Comments on: American Idol: Rock & Roll of Fame, or “I Was Thinkin’ Bob Marley!” http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/ Sat, 17 May 2008 04:42:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1 By: Philco Brothers http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7727 Philco Brothers Wed, 07 May 2008 21:45:04 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7727 Remember, this is the "Madonna before The Stooges" Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Remember, this is the “Madonna before The Stooges” Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

]]> By: Steve http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7728 Steve Wed, 07 May 2008 21:50:46 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7728 Andrew - the schmaltzy Andrew Lloyd Webber fest was two weeks ago. Last week was the schmaltzy Neil Diamond fest. Andrew - the schmaltzy Andrew Lloyd Webber fest was two weeks ago. Last week was the schmaltzy Neil Diamond fest.

]]> By: Jon http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7729 Jon Wed, 07 May 2008 22:08:29 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7729 Just to let Stephen and Andrew know it's Baba O'Riley not Reilly. I just thought I would kindly point that out. Just to let Stephen and Andrew know it’s Baba O’Riley not Reilly. I just thought I would kindly point that out.

]]> By: groucho http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7730 groucho Wed, 07 May 2008 22:23:48 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7730 In some ways, the final four of the show is like an Agatha Christie whodunit -- no wait, a Ngaio Marsh would be more appropriate. It is easy to see who will get 'killed' next in the context of performances but the exquisite morbidity of guessing who exactly among the survivors gets axed, is part of the allure. It is easy to expect the unexpected from David Cook every week but when you get down to analyzing the style and attack to every performance, it reveals a very generic formula -- i.e. change the song to suit his vocal abilities (the better to see him cringe when hitting a high note), or just dress the song differently so he'll be forever associated as a genius who knows how to re-arrange a popular song into something else. His [i]Hungry Like A Wolf[/i] is actually forgettable if not for the fact that David Cook is singing it. His second song is much better and stronger. Syesha Mercado's decision to sing [i]Proud Mary[/i] is predictable but this girl who I have become fond of for her underdog and outsider status, really works her gluteus maximus out. One can applaud her effort to excel but there is a calculatedness to it that does not endear her to many people. Her [i]A Change Is Gonna Come[/i] was not stellar but I thought her mid-critique breakdown was authentic and moving. If this is her last week, then she might have gained newer fans just because she is a paragon of surviving just by the tiniest of chances. Jason Castro needs to go home. Not because of his bland-but-not-atrocious performances of both songs but like someone pointed out, this guy is no longer liking this reality show. His first song had some nice moments and he always look good with a guitar even if he probably only used it 10% of the time. While the first song left him breathless in segments, the second song truly sunk him. Was it intentional? Maybe. But it would be a happy ending for all if he leaves tonight. David Archuleta actually surprised me with his polished version of [i]Stand By Me[/i] -- a song that is likable for it being not polished. I did like his upward range in the last part of the song. His second song is really boring (his performance, not the song), but at this point, there is nothing this guy can't do. For tonight, I'd say Jason Castro should go, but I won't be surprised if the producers derive a sadistic kick by ousting Syesha and letting Jason agonize one more week of group dancing, themed songs, etc. In some ways, the final four of the show is like an Agatha Christie whodunit — no wait, a Ngaio Marsh would be more appropriate. It is easy to see who will get ‘killed’ next in the context of performances but the exquisite morbidity of guessing who exactly among the survivors gets axed, is part of the allure. It is easy to expect the unexpected from David Cook every week but when you get down to analyzing the style and attack to every performance, it reveals a very generic formula — i.e. change the song to suit his vocal abilities (the better to see him cringe when hitting a high note), or just dress the song differently so he’ll be forever associated as a genius who knows how to re-arrange a popular song into something else. His [i]Hungry Like A Wolf[/i] is actually forgettable if not for the fact that David Cook is singing it. His second song is much better and stronger. Syesha Mercado’s decision to sing [i]Proud Mary[/i] is predictable but this girl who I have become fond of for her underdog and outsider status, really works her gluteus maximus out. One can applaud her effort to excel but there is a calculatedness to it that does not endear her to many people. Her [i]A Change Is Gonna Come[/i] was not stellar but I thought her mid-critique breakdown was authentic and moving. If this is her last week, then she might have gained newer fans just because she is a paragon of surviving just by the tiniest of chances. Jason Castro needs to go home. Not because of his bland-but-not-atrocious performances of both songs but like someone pointed out, this guy is no longer liking this reality show. His first song had some nice moments and he always look good with a guitar even if he probably only used it 10% of the time. While the first song left him breathless in segments, the second song truly sunk him. Was it intentional? Maybe. But it would be a happy ending for all if he leaves tonight. David Archuleta actually surprised me with his polished version of [i]Stand By Me[/i] — a song that is likable for it being not polished. I did like his upward range in the last part of the song. His second song is really boring (his performance, not the song), but at this point, there is nothing this guy can’t do. For tonight, I’d say Jason Castro should go, but I won’t be surprised if the producers derive a sadistic kick by ousting Syesha and letting Jason agonize one more week of group dancing, themed songs, etc.

]]> By: Mad Capellan http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7731 Mad Capellan Wed, 07 May 2008 22:27:59 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7731 Yeah, and the guy who looks like a girl is Jason Castro, not Cook. It's probably not good for him that he is already forgettable as far as STE is concerned. And I can't really blame Leahey for having already blocked out last week's awful show from his memory. Yeah, and the guy who looks like a girl is Jason Castro, not Cook. It’s probably not good for him that he is already forgettable as far as STE is concerned. And I can’t really blame Leahey for having already blocked out last week’s awful show from his memory.

]]> By: Anhedonia http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7732 Anhedonia Wed, 07 May 2008 22:32:48 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7732 STE, it is Jason Castro, not Jason Cook. STE, it is Jason Castro, not Jason Cook.

]]> By: Jon Thomas http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7733 Jon Thomas Wed, 07 May 2008 23:10:26 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7733 Re: Jason Castro, not Jason Cook: like it matters. Re: Jason Castro, not Jason Cook: like it matters.

]]> By: Eddie http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7735 Eddie Thu, 08 May 2008 01:44:22 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7735 I'll admit it - I like Jason Castro and I've been rooting for him. Plus, after a season of Kristi Lee blessing America and the boring, daddy's boy front runner David A., I was actually impressed with Jason's unlikely, politically incorrect, song choice. Maybe its because he's not weeping and breathlessly thanking his "fans," but I think he is the most refreshing part of a show that celebrates people who really let it go to their heads. I’ll admit it - I like Jason Castro and I’ve been rooting for him. Plus, after a season of Kristi Lee blessing America and the boring, daddy’s boy front runner David A., I was actually impressed with Jason’s unlikely, politically incorrect, song choice. Maybe its because he’s not weeping and breathlessly thanking his “fans,” but I think he is the most refreshing part of a show that celebrates people who really let it go to their heads.

]]> By: Ramon Melendez http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7737 Ramon Melendez Thu, 08 May 2008 04:45:17 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7737 I'll tell you guys I was rooting for Jason since he sang "What a day for a daydream". I really thought the guy was gonna shine. Someone new and refreshing, not the same crap AI dishes out year after year, but the truth is that guitars can be crutches and his was an extension of himself. Can't fault the guy for staying true to himself, even at his worst, but he was truly a fish out of water in this competition. I'll tell you something though, his IS the only record I'm looking forward to. I’ll tell you guys I was rooting for Jason since he sang “What a day for a daydream”. I really thought the guy was gonna shine. Someone new and refreshing, not the same crap AI dishes out year after year, but the truth is that guitars can be crutches and his was an extension of himself. Can’t fault the guy for staying true to himself, even at his worst, but he was truly a fish out of water in this competition. I’ll tell you something though, his IS the only record I’m looking forward to.

]]> By: Tom http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7739 Tom Thu, 08 May 2008 06:36:45 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7739 I'll give Syesha the benefit of a doubt, simply because her Sam Cooke was the best of the night. Yes, better than Davey, the newest member of the Mickey Mouse Club, so anemic and inauthentic a singer as exists outside of the Disney universe (including Miley, Hilary, and anything named Jonas). Archie was so hellbent on treating "Stand By Me" as an audition for anything that he drained the song of any emotion or any kind of relevant human feeling. As for David Cook, he's clearly phone it in. His spot in the final has been so assured for weeks that he cops out of his rawk credentials by choosing what? Duran Duran, a group more famous for the image, moving or otherwise, than for the ability to write anything "legendary". He can't do anything new to it, so he just karaoke'd it to the tongue bath he's received for a month. As for his Who cover, his arrangement was too plodding, Nickleback on Quaaludes. "Teenage wasteland" never sounded so ironic and earnest at once. And as for Jason? "The emperor's new clothes" turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy. He was voted off last week after Paulergate. And I'd still trade him ten of him for one Brooke White. I’ll give Syesha the benefit of a doubt, simply because her Sam Cooke was the best of the night. Yes, better than Davey, the newest member of the Mickey Mouse Club, so anemic and inauthentic a singer as exists outside of the Disney universe (including Miley, Hilary, and anything named Jonas). Archie was so hellbent on treating “Stand By Me” as an audition for anything that he drained the song of any emotion or any kind of relevant human feeling.

As for David Cook, he’s clearly phone it in. His spot in the final has been so assured for weeks that he cops out of his rawk credentials by choosing what? Duran Duran, a group more famous for the image, moving or otherwise, than for the ability to write anything “legendary”. He can’t do anything new to it, so he just karaoke’d it to the tongue bath he’s received for a month. As for his Who cover, his arrangement was too plodding, Nickleback on Quaaludes. “Teenage wasteland” never sounded so ironic and earnest at once.

And as for Jason? “The emperor’s new clothes” turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy. He was voted off last week after Paulergate. And I’d still trade him ten of him for one Brooke White.

]]> By: Tom http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7740 Tom Thu, 08 May 2008 06:37:58 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7740 That should have read "phonING it in". Proofreading is one's friend. That should have read “phonING it in”. Proofreading is one’s friend.

]]> By: ffinixs http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7741 ffinixs Thu, 08 May 2008 06:55:33 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7741 This truly can't be the best in the nation, or the best this show has ever had. The best in the nation don't audition for such a shameless corporate construction. That's in terms of music but as a TV show - it's still the best, if sometimes cringe-inducing. This truly can’t be the best in the nation, or the best this show has ever had. The best in the nation don’t audition for such a shameless corporate construction. That’s in terms of music but as a TV show - it’s still the best, if sometimes cringe-inducing.

]]> By: Mike http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7743 Mike Thu, 08 May 2008 09:02:37 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7743 American Idol is one big slice of American "CHEESE". I'm not sure how many more seasons this show can hammer out. I did enjoy Bo's performance tonight and Maroon5 weren't bad either. American Idol is one big slice of American “CHEESE”. I’m not sure how many more seasons this show can hammer out. I did enjoy Bo’s performance tonight and Maroon5 weren’t bad either.

]]> By: Mike http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7744 Mike Thu, 08 May 2008 09:09:38 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7744 Oh, and Jason Castro was funny when he told Ryan that someone refered to his performance as, "Someone shot the Tambourine Man." Oh, and Jason Castro was funny when he told Ryan that someone refered to his performance as, “Someone shot the Tambourine Man.”

]]> By: dbg http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7747 dbg Thu, 08 May 2008 14:01:35 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7747 just wait and see just wait and see

]]> By: dee http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7780 dee Fri, 09 May 2008 16:46:22 +0000 http://blog.allmusic.com/2008/05/07/american-idol-rock-roll-of-fame-or-i-was-thinkin-bob-marley/#comment-7780 I loved Jason's comment, "I was thinkin' Bob Marley!" I wonder what he really wanted to tell Simon. I loved Jason’s comment, “I was thinkin’ Bob Marley!” I wonder what he really wanted to tell Simon.

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