Michael Jackson- Part Two: The Music

The Jackson 5/The Jacksons, 1969-1989: My mother was the one who introduced me to The Jackson 5 at a very young age. I was born ten years after the Jackson 5 signed to Motown, so I definitely missed out on their hey day. The Jackson 5 were one of the most successful boy bands of all time. Their crazy psychadelic bell bottom suits and adorable afros were all the rage in the 1970's. They even had the Osmonds copying them (Donny Osmond was clearly the Michael Jackson of the Osmond Brothers)! Even with all of the nostalgia, none of their music seems dated. The first songs I remember dancing to were 'ABC' and 'I Want You Back'. Completely infectious, bright and joyful 'bubble gum soul' tunes that can even get the most morose and gloom-filled person to tap their foot. Michael's soaring soprano was clearly the cornerstone of every hit. It was a can't loose combo. 'I'll Be There' is probably their most famous ballad, but it's not my favourite. I later discovered a beautiful ballad, released in 1972 entitled 'Got to be There' that was actually promoted as a Michael Jackson solo single (even though all the brothers sang on the track). Michael's delivery of the song is simply stunning. In my opinion that song should have been a much bigger hit.

In 1975 the Jackson brothers left Motown for greener pastures at Epic Records. This was where fans were beginning to be introduced to Michael Jackson's skills as a serious songwriter. Many outside of the R&B world are unfamiliar with the brothers' hits from this era. Their most popular song at that time would have been the disco hit, 'Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)'. The song was the kind of disco cheese most people never admit to liking, but dance to in the privacy of their bedroom. The song is definitely not sensational on its face, but when you factor in how old Michael was when he wrote it (18 years old), you begin to realize how truly clever he was.

Biggest Hits: I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, I'll Be There, Never Can Say Goodbye, Ben, Blame It On The Boogie
Most Underrated Track(s): Got to be There, With A Child's Heart, Maybe Tomorrow, Looking Through the Windows, This Place Hotel, Things I Do For You, 2300 Jackson Street
Most Overrated Track(s): I'll Be There
Cheesiest/Corniest Track(s): Blame It On the Boogie, Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground), Can You Feel It (just watch the video and you'll see what I mean)

Off the Wall, 1979: This album is considered by many to be the foreshadowing of Michael Jackson's superstardom. It also marked the beginning of one of the most successful partnerships in music history- Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, who produced the album. I really only got to know this album in its entirety recently. I was already familiar with 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough', which I believe is one of the best dance songs ever written, and Rock With You another brilliant track. Off the Wall is a genius dance album in every sense of the word! It's fresh and current, totally complete and masterfully produced. You can spin this album at any party and still get a crowd moving, 30 years after its original release. Michael was only 21 years old when this album was released and he wrote 3 of the 10 tracks (including its biggest hit, 'Dont Stop...'). It's one of those precious few albums where almost every track is totally enjoyable. Its only flaw is 'Girlfriend' written by Paul McCartney, which is the worst track on the album and probably shouldn't have made the cut. Complete and utter syrupy, mindless pop.

All in all, Off the Wall is one of my favourite albums of all time. Just sit back, listen, then groove and dance!

Biggest Hit(s): Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Rock With You
Most Underrated Track(s): Get On the Floor, Off the Wall, I Can't Help It
Cheesiest/Corniest Track(s): Girlfriend, She's Out of My Life (MJ cries at the end of the song, need I say more?)

Thriller, 1982: What can one say about this monster of an album? Yes, it is the best selling album of all time. Yes, it spawned 7 top ten hits. Yes, it earned Michael Jackson 8 Grammy Awards. But what made it so special? Why do people still marvel at this album 27 years later? The reason is simple: the music was exceptional. Thriller was simply a masterpiece. With beautifully crafted ballads like 'Human Nature'- one of Michael's best songs- and great dance pieces like 'Wanna Be Starting Something' and 'P.Y.T.', Thriller made Michael Jackson a force to be reckoned with. Jackson wrote three tracks ('Wanna Be Startin' Something', 'Beat It', 'Billie Jean') and co-produced the entire album with Quincy Jones. He was 24 years old.

Thriller, I believe, set the standard for all pop albums that followed it. It demonstrated to the listener that an entire album- every single track- can and should be hit-worthy. It showed the artist that serious musicianship and originality can indeed be successfully partnered with commercial viability. It's only hiccup is 'The Girl Is Mine' another Paul McCartney snoozer that shouldn't have seen the light of day. 'Billie Jean', however, is pure pop music perfection.

Biggest Hit(s): Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller

Most Underrate Track(s): Wanna Be Startin' Something, Baby Be Mine, Human Nature

Cheesiest/Corniest Track(s): The Girl Is Mine (I really hate that song!)

Bad, 1987: I have mixed feelings about this album. I love it and I hate it. It is without a doubt an excellent album by most standards, but not necessarily by Michael Jackson standards. It spawned an unprecedented 5 number one hits, probably because of the success of the Thriller album, the music videos and the colossal promotion of the album and tour. I sort of think that Michael lost his edge with this album and tried to reclaim it by announcing to everyone that he's bad. ROTFL!!! There are few problems with this concept. First of all, no one actually believed that Jackson was "bad" and if he was, why would he need to proclaim it? Secondly, no one tells people they're "bad" and then goes on to produce an unabashedly commercial pop album. It just seemed a hot mess. Anyway, Bad is the only Michael Jackson album that I'm ambivalent about, yet it has some of my all time favourite Michael Jackson singles. My favourite uptempo tracks are the ones no one cared about, 'Another Part of Me', 'Just Good Friends', 'Leave Me Alone'. One of the best ballads Michael Jackson has ever performed is the classic 'Man in the Mirror' (ironically one of only two tracks on the album that Michael didn't write). It's one of those songs that always makes me want to get up and change to world.... then the song ends, I sigh and I skip to 'Smooth Criminal'.

Biggest Hit(s): I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana

Most Underrated Track(s): Liberian Girl, Just Good Friends, Another Part of Me, Leave Me Alone, Fly Away (a song that was not released on the original Bad album, but released in the special edition. A brilliant track that should have been included on the album)

Most Overrated Track(s): Bad

Cheesiest/Corniest Track(s): Bad (did anyone actually buy the concept of MJ taking on a bunch of Brooklyn street-toughs while costumed in tight, sado-masichistic gear? While performing Bob Fosse-esque choreography? And wearing eye-liner? Didn't think so.)

Dangerous, 1991: Dangerous is a great album. Not a perfect album, but a really, really good one. Certainly a lot better than Bad. This album was Michael's first adult solo album without Quincy Jones. He decided to use R&B genius producer Teddy Riley instead. The collaboration worked. I think this is the album Bad should have been. Sure, it didn't have as many number ones as Bad, but it sold faster and had an edgier, urban sound. His best tracks are definitely the ones produced by Teddy Riley (i.e. 'Jam', 'In the Closet', 'Remember the Time', 'Dangerous') who used his New Jack Swing stylings to give Jackson a new sound. Some other uptempo stand outs are 'Can't Let Her Get Away' and 'Who Is It'. Michael also has some wonderful pop ballads on this album such as the gospel-tinged, 'Will You Be There' and 'Keep the Faith'. 'Gone Too Soon' is another one of Michael's most beautiful ballads. The song was written in honour of his friend Ryan White who died of AIDS the previous year (ironically it would be sung at Michael Jackson's own funeral 18 years later). His vocal delivery is so smooth, ethereal and pure that you almost forget you're listening to the same album. The lyrics are very touching. The worst track on the album, by far, is 'Heal the World'. The kind of tune that would normally be accompanied by images of starving African children eating gruel in a World Vision ad.

Biggest Hit(s): Black or White, Remember the Time, In the Closet, Heal the World , Will You Be There

Most Underrated Track(s): Jam, Can't Let Her Get Away, Who Is It, Gone Too Soon, Dangerous

Most Overrated Track(s): Heal the World, Black or White

Cheesiest/Corniest Track(s): Heal the World, Black or White (love the video and the guitar solo, hate the corny rap)

HIStory, 1995: Michael's worst album. Really. It had the most ostentatious promotion and the worst results. I knew things were dodgy when the TV ad came out- you know, the one with fans falling and fainting at the feet of Michael's statue.... yeah, that one. This album seems all over the place to me. Incomplete and slapped together- not the typical well thought out and maticulously excuted production we were used to hearing from Jackson. His heart didn't seem in it. That being said, there are some decent records on the album. 'They Don't Really Care About Us', 'Scream', 'Money' and '2 Bad' are all strong songs. 'Stranger in Moscow' is probably the most underrated song of Michael Jackson entire career. The first time I'd heard of the song was two months ago when I saw the music video by chance. It's a gorgeous ballad. Beautifully sung with a mixture of sadness and anguish. Lyrically it is one of the best songs he has ever written. The song's instrumentation is sparse, but perfect.

Biggest Hit(s): You Are Not Alone, Scream

Most Underrated Track(s): Stranger in Moscow (Michael's best ballad), They Don't Really Care About Us

Most Overrated Track(s): You Are Not Alone, Earth Song

Cheesiest/Corniest Track(s): You Are Not Alone (the video depicting a half-naked MJ and his then-wife Lisa Marie Presley turned me off the song and enduced nausea), Earth Song (MJ went from asking us to save the children to telling us to save the trees. I'm pretty sure Neverland Ranch was not environmentally friendly. This song was massively popular in Europe, cementing its cheesy/corny credentials and thus, proving my point)

Invicible, 2001: Invicible did not get the props it deserved for various reasons. The album was not Michael's best work (1991 was last time Michael gave his fans his typical 150%- it appears he working at the 110% level by 2001), but it was far from his worst (see HIStory). Michael was in a very contentious battle with Sony Records and refusing to tour. Sony wasn't willing to release certain singles. The album and the artist got some very bad press. Anyway, Invincible was definitely a full-on R&B album with some very nice beats courtesy of wunderkind producer Rodney Jerkins. His best tracks were the R&B ballads, 'Butterflies', 'Cry', 'You Are My Life' (an ode to his children) & 'Heaven Can Wait'. Good uptempo tracks are: 'Heartbreaker', 'Invincible' and of course, 'You Rock My World'.

Biggest Hit(s): You Rock My World, Cry

Most Underrated Track(s): Butterflies, You Are My Life

Cheesiest/Corniest Track(s): Privacy

Michael Jackson's catalogue of music is prolific. A gifted vocalist, talented songwriter and innovative producer. MJ's music is guaranteed to last a lifetime. I hope that in death his body of work will get the respect it deserves.

Michael Jackson- Part One: The Entertainer

Michael Jackson was buried on Thursday, 70 days after his untimely and, at the moment, suspicious death. I have to say that I still find it hard to believe that he is gone. It took me a long time to come up with an adequate blog posting for this one, hence my absence from the blogsphere for so many months. Because there is so much to say about The Gloved One, I’ve decided to post a part one, a part two and a part three.

First I’ll start off by saying that I would never consider myself a rabid MJ fan. I’ve never attended any of his concerts. I’ve never fainted and screamed upon the mere mention of his name. I never owned any sparkly gloves or black loafers or the notorious zipper-red-leather-Beat It jacket (my parents would have never allowed me to walk out of the house looking like a bedazzled member of Napoleon Army, and a Jheri curl was definitely out of the question). I didn’t tape all of his television appearances (I will admit to attempting the Moonwalk at recess at elementary school with unsuccessful results). However, I am an admirer of Michael Jackson’s creative genius and impact on pop culture. Many over the past couple of months have pontificated on whether or not Michael Jackson was one of the best. I’m not quite sure where the argument is coming from because the facts are clear: Michael Jackson’s impact on popular music was probably the greatest of any entertainer who ever set foot on a stage. Case closed. Here are the reasons why:

Sheer musical ability: After scouring You Tube and watching countless videos of a young Michael Jackson singing Who’s Loving You, Never Can Say Goodbye, ABC, etc., it is easy to see that Michael was musically gifted. He sang each song with ease and soul- something that cannot be taught. Technically speaking Jackson was in that category of vocalist that many aspire to, but very few actually reach. He had a beautifully controlled vibrato, a pitch perfect falsetto and a roof-blasting, powerhouse mid-range. He also had the ability to control and change his vocal tone to suit the emotion of each song- switching from a soaring ballad to a searing dance track effortlessly- whilst always maintaining his own distinctive vocal phrasing and styling.

In later years when Michael began writing his own music people started to realize that he wasn’t just a voice- he obviously was a prolific songwriter. Few people realize that Jackson could not actually read music. He would write his songs by recording the vocals and then beatboxing the rhythm on a tape recorder. After that, he would sit down in a studio and add keyboard (playing by ear) and drum tracks to the demo. Many of his musicians said that they would have difficulty reproducing the rhythm tracks that he had beatboxed because they were so complex and intricate! Generally, the artists that Michael Jackson has been compared to, such as Elvis Presley, never wrote a note of music in their life, which is why I find it so puzzling that people would count Elvis as a better all-round entertainer. In fact, Michael co-produced and wrote half the songs on the iconic Thriller album all at the tender age of 23, and for Off the Wall at 19! The mere fact that many of Michael’s songs are classics today is a testament to Michael’s gift for understanding his audience and his brilliance as pop songwriter.

A Master-class Dancer: Nobody moved like Michael. Nobody. Believe me, many, including myself, have tried and failed. Fred Astaire himself called Michael Jackson after his epic performance on the Motown 25 special in 1983 and told him that he was “one hell of a mover”. Michael popularized so many dance moves (the Robot, Pop ‘n’ Lock, the Moonwalk, The Spin, the famous Smooth Criminal ‘Lean’, etc.) while making them all seem effortless (of course they weren’t). He made dancing an almost mandatory component for pop music performance. Prior to Michael I’m not sure there was anyone who danced and sang whilst performing a pop song. All of this is evident in Michael’s legendary performances (i.e. the aforementioned Motown 25 special, 1988 Grammy Awards, 1993 Superbowl half-time show, 1995 MTV Awards) because you as a viewer always knew that he was giving 150% all the time. He took risks and dared to be different. Excuse my schmaltziness, but his dancing almost made you believe in.... ‘magic’.

A Marketing/Business Mastermind: Very few people realize how brilliant Michael Jackson was at marketing. He understood that in order to stand out he had to be more than just talented- he had to be different. Most artists nowadays hire people to create images for them. Jackson himself was known for being deft at crafting his unique image. Thinking back, his propensity for sequined socks and military jackets, aviator sunglasses, poor-boy pants and black penny loafers was definitely odd, but he obviously knew something we didn't- he had everybody copying his look all over the world. He parlayed his image into endorsements for Pepsi, LA Gear, Disney, Toyota (Japan), etc. In addition to this, he realized that the music video was a tool to be used to generate record sales. Jackson crafted each music video he made into a miniature film. Let’s all be honest- does anyone remember what music videos looked like before Billie Jean? It was truly pathetic. Most music videos had the artist(s) woodenly standing on a stage with strobe lights behind them. The Billie Jean and the Thriller videos were and still are the templates on which music videos are based. His marketing prowess also played a hand in propelling MTV into prominence. It was widely known that MTV, prior to 1983, was not in the business of the playing music videos of urban (i.e. Black) artists. Michael forced their hand in changing that unwritten rule with the fresh and innovative Billie Jean video. The rest is history!

In addition to the music video, Michael Jackson changed the way the consumer viewed albums. In 1982 the record industry was going through its worst slump in history. There was a major recession and record sales were low as production costs were getting higher. Most artists pinned their album's hopes on 3, maybe 4 songs (out of a 9-10 track album) cracking the Billboard Top 40. The majority of the recording artists at the time were elated to sell 500,000 copies of an album. Many consumers would purchase singles rather than the entire album, unless they were hardcore fans of a particular artist. Michael Jackson broke the rules when he created Thriller around the concept of an album of 100% hits. No fillers- just pure pop hits. The result: seven out of the 9 tracks on Thriller became blockbuster Top 10 hits. Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones' brilliant song writing and understanding of what people wanted hear compelled millions of people to buy an entire album- and love it!

Michael Jackson's best stroke of brilliance was his purchasing of music copyrights. Jackson owns the most lucrative catalogue of songs in the music industry, Sony/ATV Music Publishing . He purchased the rights to 250 of The Beatles songs, in addition to the publishing rights for many of the recordings of Little Richard, Sharkira, Beck, Eminem, Akon, The Everly Brothers and Hank Williams, just to mention a few! This music catalogue generates over $80 million dollars a year. His own lawyer said that with the Sony/ATV catalogue in addition to owning the rights to his own songs, Michael Jackson's net worth is over $1.5 billion dollars and growing!

If you are still not convinced, consider the following:

• Michael Jackson has sold over 750 million albums worldwide over the span of his career.
  
• He has won 13 Grammy awards as a solo artist.


• He has performed for over 15 million people worldwide


• His Thriller album still holds the record for the best-selling album of all time


• He was the only entertainer who was able to write, dance, sing and choreograph with equal excellence
  

Michael Jackson- not Elvis, not Sinatra- was truly the greatest entertainer who ever lived. I rest my case.

American Idol- We Have A Winner... Huh?!!!!

Okay, okay, I haven't been very good about keeping y'all up to date on my views about American Idol. But that was because I was totally certain that Adam "Eddie Munster" Lambert was a shoo-in as the winner. Guess who won? Kris "College Campus Warbler" Allen, that's who!!!! Boy did I NOT see that one coming!! Couple of questions for you all:

1. Do you think the show is rigged?

2. Do you think that everyone else thought Lambert was a shoo-in and didn't bother voting, hence the shocking result?

3. Do you think the show is rigged?

BTW- I think the BEST moment in the history of the show was when Tatiana "Coo Coo for Coco Puffs" Del Toro took the stage (while being chased by security) and gave an impromptu performance of Saving All My Love For You. The look on Ryan Seacrests face was priceless! All mental institutions should be put on stand by.

American Idol: Eliminations

I'm beginning to think that American Idol is rigged. How many of you really believed that Eddie Munster... er.... Adam Lampert really received the second lowest tally of votes? The AI producers must have tried to throw in a plot twist in order retain viewers. Anyway, my boy Matt is gone. I'm sure he saw that coming. Next up, Kris Allen (although I'm sure it will be Allison Iraheta)!

Reminiscing: Paul Simon's Hit- You Can Call Me Al

Does anyone remember this song? I think Paul Simon's Graceland was one of the greatest pop albums of the the 80's and You Can Call Me Al was one its best songs. I still have no idea what this song is about but it's soooo fun to listen and dance to. I still remember hearing this on the radio whilst getting ready for school. Good memories, good times and Tootsie Roll Lolipops!

Here's a video of Paul Simon singing You Can Call Me Al in 1987 live in Harare, Zimbabwe. Enjoy!:

American Idol: An Overview

My tears dried and my mourning period for Anoop and Lil now over, here are my reviews of the remaining AI8 contestants:

Kris Allen: Not bad. Still not sold on him though. What was up with Cowell's commentary?

Allison Iraheta: This girl can sing! However, I don't think that this performance will be enough to keep her in the final three. She may be in trouble tonight.

Matt Giraud: Good performance, but not good enough. I had to agree with Randy and Kara on this one. He had some pitch problems and I think on stage, he's the least comfortable of the remaining contestants. I actually think it was a mistake for the judges to save Matt a couple of weeks ago. I'm almost certain Matt will be going home tonight.

Danny Gokey: Danny gave the performance of his life last night!!!! This was, hands down, my favourite performance of the evening and perhaps the best performance of the last few weeks. With this, Danny has secured his spot in the final 3. It doesn't even matter if he loses AI-- he'll definitely get a record deal.

Adam Lampert: Can't stand him, can't stand him, can't stand him! His voice is a dash of Steve Tyler, Axel Rose and Broadway showtunes-- which wouldn't be bad... if it was 1988. All Adam is missing is the big arena rock hair. Certainly not the kind of vocalist I'd invest $20 into. But what do I know? People in greasy spoon diners and generic malls all across America seem to be quite taken with the fella. He IS the 8th American Idol-- all the other contestants are just his opening act. Did I mention that I can't stand him?

BTW: Wasn't Jamie Foxx the BEST AI mentor ever?!

Overrated Talent: Josh Groban

I really hate this guy. No, really-- I HATE him. I've never met him nor have I ever seen him in any interviews, but he really sticks in my craw. I just don't understand him or his appeal. I have been wondering for years now how this guy became famous. His voice is not particularly good, but for some reason people (usually grandmothers and the dreaded cat ladies) swoon with every note he sings. To me, he sounds like those guys who sang in the school choir at Kiwanis Music Festivals. He also looks like he could use a good and thorough bath-- preferably with a good 'ole bar of Irish Spring and a bottle of Dettol-- and a nice haircut.

All image issues aside, Josh Groban's music totally sucks. His sappy, pseudo-operatic ballads make me want to grit my teeth and incite violence. I am hoping that Mr. Groban retires from the music business and puts clear thinking human beings and dogs out their misery. For the love of God and all things lovely he must hang up his mic. Because if I hear You Raise Me Up one more time, I'm slitting my wrists!

American Idol: Eliminations

Oh no!!! My favourite contestants got kicked off. Unfortunately, they deserved it. Oh well-- they'll go on tour. The next possibility for elimination is either Alison Iraheta or Danny Gokey. Eddy Munster is going to take it all.

American Idol: Elimination

Matt Giraud gets saved!!!! The judges get it right. Two will be eliminated next week. Here's hoping Eddie Munster/Axel Rose and Kris Allen have their luggage on stand by.

American Idol: An Overview

Kris Allen: Totally boring. He's like those annoying boys you would see in the hallways in high school strumming at their guitars in hopes of appearing "deep". They weren't and Kris most certainly isn't.

Anoop Desai: I really like Anoop and I think he's a very underrated as a singer. He was quite good last night, but again, he'll be in the bottom three. The US is just not ready for the Brown Brian McKnight.

Adam Lambert: Eddie Munster gets on my last nerve. Can we kick this guy off already and cast him in the Vegas revival of We Will Rock you? He's so camp people will be dressing as him next Halloween. Again, he'll probably win the show.

Matt Giraud: This is another underrated talent. I believe most of his problems stem from nerves and a lack of confidence. I think he has the potential to be just as good as Justin Timberlake (minus the dance moves) if not better. I hope America gives him a chance. They probably won't.

Lil Rounds: Lil Rounds is making me angry. This is the kind of girl who should have this competition in the bag. I have a feeling she doesn't understand herself and she is spending far too much time acquiescing to the judges every whim whilst becoming confused. Stick to your guns Lil or your gonna go home... fast!

Allison Iraheta: Love Allison, but she needs to do something with her look. Her voice is amazing, but she might be in danger.

Danny Gokey: Danny wasn't so hot last night and his performances are becoming a little detached. He may be in trouble in tonight's elimination. He'll definitely get a record deal with a gospel label even if he loses.

BTW, how many of you think Judge Kara will be back next season? I certainly don't!

Random Foolishness

I refuse to believe that this is R & B crooner Jon B.'s wife. Maybe his auntie or cousin or maybe even his geography tutor, but not his wife. Gadzooks!

American Idol: Beam Me Out Scottie!

He's outta here! But his farewell was truly sad. Oh well! Next up: Kris Allen!

American Idol: An Overview

Danny Gokey: I love Danny! He reminds me of the singers I grew up with in church. However, up until a few weeks ago, I thought he totally had this competition in the bag. He'll be in the top 5, but I don't think he'll win it.

Kris Allen: He was o.k. I'm not feeling his Frosh Week vibe, but he'll be safe because girls in training bras think he's a hottie.

Lil Rounds: What happened to my friend Lil? She was at the top of the pack in the beginning and then she started wearing those wigs and her talent disappeared. I'm worried that she'll be in the bottom three tomorrow.


Anoop Desai: The performance was great and just in time. Had he not performed well tonight he would have been eliminated.


Scott McIntyre: Scott is starting to remind me of a really bad version of Peter Cetera circa 1984. He was tolerable when he was around the piano, but when he picked up that darn Fisher-Price guitar, I left the room. Time to stop the sympathy vote and send Scott back to Arizona.

Allison Iraheta: I lurve Allison's and I think she's got one of the best and most marketable voices and images in the competition. I didn't understand what the judges were talking about when they criticized the fact that she didn't talk enough. She'll be safe tomorrow.


Matt Giraud: Anyone taking on The Great One a.k.a. Stevie Wonder has cajones. Mr. Giraud's rendition of Part-time Lover was the shiznit! Matt threw down tonight! If he gets put in the bottom three tomorrow (which I feel might happen because people are dumb) all Americans should be forced into detox.


Adam Lambert: Yep, Eddie Munster will win American Idol. Unless he loses his voice or commits a felony between now and the end of May. His performance was amazing... and that's saying a lot because I don't even like the guy!


BTW- Paula Abdul is permanently brain damaged.

Underrated Talent: Kim Burrell

Kim Burrell is probably my favourite vocalist of all time. Hands down. No question. The first time I heard her voice was about 14 years ago on a gospel album where she was a featured soloist. I was hooked right away and began my quest to find anything else with a recording of that voice. It pains me greatly to know that so few have ever heard of this virtuoso. It's also too bad that the fortunate few who have heard of Ms. Burrell are unaware of the breadth of her talent and skills as a musician. Kim Burrell is one of those rare musicians who are in a class of their own.

Kim Burrell was born in Houston, Texas to evangelical minister parents (Church of God in Christ). She sang and played the piano in church all her life and was finally signed to a small, independent record label in her hometown in the mid-nineties. Ms. Burrell’s signature sound is a mixture of gospel music and jazz. Her voice is immediately identifiable and what’s more, she composes most of her own music. Most of her fans are unaware that she plays the piano just as well as she sings- making her talent even more mind-blowing! Her most famous album is Everlasting Life and it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. I believe that it is one of the most complete and satisfying albums I have ever purchased.

Being that Kim Burrell is in the gospel music industry, it is difficult for her to be recognized in the mainstream and as a result, many of you may not be interested in hearing anything further, and that is a shame because the genre of music is beside the point. Kim Burrell is simply a genius muscian and should be appreciated regardless of the genre of music. She is sighted by many well respected secular musicians and vocalists as one of the top voices in the music industry today. Harry Connick Jr., Chaka Khan, Beyoncé Knowles, Faith Evans and Mariah Carey have all listed Kim Burrell as one of their top musical influences. In fact, I attended her concert last year in Toronto and was very surprised to see a well known Torontonian jazz musician in attendance. When I asked him what he was doing at a gospel concert he replied, “To hear Kim Burrell of course!”

Albums released to date:
Try Me Again, 1995
Everlasting Life, 1998
Live in Concert, 2001
No Ways Tired, 2009

My Favourite Songs: I’ll Keep Holding On, Over and Over Again, Kim’s Request, Prodigal Son, I Come to You More Than I Give, Since Jesus Came In, Calvary, Try Me Again, Victory

Just watch this video of Kim Burrell singing with Richard Smallwood and Vision. A vocal master class!:

Overrated Talent: Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is one of the most overrated entertainers on the planet. By far. Punto final. Her dancing is mediocre at best; her singing voice is atrocious, and she hasn't had a good film role since Out of Sight. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Jennifer Lopez has been coasting on the success of her greatest asset. Her posterior.

Most of us became acquainted with Ms. Lopez's persistent mediocrity when she was a mere back-up dancer on the hit comedy show, In Living Color. When she realized she had exhausted her dancing talent she decided spread what little talent she had left into the film industry. I'll admit that she was pretty good as the slain Tejano singer, Selena. She was also half decent when she co-starred with George Clooney in Out of Sight. Sadly, her winning streak ended there. I haven't seen the woman in a decent movie since 1998.

Of course we cannot forget the J.Lo sound- I mean, even if we tried we wouldn't be able to. After the release of every blood-curdling recording we would all ask ourselves, when will she realize that she cannot sing? Well, I actually think she finally did realize that her vocal chops were lacking. She cut back on the warbling and decided to get into fashion. The horror! The horror!

Because Ms. Lopez is so tone deaf (both literally and figuratively) and self-absorbed, she decided- along with some other sadistic designer- that society couldn't get enough of her, so she created a clothing and fragrance line making it possible for everyone to look and even smell like her! The result? Some of the world's tackiest garb and stinkiest perfume; making even Britney Spears cringe. Yep, you now look and smell like the Bronx.

Many people will say that Jennifer Lopez is clearly talented because she is successful and popular, and that I'm being too harsh. But eating fried crickets with jasmine rice is popular in Thailand- does that make it right? Not necessarily. Talent is not forced or overdone. Jennifer Lopez, on the other hand, is forced and overdone. Talent should always speak for itself.

American Idol Eliminations: Megan Joy

She's gone!!!! Praise the Lord! Next up, Scott McIntyre!

Underrated Talent: Ojos de Brujo

Ojos de Brujo (The Wizard’s Eyes, in Spanish) is one of my favourite bands in the world! When I was studying in Spain, I kept hearing about this band everywhere I went. My roommates kept telling me to listen to their music. I went to FNAC (a book and music store in Europe) and decided listen to their cd, Techarí. It was like nothing I’d ever heard before. The album changed the way I looked at music in Spain.

Ojos de Brujo is a Flamenkillo (a mixture of flamenco, bhangra, hip hop and reggae) band from Barcelona, Spain. They are a conglomerate of street musicians, graffiti artists, break dancers, rappers, DJs and Flamenco cantantes and dancers. It makes for a most interesting and wonderful mix. Once again they are a very well established and popular band in Western Europe with little to no fan base in North America. In fact, they were the 2004 winners of the BBC Radio 3 World Music Award for Europe. I got so hooked on the band that I saw them in concert twice while I was living in Brussels. BTW, their lead singer Marina la Canilla raps, sings and dresses like no other. She’s off the hook!

Albums released to date:
Vengue, 1999
Barí, 2002
Techarí, 2006
Aocaná, 2009

My Favourite Songs:
Na en la Navera, Tahitá, Quien Engaña No Gana, Color, Sultanas de Merkaillo, Runalí, Bailaores, Feedback, Respira, Todos Mortales

My explanation of this band does not do it justice so just take a listen:

AMERICAN IDOL: An Overview

Anoop Desai: I really like this guy! And he has a good voice, but I’m not sure about this song. I didn’t really recognize the song at first. Some of the judges’ feedback was a little weird (um, no frat boy would ever dare their friend to sing Usher. T.I. maybe, but not Usher), but for the most part, they were right. He’ll probably be in the bottom three tomorrow, just because.

Megan Joy: This girl needs to go. Is she spastic? Is she Nelly Furtado or Corinne Bailey Rae? I don’t know, but she SUCKS! With a capital STINK! She’ll be in the bottom three tomorrow.

Danny Gokey: I really want Danny Gokey to be in the Top 3, but I really wasn’t feeling this song. The crowd seemed to love it, but I think he can do even better than that. He’s a church boy, which means, he can sang!

Allison Iraheta: I hated her outfit. Loved the first part of the song- the second part of the song was not as good. She’ll be safe tomorrow

Scott McIntyre: Really good performance. Still needs to go, but he’ll be safe.

Matt Giraud: Huh?! Matt what are you doing? I really liked you (you’re cute), so why are you singing weird grunge tunes? You’re sooo going home tomorrow.

Lil Rounds: Didn’t like the song and/or the dumb wig. The dress was meant for someone with a smaller bust. Might be in trouble tomorrow.

Adam Lambert: Adam looked like a cross between Corey Feldman, circa 1988 and Eddie Munster. He’s beginning to annoy me and as much as it pains me to say this, he’ll probably win the entire show.

Kris Allen: I don’t understand why this ‘dude’ is popular. I’m not sure why people think he’s cute. However, I’m impressed that he knows how to play the piano and his performance was really good. He’ll be safe tomorrow.

What do you all think?

Overrated Talent: Nickelback

I watched the Junos last night- on and off because I was bored stiff- and I have to say that it left me completely puzzled. Why on earth is Nickelback so popular? They won about 6 Junos for singing revamped arena rock? What the crack?!!!! It would be one thing if the Junos were awarded by fans (which Nickelback inexplicably has oodles and oodles of), but these are awards handed out by members of the recording industry based on artistic merit. So I ask again, HOW IN THE WORLD DID NICKELBACK GET 6 OF THESE AWARDS?!!! The Junos are on a very thin ice in terms of their credibility, but this has officially pushed the award over the edge.

I personally believe that Nickelback is the worst Canadian export since Celine Dion... but at least Celine Dion has talent. This band has done nothing to enhance the Canadian image, but it has done a lot to give credibility to mullet-wearers everywhere. Here are a few reasons why they do not deserve their fame:

1. Every song this band has ever released as a single sounds exactly the same.
2. They look like the kind of men who: a) you'd meet at a truck stop on the 401 on your way to Sarnia; b) smell; c)spend their weekends smoking, drinking beer and watching hockey games
3. They write crap.com lyrics like:

I am so high, I can hear heaven

I am so high, I can hear heaven

Whoa, but heaven, no, heaven don't hear me

Yeah, case closed.

Underrated Talent: Sara Tavares

Okay, okay, so Sara Tavares has been on the scene for a while now. I know for a fact that most you have not heard of her. I'd never heard of her until I happened upon a sample playlist of her music while perusing Amazon.com a couple of months back. But in the hopeless wilderness that is the current music industry, Ms. Tavares is tall glass of cool water. I mentioned her name to a Portuguese colleague of mine who told me that she is super popular in Portugual and Cape Verde. I have to say that I love, love, love her music. If I were to describe the genre of music she sings it would be a mish mash of pop, folk, soul & Afrobeat. She mostly sings in Portuguese- a language I don't completely understand, but her voice is beautiful and her music is so cheerful that even if you don't quite understand what she is singing, you'll want to learn Portuguese just to groove to it earnestly.

Her last studio album, Balancê, was released in 2006 and I believe she is currently working on new material. Ms. Tavares was born in Portugual to Cape Verdean parents in 1978. She rocketed to fame in her native country in the mid-nineties after winning the Portuguese equivalent to American Idol. Please pull out a lawn chair and pour yourself cold glass of lemonade, check her music out and let me know what you think. I guarantee her tunes will be on your heavy rotation lists!

My favourite songs: Balancê, Bom Feeling, One Love, Poka Terra

Watch her Balancê video: