I’ve been a long-time fan of Zannah’s blog - #!/usr/bin/girl (since the late 1990’s). Here she is testing the new video feature on flickr.com (as she goes through the Starbucks 24 hour drive-thru. Zannah is an “interent rock star”:
I’m not a big Mariah Carey fan, but have always considered her a great vocalist, and I thought one of her latest tunes and video was worthy of a mention. I watched her perform “Touch My Body” last night on Saturday Night Live.
It’s different. The tune is catchy. And is that really her home because the place is HUGE!
The song doesn’t really showcase her vocal skillz a whole lot, but you can tell she can still sing. And she looks like she lost some weight and looking lean and mean. Way to go, Mariah!
My son mentioned this song last night too, and got a kick out of this line:
Cuz if you run your mouth and brag about this secret rendezvous
I will hunt you down
O—kay….
Here’s a video that my good friend Aein animated. This is awesome! Cute too… enjoy!
American Idol… Season 7… hmmm…. I don’t know quite what to make of this season, do you?.
I really got into it last season because there were some great Divas last year… Jordin Sparks, Lakisha Jones, MELINDA DOOLITTLE singing My Funny Valentine. *hehe* Even Gina Glocksen was great… the women in general dominated last year.
Okay, this week’s performances are now history, and two girls and two guys are going home tonight. Here is my take on who were the best male and female performances this week:
David Archuleta (17) from Murray, Utah: Did a great rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” that showed us a musical maturity and experience beyond his years. I think this is a difficult song to sing because it would seem the song itself isn’t a great one to showcase one’s vocal abilities. But I think that David showed passion and emotion, was very strong vocally and added just the right vocal stylings to make it a moving performance.
Carly Smithson (24) from San Diego, CA: Belted out a worthy rendition of Heart’s “Crazy On You”. This is a very difficult song for anyone to sing. The original singer of Heart, Ann Wilson, had that amazing voice… powerful, edgy yet clear and cuts through. Carly gave a respectable and passionate performance of this song.
So, I don’t really have any predictions as to who’s going to leave tonight. But I’m positive these two singers are staying.
If you want a more complete recap of this week’s performances, check out Manny’s blog. And if you want a play-by-play, recap as the show goes on, check out Rickey.org.
This is profoundly shocking and tragic news, especially when it involves a young actor who has enjoyed a highly successful career. He was an incredibly gifted actor. May you rest in peace Heath.
A possible drug overdose… very sad, shocking news today.
And the tragic story unravels on TMZ.com.
NEW YORK - Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday at a downtown Manhattan apartment, and police said drugs may have been a factor. The Australian-born actor was 28. Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the residence in the tony SoHo neighborhood, NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said. A housekeeper who went to let him know the massage therapist had arrived found him dead at 3:26 p.m.
. . . .
Okay, now what really gets me are the replies on Digg.com (Lots of Britney bashing going on): Check this out!
How does he die and how the hell is Britney Spears still alive?
Or Lindsey Lohan for that matter.
Don’t worry Britney’s on that suicidal patch.
My thoughts exactly. I don’t often give much a shit about celebrities, but he wasn’t your standard Hollywood retard, IMO. I found myself saying “Oh No….” out loud when I saw it. RIP.
1.) Brad Renfro
2.) Heath Ledger
3.) ????????All bad things come in 3’s… no?
LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE
*Sigh* “People!”
So, the Nielson Ratings ranked American Idol’s Season 7 Premiere at the top of the list, even though it was 4.2 million viewers short from last year.
Okay, I tried to resist the temptation, and I planned on personally boycotting American Idol this year because my favorite singer from Season 6, Melinda Doolittle, didn’t win. And, I’m still kinda-sorta bothered by it.
Needless to say, I succumbed once again to the invisible pull that American Idol has over many of us. And if you totally aren’t into American Idol at all, or never have been, kudos to you. I congratulate you. Myself? Surprisingly, I am weak. And when my wife has AI tuned in, I tend to gravitate away from my computer and check out the auditions.
Well instead of giving you this detailed synopsis of what went down last night, I’ll just point everyone to Rickey.org. Rickey is much more dedicated to the American Idol cause than I am. Matter of fact, he is totally into television… embraces it heart and soul, whereas I like to watch TV but mostly for watching PBS or movies on DVD. But if you want to get the lowdown on AI as well as other popular TV shows, then just check out Rickey.org… it’s already an outrageously popular site, and to have snagged the domain name, Rickey.org, helps too!
And here are a few of the more interesting auditions from last night:
Alexis Cohen Audition
Paul Marturano’s Stalker Audition For Paula Abdul
Brooke White Audition Following That Star Wars Chick
Lately I’ve been a little reluctant to review or promote any new music that I’m into, mainly because I feel I don’t wish to continually push my tastes in music onto others. But, there are times when one has to because one gets so moved and inspired by the music… that one has to share the wealth, so to speak.
James Taylor is a singer-songwriter I’ve admired for many years. I never got into his music when I was in high school or in college, because I’d been mostly into classical, jazz and ethnic music, but I’ve always been aware of his music and have admired him from afar.
My wife and I did see him once in concert and it was a very, very moving experience. Many of us were brought to tears… I remember one fan behind me yelling out, “James, make me cry!”. That pretty much summed up the overall experience!
James Taylor’s latest offering, One Man Band, (to me) is a bargain. You get an audio CD AND a DVD of his concert performance at the legendary The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, Massachussetts. The album package is awesome and folds out like a book, and inside there is a booklet with liner notes by James Taylor himself.
The secret of love is in opening up your heart
Its okay to feel afraid
But dont let that stand in your way
cause anyone knows that love is the only road
And since were only here for a while
Might as well show some style
Give us a smile
~James Taylor
One Man Band seems like a special gift to his longtime fans, and the concert feels very intimate and is basically in James Taylor’s hometown with his neighbors attending. It definitely feels like a special, intimate event. And James Taylor has multimedia slide shows and video clips that reflect his music and his life. The full concert on DVD features James giving us his stories and introductions prior to each song, some much longer than the songs themselves, but his storytelling is humorous and interesting.
The term One Man Band sort of refers to James Taylor’s backup band, Larry Goldings on keyboards… and performing on a beautiful Yamaha midi-concert grand piano, accordian (or music box), and organ. But other than that, it’s mainly James Taylor singing solo with his acoustic guitar, and he pretty much covers all his classic hit songs.
Another added touch to the concert is the use of a 16 member choir, all members of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and pre-recorded but shown on the multimedia screen and somehow James Taylor and Larry Goldings’ performance is synced with the choir! And the choir sounds exceptional and well blended harmoniously with the overall musical sound. The songs, “Shower The People” and “My Traveling Star”, are especially wonderful with the choir.
Shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna be much better if you only will
~James Taylor
An added surprise is a drum machine! Not an electronic one, but a big wooden contraption that reminds me of a player piano that uses a big cylinder with wooden arms that have drumsticks attached that smack the snare drum, hit the cymbals and big wooden shoes that stomp a big bass drum sound. Very ingenious… an organic, analog drum machine!
Anyway, you’ll probably notice that I’ll be listening to this album a LOT for the next several days. I’m not a super big fan of James Taylor’s music, but his songs are so heartfelt and memorable and his melodies really stay with you, that it’s just one of those albums that deserves repeated listenings….
I picked up this album from Starbucks for $19.99, which is a great price for such a well put together package and considering the quality of the music. It was a Christmas Gift for my wife…
Goodnight you moonlight ladies
Rockabye sweet baby james
Deep greens and blues are the colors I choose
Wont you let me go down in my dreams
And rockabye sweet baby james
~James Taylor
Here’s a timeless classic… a scene from Breakfast at Tiffany’s when Audrey Hepburn sings “Moon River” on the fire escape. One of my favorite songs of all time. And favorite movies.
And here’s the same song used in an Audrey Hepburn tribute:
I wouldn’t mind owning a lock of John Lennon’s hair. This one sold for $48,000 at a recent auction, sold to an anonymous phone bidder. But for me personally? With that kind of money I’d rather have a new BMW, or a Mercedes. Or, a nice grand piano.
[ link via Yahoo ]
LONDON - A lock of John Lennon’s hair sold for $48,000 Wednesday in an auction of Beatles’ memorabilia collected by the band’s hairdresser.
The hair — inside an autographed copy of Lennon’s book “A Spaniard in the Works” — sold to an unnamed telephone bidder.
Gorringes auction house had estimated the hair would sell for $4,000 to $6,000.
Lennon gave the book and the lock of hair to Betty Glasow, the Fab Four’s hairdresser during their heyday. He wrote in the book, “To Betty, Lots of Love and Hair, John Lennon xx.”
“It is astonishing that there is still so much interest in the Beatles and the sale goes to prove that John Lennon is still an icon,” said Francesca Collin, a spokeswoman for Gorringes.
Recently, I’ve been getting into Joni Mitchell’s music. Hmm… don’t really know how I’ve got into listening to Joni Mitchell. Actually, I’ve always heard Joni’s music on the radio and in music stores, but was never really a “folksy” type of person. Always into Jazz or Classical.
Anyway, A Case of You is one of the most profound (and sad) songs I’ve ever heard. And I ask myself why didn’t I here this before? And now I’m researching a lot of her music and really getting into the music and words of this iconic musical artist.
So, I think I was searching for something on YouTube and ended up watching an old Joni Mitchell video of her performing back in 1966, as mentioned here. And somehow that led me to this song:
Joni Mitchell - A Case of You
Words & Music by Joni Mitchell
. . . .
Just before our love got lost you said
“I am as constant as a northern star”
And I said “Constantly in the darkness
Where’s that at?
If you want me I’ll be in the bar”
On the back of a cartoon coaster
In the blue TV screen light
I drew a map of Canada
Oh Canada
With your face sketched on it twice
Oh you’re in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and so sweet
Oh I could drink a case of you darling
Still I’d be on my feet
oh I would still be on my feet
Oh I am a lonely painter
I live in a box of paints
I’m frightened by the devil
And I’m drawn to those ones that ain’t afraid
I remember that time you told me you said
“Love is touching souls”
Surely you touched mine
‘Cause part of you pours out of me
In these lines from time to time
Oh, you’re in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and so sweet
Oh I could drink a case of you darling
And I would still be on my feet
I would still be on my feet
I met a woman
She had a mouth like yours
She knew your life
She knew your devils and your deeds
And she said
“Go to him, stay with him if you can
But be prepared to bleed”
Oh but you are in my blood
You’re my holy wine
You’re so bitter, bitter and so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you darling
Still I’d be on my feet
I would still be on my feet
. . . .
Anyway, last night I went to my gig at Robbie’s Roadhouse Grille. It took me a little over an hour to get there amongst the really bad traffic (supposedly the I-5 was closed for a while because of a questionable device found, whatever).
So, I get to the venue and there is a drumset already setup there! And I freak out a bit. And upon talking to the manager, found out that we are supposed to perform tonight instead of last night.
After the initial shock, and driving another 50 minutes to get home. I ended up going out to watch a movie with my wife instead. So, que sera sera…..
I got a big kick out of this video…
And check this out… the ultimate beatboxer!
Now I am rhythmically inspired……..
OMG, thank you YouTube for making it possible to find old footage of great singers, in this case Gladys Knight and the Pips (from a 1974 Live Concert) singing, “You’re The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me”!
Such a beautiful singer and person through and through…
And getting back to 2007 when the Top 6 Girls from American Idol Season 6 sang a wonderful medley with Gladys Knight! Notice that Melinda Doolittle is the one who :announces” Gladys Knight, and was the first girl Gladys Knight hugged? Hmm… I wonder if that means anything. *whistles*
Why are people asking the question {HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?}.. well duh, we armed the little people who’s brains are not developed with cell phones and text messaging and said, {call often}—PhloxyFlowers
WTF?
I sat there in front of the TV with my jaw dropping when I first heard the announcement!
Regardless, Melinda Doolittle was the most talented and most consistent vocalist this season and I really only watched because of her. So, for me, this Season 6 of American Idol is done. No reason whatsoever to watch the final.
Melinda, wherever you are. Other non-winners of American Idol have gone on to fame and success, and I am certain you’ll go on to be signed with a major label, and enjoy much success because you’ve got “it” grrl…
And in tribute to Melinda… one last time… the best vocal performance of American Idol - Season 6:
some comments following this video…..
For me, this was the most disappointing american idol I ever seen. I want the 2 girls in the final but I knew that wasn’t going to happen. I’m still angry about season 3 when jennifer, latoya, and fantasia were in the bottom three.
Never before have I been so involved with a show, that I even called in to vote every time this lady performed, says allot about how much listening to her sing was such joy for me. American Idols credibility has been called into question tonight. This is a competition to find Americas next great singer, not the most popular or prettiest. Melinda should have at least been in the finals. Melinda you will [do-a-lot] with that voice and spirit.
For those of us that “Love and Adore” Melinda, we must ensure that going forward we support her and make her first album the biggest selling album in American Idol history. Melinda should note the success of Daughtry, Clay and Jennifer. Coming in third or being voted off does not mean all is lost. There is a higher power who holds tommorrow and has something great in store for you.
Amen. I cant wait for her first album, and [if I do say so myself] I wouldnt be surprised if she got a grammy at some point in her career.
I cannot wait to buy her first album. She is incredible!
Doing a search I found Melinda Doolittle’s first audition with American Idol. It’s pretty amazing… her rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “For Once in My Life”. You can obviously tell that the judges were “blow away” by her performance.
Simon said, “You are in the top 2% of good singers this year. One million percent yes“.
Paula said, “I think you’re brilliant, yes“.
Randy said, “You are sensational. One of the best auditions ever, vocally. Welcome to Hollywood!”
And in reference to her shyness, Randy told her as she was walking out the door, “Believe in yourself, man. C’mon, you know you got it.”
Tony Bennett said she was the best singer of the day during the “mentoring” stage, and that she shows a lot of promise, and should do well in the business. Well, I’ve got an enormous respect for Tony Bennett, but let the performance speak for itself.
Melinda Doolittle again, this time singing George and Ira Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm”. A Great American Songbook classic:
Now this was a “hot” performance by Melinda Doolittle, of the blues classic originally sung by Koko Taylor… “I’m A Woman”:
[ check out idollogy.com if you missed the latest performances ]
This may be a bit premature, but I think the American Idol “Performance of the Season” would have to go to Melinda Doolittle’s rendition of “My Funny Valentine”. Simply amazing…
I was definitely “wowed” by her performance, and I confess she brought tears to my eyes. And that’s what a singer is supposed to do. Bring emotion, musicianship, dynamics, and heart into a performance. That’s what it’s all about…
I have a confession to make: I’ve been watching American Idol. Anyway, as many of you already know, there’s a bit of a scandal in this season’s American Idol. One of the contestants, Antonella Barba, has a collection of pretty sexy, revealing photos (now all over the Internet).
Should she get booted off American Idol? The folks at AI aren’t saying, but it is causing some controversy, being that a black female vocalist by the name of Frenchie Davis was booted off from Season 2 for a similar incident.
But supposedly Antonella’s photos were leaked, whereas the other contestant’s photos were for pay. What’s next for Antonella when she’s finally booted off American Idol? It looks like Girls Gone Wild has offered her $250,000 to appear in an upcoming video!
And who knows… maybe Playboy will contact her next.
Well I hate to admit it, but I think her vocal stylings are rather weak. She needs to sing from her gut, seriously. Although I saw her first audition and thought she was great.
Anyway, look at Technorati or Yahoo and the top search right now is “Antonella Barba”. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next week.
My Rating: 8/10
My recent DVD purchase was the 2001 Romantic Comedy Serendipity, starring Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack.
One thing to note is that Serendipity was filmed just before 9/11 and the destruction of the World Trade Center towers. The twin towers were digitally removed from skyline shots by the time the movie was released in the theaters. Read more »
One of my favorite photos taken in New York is that of the Hello Kitty store near Times Square.
The store is located on 42nd street near the Westin Hotel, where we stayed on the corner of 8th and 42nd street. New York’s Time Square was just one long block away.
By the way, the original journal entry about our NYC trip can be found here
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