– They think we’re all Susan Boyles when we’re actually Susan Sarandons.

– That is why, to me, he is a rocker (or musician with a rock leaning to be more accurate). Everything else is baloney.

– If getting rock cred means sticking only to songs of the Barbasol persuasion, then my advice to Mr. Cook would be to strive for ‘music cred’ . Screw rock cred.

– Cook (who I like) just needs to go do whatever music he likes and he will be called whatever he is called and it should not matter. If these guys are real musicians they they will be recognized for their craft.

Reviewers gave it points just on the basis of it being more ‘authentic’  hard rock.

I think they gave it points on the basis of it recasting SRV-style chord progressions in a modern-rock idiom and having kick-ass lyrics.

And I would definitely pick it over LOTM (which is still pretty high-tier for me) or ADAM (which isn’t). So, you know, subjectivity.

He seems to love playing it. He’s called it a good insight into where he is musically (although, granted, that was months ago). If he makes more songs like it, I’m going to assume that it’s because he wants to, not because he’s chasing cred.

Cook (who I like) just needs to go do whatever music he likes and he will be called whatever he is called and it should not matter.

IMO, this is what Cook does do and has been doing – based on his albums – for the past 10 or so years.

That is why, to me, he is a rocker (or musician with a rock leaning to be more accurate). Everything else is baloney.

And, whilst I think it will take time, I think his approach to music – collaborate, but write your own stuff too; tour anywhere and everywhere; have a clear knowledge of and love for music from other artists; support your peers – will pay off on some level.

One of the things that I admire the most about Cook is that he seems to be 100% true to himself – his music; his style; his friends – whilst knowing how to play the game when needed, without really compromising that.

With cook however I think the guy could actually get some rock cred if he does more stuff like ‘bar ba sol’  which IMO is actual rock and less stuff like ‘light on’  which is pure pop. I think the dudes got a hell of a voice that was born for rock and it looks like he did even pay some of the dues before AI.

While I would agree that Barbasol was one of the harder rock songs on his album, it wasn’t the best song on the album in my opinion and it was somewhat overrated. Reviewers gave it points just on the basis of it being more “authentic” hard rock. Permanent, Lie, Life On the Moon and A Daily Anthem, though less rocking, were better songs IMO. If getting rock cred means sticking only to songs of the Barbasol persuasion, then my advice to Mr. Cook would be to strive for “music cred”. Screw rock cred.

IMO Daughtry and Nickleback are to generic to be rockers. When I think of them I think pop. With cook however I think the guy could actually get some rock cred if he does more stuff like “bar ba sol” which IMO is actual rock and less stuff like “light on” which is pure pop. I think the dudes got a hell of a voice that was born for rock and it looks like he did even pay some of the dues before AI. Cook also has a good repetition for live performances which is important for rock cred.

I love that song (especially when he and David perform it together).

I love David and Ryan duet on that song too. Again, I miss the tour so bad. Life seems so quiet now.

‘WWE: Tribute to the Troops’  track list incl: David Cook’s The Time Of My Life http://bit.ly/8zrA9C

WWE + Magic Rainbows? That song, I tell ya.

FYI ‘“ 12/19 (Sat) 9ET NBC ‘WWE: Tribute to the Troops’  track list incl: David Cook’s The Time Of My Life http://bit.ly/8zrA9C

That’s fantastic Wellhesback! I remember how NBC played a big role in promoting Time of My Life during the Olympics. I think they like that song! I’m hoping that one day they’ll use A Daily Anthem in a montage.

I also noticed that Ryan Star’s Breathe is on the list which is cool. I love that song (especially when he and David perform it together). Those two need to co-write something together.

Super LOL! I’ve been saying all season how much Joe reminds me of a young George Michael (if you remove Joe’s goat-vibrato), esp on all of GM’s ballads (Careless Whisper, etc).

I hope George Michael takes off his sunglasses.

(Quick break to somersault around the room with joy)

They don’t mention a thing about a different location for results night. Will it not be at the Kodak as in years past? Looks like it will be in the small studio at CBS. In which case, going the night Adam Lambert performs becomes much more interesting.

Cowell confirms X Factor final duets

‘Olly will be duetting with Robbie Williams, Joe will be duetting with George Michael and Stacey will be duetting with Michael Bubl.’ 

Super LOL! I’ve been saying all season how much Joe reminds me of a young George Michael (if you remove Joe’s goat-vibrato), esp on all of GM’s ballads (Careless Whisper, etc).

Wonder if Simon’s been monitoring this blog for finale-pairing ideas???

Today tptb do not institute the draft because that is what really politicized people. Instead, they force enlisted men/women to serve several tours of duty, and even if that leads many of them to commit suicide, people say ‘well they volunteered’  and then forget about it. The draft was a whole other story, young men were forced overseas to their deaths *against their will* and also, they were dying by the thousands.

^^^ Yup, ITA, good post oceana! I hate what is happening to the military guys and gals. It’s like they are our sacrificial lambs and we really aren’t even sure what we are fighting for. We just got stuck over there and are afraid to make a bad situation worse. I miss the days of protest when the college kids flocked to the streets! But as far as music goes, the rebels today are mostly rappers. Yes?

Our country has just as many problems now as it did then, but the draft is no longer in effect so most young people are apathetic.

Speaking of this, I remember being in graduate school in the 80′s and bemoaning the lack of social consciousness of the undergrads. Those I ran across seemed to be all about themselves and making money — you know the big movie was Wall Street with Michael Douglas playing Gordon Gekko. “Greed is good!” Only the few seemed to be interested in divesting from South Africa or getting the U.S. out of El Salvador. I was very disappointed in them.

I would like to go to an Adam Lambert concert without being labeled a Sparkle Cow. I almost feel like I have to go with a younger person to make it look okay, but that’s silly. I’ll just wear my cow bell and rock out!

I am not an Aam fan and will never go to his concerts, but as a Cook fan I say, dress in your best rock girl, concert outfit as you did when you were younger and have a great time.

In the Cook fandom, they are referred to as the teenage beards! Heh.

I have a better ear for rock than a teenager. They’d have to be baby sat. No thank you!

But if anyone has ‘held him back’  it’s not fans, but perhaps what his label thought his fans wanted, or what they think is most commercial, while actually his fans mostly want him to be edgier, not safer.

The label thinks, with the help of 19E/M.

They think we’re all Susan Boyles when we’re actually Susan Sarandons. Even Susan Boyle is hipper than they think we are … gosh, golly gee.

Those were the cleanest rock shows ever. Well, Ryan Star is a bit naughty but Cookie was more flirty and charming, never lewd (never).

I’ve been to a few DC shows and never felt embarrassed or uncomfortable. He’s NOT Disney. He’s on par with any rock show I saw in the 70′s – 80′s and I saw everyone from Paul McCartney to KISS to Fleetwood Mac to Elton John to Aerosmith to Tina Turner.

In terms of Cook, he seems to be slowly letting the pre-idol Dave emerge. I have seen some of the early videos, and he was definitely not Disney. I think he has played it smart.

He definitely knew what was the right place and right time to ramp it up, which, to me, made him mature.