwards.

I’ll definitely be buying her new CD somewhere in the near future.

Elliott has had his share of snark on this blog. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve got the fireant bites to prove it.

Fo sho….

No one post much snark about Elliott, and I wonder why? :hmm1_ee:

Chicklets anyone?

ETA:
Fire ant bites to prove it…laugh my fire ant biten ass off.

:lol_tb:

Boulder – You’re quick!

Although Kat looks hot, sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s starting to look a bit like Real doll à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Celine.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ”

I have no idea who this Real Celine is, but why is ***à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fugly dog humping her foot?

OMG… Keep em comin Boulder.

OMG. My head is trying to wrap around today’s conversation on music. I can’t speak to the topic of what is “real” or what isn’t “real” since it all exists and is therefore “real.”

I don’t see anything any of the idols have produced (before or after their Idol stints) as innovative or unique. It’s all derivative. So, I guess you pick what you floats your boat. I know Carrie has a better voice, but I prefer to listen to Kellie’s CD. I’ve heard pre-AI Taylor and the songs were nice, but not breaking any ground. Daughtry has a nice voice, but I don’t care for his kind of rock.

Whether you think it’s better to have “pros” writing the songs for your fave or you prefer them to write their own derivative songs, I guess that’s an argument that I don’t think will get anywhere.

To me, listening to music is all about where you’re at at a given time. If I’m in CVS, I have no choice. But if I’m home and feeling melancholy, I may put on some Patsy. If I’m feeling groovy, I may put on something like “Blue Lines” by Massive Attack. Or if I’m in a cleaning frenzy, I may put on the Ramones.

Artists can transcend cheesy songs, too. I loved Marty Casey’s take on Britney’s “Hit me baby one more time.” He was so upset when he got that song, but he totally made it something else. And he rocked the guyliner! Hee!

My cleaning music is the Romantics or CC Music Factory – lol

Lu, LOL. Christina’s “Back to Basics” is excellent cleaning music as well!

Good to have you back!

Thanks PJ. Morgan’s friend is on the mend so my hospital tour is pretty much over. My part of the big work project – done as of this afternoon. (I’m having a celebratory beer right now!) Now if I could just get someone to off my ex-husband, life would be almost perfect.

Yay, Lu! Happy about Morgan!

Wish I could help with the ex, but I was supposed to off someone in Chi-town and failed to get the Mayor to help, so I’m useless in that regard.

Here’s Marty’s version of “Hit Me Baby One More Time.”

http://youtube.com/watch?v=d8AvxF4FWEA

For interested parties, of course…

Am having trouble with THUMBSNAP website, so not sure if this will work. But, it is worth a shot.

Remember this Elliott CD cover? In the old days, it set off a flurry of fire ant attacks. lol

Boulder, it didn’t work for me. Try imageshack.us for images.

I can’t get that link to work Boulder… but once I can I may have to set loose the fireants!

Wondering… what in the world is that CD cover going to look like…

Try imageshack.us for images.

OK, here it is. Elliott’s CD cover that, long ago, set off a series of fire ant attack.

LMAO! That’s so cute. I don’t see why that would set off fire ants. :rolleyes_wp:

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see why that would set off fire ants. :rolleyes_wp:

LOL. Neither do I. Yet, most things the yaminions did were difficult to explain.

OMG. My head is trying to wrap around todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s conversation on music. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t speak to the topic of what is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“realà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  or what isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“realà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  since it all exists and is therefore à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“real.

Whew, thank goodness I wasn’t the only one that felt like I’d stumbled into a scene from The Matrix!

I was just a lurker (I think) back then and didn’t even know what/who the Yaminions were but the Elliott snark used to hurt because he was the only unsigned one of the top four. I don’t remember that cover (looks cute now) but it went along with all those “pundits” who predicted no future for Elliott. I remember some self appointed music biz exec who said only Paris was worth signing and some guy with initials who was full of dire carp. No excuse for fire ants but E fans were more sensitive back in the day.

jpfan, try being an Ace fan right now. :razz_wp: I would love a Boulderchop of Ace doing something goofy.

However, I’m off to bed and I will leave y’all with this excellent performance of Marty doing the Killers acoustic (I know there are some Marty fans out there).

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-u030JQMyhA

I hope GAB can hold my interest. So far, it hasn’t been as good as the Rock Star shows for me. Still reserving judgement, though.

…back then and didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even know what/who the Yaminions were but the Elliott snark used to hurt because he was the only unsigned one of the top four….

I didn’t know whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ or whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ the yaminions were either (which got me in hot water with the yaminions as well…lololol)…but they really attacked peeps here at MJ’sà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ especially, MJ, Folkgirl, Hezzer, and me. They even went so far as to stalk Folk in real life.

As for INSERT IDOL NAME HERE snark hurting….I could never understand that. I mean, why care what anyone on a blog, or elsewhere, says or snarks about. In the grand scheme of things, it is trivialà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ mousenuts.

Also, as far as anyone other than the winner of AI getting signed….I continue to think it diminishes the premise of winning the contest if any and everyone that competes…or makes the top 10, 5, 4, 3 gets signed. Personally, I think only the winner should get signed. PERIOD. But I don’t want to get into a debate about this–it has been discussed to death here. I’d rather snark.

Well, I popped in and saw Boulder’s response. They’ve always signed the top two, so I don’t see that as any different than signing the top four or whatever. If they just sign the winner, that’s fine with me, too. I think the other artists should still have the ability to sign with other labels or put out their music (like Bucky and Elliott have). I HOPE these shows don’t try to stifle the contestants that make them so much money on television just because they didn’t “win” a popularity contest.

ETA: The music business is hard. I guess I don’t have a problem with them signing more than one. The contest means less to me than than the chance it gives to peeps living their dreams.

PJ=Cheesy

LOL.

Night!

That would certainly raise the stakes wouldn’t it? Win American Idol or leave the music business and be blacklisted and unsigned forever.