Katie’s Beer » 2007

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Classic AI recap from M.J.

As usual, M.J. gets it right in reviewing this week’s version of the reality show called American Idol.

…This is where I am supposed to yell at “America” for getting it wrong, but I don’t play it that way. As a long time IdolAmerican Idol is first and foremost a reality tee vee show that just-so-happens to feature some singing. Oh yeah, the singing! As much as the judges will wail on about how AI is a singing competition (they typically pull this card when they aren’t getting their way), well, we long time fans know better. watcher, I realized long ago that

I mean, I could whine that lesser singers like Haley and Sanjaya out lasted Chris–contestants who should not have even made the Top 24 let alone the Top 12 if we were to judge on purely singing ability. But it’s pointless. If AI were actually singing competition, it would run on the weekend, hardly anyone would watch it, and it would be called “Star Search.” And, I’d be off somewhere getting a life. Maybe…Read the rest at her blog.

Word is that M.J. got a life, all right. She’s traveling to hear the best live performer in recent times. In another life, I’d be here, after (of course) going here.

Tags: Music, Taylor Hicks, American Idol 6 by TK
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One of my favorite songs on my iPod is Hanson’s live (and much older-voiced) version of MmmBop recorded in Albertane, France. The clip I purchased is followed by the introduction to a song called Man From Milwaukee. The crowd roars at the intro to the song. I finally had to listen to the song to try to understand the roar of anticipation, but I didn’t get the excitement. I would, however, understand a roar of approval and anticipation for THE MAN in Milwaukee (at least for one night). Tim Cuprisin of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel certainly gets what Jon Bream didn’t get… [Read more →]

Tags: American Idol 5, Music, Taylor Hicks by TK
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Chris Sligh’s thoughts on his post-Idol interview

Chris Sligh has resumed blogging at From My Mind to Your Eyes and offers some clarification and insight into the show. He’s brutally honest and I am wondering if his post will remain up. Read it now!

In my interviews with the press today, I mentioned that I had thought about dropping out of the competition. I should clarify that the reason why I wanted to drop out was dealing with the emotions of seeing things that I thought were great universally smashed. Top 12 week, I received about 20 positive comments from band members, production staff, etc. dealing with my arrangement of “Endless Love”. Gina Glocksen cried the first time she heard my arrangement. A photographer on the set cried when she heard the arrangement of the song. I had every reason to think that the arrangement would go over well.

SIDE NOTE: For those of you who don’t realize it, when you see a 45 second pre-performance video package, usually the interview that makes those packages are 30-45 minutes of questions. So a lot gets edited out….read on...

Chris is a talented kid with God-given gifts. I intend to keep my eye on him. I purchased and downloaded his band’s CD and recommend it. Listen to it here.
For the record, it is my opinion that American Idol’s announcement that their voting machine has been hijacked is a bit overdue. When rock and roll takes second place to shenanigans like Sanjaya and his mohawk, I’m outta there.

Tags: Music, American Idol 6 by TK
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My spring vacation recovery from surgery: day 1

Things I did on my ~~summer vacation~~ recovery from surgery - day one.

Today I watched part of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, held in June 2004. Artists include Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Dan Tyminski, David Hidalgo, James Taylor, Jimmie Vaughn, JJ Cale, Joe Walsh, John McLaughlin, Jonny Lang, Robert Cray, Steve Vai, Vince Gill, ZZ Top and many others. I MUST buy this DVD. I also MUST buy a huge home theatre to watch it in, but that may have to wait a while. Maybe, just maybe, it was the pain meds, but I believe it is the best live concert I’ve ever seen (and not actually been to). Carlos Santana said something very interesting. He said that all guitarists today must somehow come through Eric Clapton and his music. I thought that was a profound statement. [Read more →]

Tags: Music, Taylor Hicks by TK
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Origin of the name of Electric Light Orchestra

Ever wondered how the best band of all time, the Electric Light Orchestra, got its unusual name? Sure you have! Admit it! According to my other brain, aka Wikipedia…

The group’s name is an intended pun based not only on electric light (as in a light bulb as seen on early album covers) but also using “electric” rock instruments combined with a “light orchestra” (orchestras with only a few cellos and violins that were popular in Britain during the 1960s).

Tags: Music, E.L.O. by TK
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I’m alive!

I LIKED this movie, though the rest of the world didn’t. And one of my favorite songs from the movie is, I’m Alive…

I’m alive and the world shines for me today.
I’m alive. Suddenly, I am here today.
Seems like forever and a day, thought I could never feel this way
Is this really me? I’m alive, I’m alive

I’m home, feeling amazingly alert and ready to go. If it weren’t for having my body sliced opened and parts removed, I’d be back at work tomorrow. Oh well, lots of TV, radio, book and blogging time for me. That’s not such a bad thing. Who wants a recap?

Tags: Everyday life by TK
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Taylor Hicks at Mystic Lake

Just home from a fantastic show! I haven’t written my review yet, but I will. I also have lots of great video and photos, though not as much as Julie!!!! The fellowship of standing in line for the meet and greet was wonderful. There was an electricity in the air. After a wait in the empty concert hall, a ride up an elevator and a walk through the maze of backstage halls, we got to meet Taylor. He was absolutely upbeat, smiling and very friendly at the Meet and Greet.Michael Warren was very, very good. I’d like to hear him again.The show opened with Gonna Move. The second song, ?Lay my Body Down?, was very well received. Great number! Wherever I Lay My Hat was combined with Night Shift and Chain Gang and was a stunningly deep number. Just to Feel That Way is the ever-changing song. I used to tolerate it, but after listening to it in concert it’s my new favorite. Another crowd favorite was The Maze combined with Let’s Get It On. Long Way Home is an incredible encore…he was meant to sing that song.Song list (Please make corrections):
1. Gonna Move
2. don’t know name but lyrics include, lay my body down.
3. Hell of a Day
4. Wherever I Lay My Hat/Night Shift/Chain Gang
5. Heart and Soul/ jam session/Brown-eyed handsome man/mixture of all
6. Just to Feel That Way
7. Hold on to Your Love/ Blues you can Use/ It’s my life/ Hold on to Your Love
8. Young Turks (Young hearts)
9. She’s Gone
10. The Deal
11. Heaven Knows
12. The Maze/Tupelo/Let’s Get it On/The Maze
13. The Runaround
14. Encore: The Long Way Home

Questions:

Where’s Jeff Lopez? His replacement was good, but he was no Jeff. Why is Brian in the background? He should be taking the lead in the keyboard solos. I’m confused… Melanie (background singer) is very good. She adds a sparkle to the stage. She’s a keeper!

Taylor was wearing the black Modern Whomp t-shirt at the Meet and Greet. I thought that was very nice! [Read more →]

Tags: American Idol 5, Taylor Hicks by TK
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My photo with Taylor Hicks, part deux

What seven months and 35 pounds can do.

Tags: American Idol 5, Taylor Hicks by TK
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British Invasion week on American Idol:update

Update: What a fantastic show! Both Peter and Lulu looked so good! And they still can sing well! I thought that they were among the best vocal coaches that AI has had so far.

Regarding the funny photo that needed an explanation, I emailed Mr. Peter Noone himself and he replied! Here’s his reply:
“It was at a school and it was a girl’s skirt from her uniform. She got expelled.”

Peter Noone wearing a skirt in concert. ~~Why, I do not know…~~
Next week is British Invasion week on American Idol. It has the potential of being interesting. Peter Noone will be the guest coach. He mentions it on his blog.

Tags: American Idol 6 by TK
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The Year of the Cat

I had Al Stewart’s The Year of the Cat as a teenager. I knew every song by heart and I used to stare at the artwork on the album cover. I just bought it for my iPod and I still remember every song…30 years later. Music is funny like that — you’ll never forget a song. They say that is why it is also good to memorize hymns.