So the other night we finally got what we've wanted since the show started. At least what i've wanted. From the first time i saw Lea Michelle in Spring Awakening i was like, wow she really looks a lot like Idina Menzel. Then when Glee started and her character didn't have a mom, it seemed inevitable that Idina Menzel would have to show up and be her mom. Then a few weeks ago, BOOM there she is heading up Vocal Adrenaline. But wait, she wasn't singing anything. WTF? And then she's gone for a few episodes.
Then the last episode we get her back, PLUS NPH. How could it go wrong. Finally we hear Mr.Shu sing a song where he's not trying to rap, and NPH made him sound better than he is. Honestly, why didn't he take the part of Shu from the start. But their rendition of "Dream On" was super terrific and awesome. And Shu can't hold a candle to NPH. If the writers and producers have any brains they'll bring him back.
But the highlight of the show was definitely at the end with Idina and Lea. What i've secretly been waiting for since the show began. I mean, a heartbreaking version of "I Dreamed a Dream" to make everyone say Susan who? Probably the best song they've done on the show since the pilot. It's still funny that two random people can look so similar. As dear Cedrick put it "How is it possible that Idina Menzel and Lea Michele are not related? Someone's been playing with their cloning kit." But to have them together on screen singing together was amazing. Looks like next week we'll seem em together again, singing? Possibly. Hopefully. Next step has gotta be put them together on Broadway. Finally Glee! Holler!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Can I get real for a minute?
Ok, so i'm gonna get really deep for a minute. I was watching Oprah today for whatever reason, and Brett Michaels was on there having his first interview since the brain hemorrhage. I gotta say, brain hemorrhages are one of those things that terrify me. Cause there are no warning signs for it and it just literally pops up on you out of nowhere. And majority of the time, can kill you. So yeah, that's always been a thing that kinda freaks me out.
But anyway, i'm listening to him talk and he says how the doctors told him that if he has any kids they should bring them in so he could say goodbye to them. And he asks the doctors if there was any chance he would survive, and if there was then he didn't want the kids to see him. So i'm laying here thinking, what the hell would I do if i were in that position where i'd have to start saying goodbye to people. Who would show up? What would they say to me? What would i say to them? Not that I know what it's like to be in that position, but you ever think about it? What would you do? I dunno if i could even do it. Certain people I don't know if i'd want to see me cause it'd be too much to have to say goodbye to them. Maybe if it's an absolute certainty that something was going to happen. I dunno, i know this is kinda heavy but sometimes you get to thinking. Think about it. Or try to avoid thinking about it if you can.
But anyway, i'm listening to him talk and he says how the doctors told him that if he has any kids they should bring them in so he could say goodbye to them. And he asks the doctors if there was any chance he would survive, and if there was then he didn't want the kids to see him. So i'm laying here thinking, what the hell would I do if i were in that position where i'd have to start saying goodbye to people. Who would show up? What would they say to me? What would i say to them? Not that I know what it's like to be in that position, but you ever think about it? What would you do? I dunno if i could even do it. Certain people I don't know if i'd want to see me cause it'd be too much to have to say goodbye to them. Maybe if it's an absolute certainty that something was going to happen. I dunno, i know this is kinda heavy but sometimes you get to thinking. Think about it. Or try to avoid thinking about it if you can.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Federer/Nadal. Make it more than a clay court rivalry
So we got our first Federer/Nadal final of the year. Surprising that it took this long, but neither player has really been on their A game. So happens that neither are on their A game at the same time anymore, but it was nice to see them finally meet. Of course, it went as we all thought it would. The usual Nadal forehand to the Federer backhand, over and over and over, and Fed not able to do anything about it. At least it wasn't super frustrating like it has been in the past. Everyone says that with both of them on their game at the same time, Nadal is gonna win 9/10 times which is obvious on clay. I feel like their rivalry should have an asterisk on it because the majority of their matches are on clay. But you put them on a more neutral surface and their head to head is a little better. Sure Nadal beat Fed on grass, but take in to account that it took the match of his life, and playing on a grass court that might as well be a a green painted court at the US Open. I know most would say that i'm not giving Nadal credit, but I know the kid is good. But everyone knows that Fed has like a 5% chance of beating him on clay. And giving Nadal all these masters shields, he just wins all the clay ones, so it's not really as impressive as say Agassi or Federer but i'll give the kid kudos for running things on the clay courts.
Now to the match, it was the usual story. Forehand to backhand. Fed trying to be aggressive, and it lasting for half a set, and choking in a tiebreak. Seen that time and time again over the last 5 years. Being great has its down parts, and for Fed it's being stubborn and not listening to anyone. He knows how to beat Nadal cause it works on other surfaces, but for whatever reason he thinks he can play the same game on clay. Not gonna happen. Attack, attack, attack, and you have a chance. That's the only way he's beaten or come close to beating him. At least this match wasn't painful like in Australia. Come Roland Garros we're hoping for the Fed/Nadal final, and i'm sure Fed will have it in his head that he can beat him. Now he's coming in as defending champ and will have a stronger mindset. But all that goes out the window as soon as he sees Rafa on the other side of the net sprinting to the baseline. Don't get me wrong, i love to see Rafa play, but as soon as it's against Fed i need him to choke on a banana or somehow run out of gas. Greatest rivalry in sports? Yes. But let's see if they can make it happen more than 2 or 3 times a year on clay.
Allez Roger. Vamos Rafa.
Now to the match, it was the usual story. Forehand to backhand. Fed trying to be aggressive, and it lasting for half a set, and choking in a tiebreak. Seen that time and time again over the last 5 years. Being great has its down parts, and for Fed it's being stubborn and not listening to anyone. He knows how to beat Nadal cause it works on other surfaces, but for whatever reason he thinks he can play the same game on clay. Not gonna happen. Attack, attack, attack, and you have a chance. That's the only way he's beaten or come close to beating him. At least this match wasn't painful like in Australia. Come Roland Garros we're hoping for the Fed/Nadal final, and i'm sure Fed will have it in his head that he can beat him. Now he's coming in as defending champ and will have a stronger mindset. But all that goes out the window as soon as he sees Rafa on the other side of the net sprinting to the baseline. Don't get me wrong, i love to see Rafa play, but as soon as it's against Fed i need him to choke on a banana or somehow run out of gas. Greatest rivalry in sports? Yes. But let's see if they can make it happen more than 2 or 3 times a year on clay.
Allez Roger. Vamos Rafa.
Friday, October 30, 2009
This Is It! Let it simmer
So, it's almost fitting that just days before this movie came out i received my tickets from the This Is It concert i was supposed to see September 27th in London. And here comes the movie, that i've been waiting for ever since it was announced a few months ago.
This is the first time that i haven't felt like a loser for going to the movies alone. I had my seat dead center, front row, ready to go. And the atmosphere was perfect. All MJ fans, ready to go. And as soon as the opening credits came on, dead silence took over. Then first sight of Michael, and applause and screams just run through the audience. Not the same as being at a concert, but the usual screams and "MIIIIIICHAEL!!!" screams were coming from everywhere. Tears were coming down people's faces and people reaching for him.
At times watching it, i caught myself realizing that he wasn't with us anymore and it became somewhat eery and sad. But watching him throughout, you just realize what we lost and what we'll probably never have again. Even in a rehearsal, not going all out, you still see him at a higher level than most. And it's funny, u know he wanted to go all out but he was just saving himself for the show. I can only imagine what the actual show would've been like with him up there, feeling the crowds and just giving his all. I think the best parts for me were Human Nature and I Just Can't Stop Loving You. Songs where you just hear him sing. And you hear that voice, clear and strong, and i just can't believe how much he still had. Just standing there, singing to his crew and you hear the emotion and the love he put into everything. The single song that probably would've been the most fun i think is Smooth Criminal. That's always been my favorite song of his in concert, and what they did with it this time around is totally different from every other performance of it he's ever done. Even just watching these clips, my mind was being blown. But just hearing how strong his voice was, how much energy he had. Watching this, it just takes you to a place that you didn't know existed. And watching him move around, even in just a rehearsal, you can clearly see that there will only be ONE Michael Jackson. It's funny, everything was just so effortless, yet it was still perfect and beautiful. If you've ever been lucky enough to see him on stage, then you too know what genius is.
I think i'm strong enough to admit, that I did choke up during it once. During the J5 medley, singing I'll Be There, seeing the clips of the Jackson 5 and him as a little kid, and it hits home that he's gone. I'll Be There was actually the first song i listened to straight through after he died, and it was the one that hit me hardest. But he still sang it beautifully, and had everyone in the theater putting up their lighters and waving their arms from side to side.
All people were thinking about was that he was too thin and not able to do it anymore, but it never even occurred to me that he was too thin and frail because he was rocking out with so much energy and passion. You can tell that this is what he wanted, and he put all he could into it. This Is It is, at its core, an insight into a creative genius, and people should take notes on what it means to create perfection. It's a show that would've had people talking for years. And would've shown people a Michael that they weren't ready for. This is perfection. This is showing a side of Michael we haven't seen. It's just funny to hear him tell people what to do, and he's not a jerk about it, cause it's like they can't really argue with him. He knows his music, and he knows what it should sound like. You just listen to him, and doing it the best you can. This is Michael. This is the man.
It sucks that not even one full show was able to be done, but at least we got something. We get to see Michael doing what he did best. What made him the greatest of all time. No talk of his personal life, his family, his face. Just him on stage. And for 2 hours, we were able to have him back.
They claim that the dvd will have new never before seen footage. I'm still hopeful that one day they'll release full shows from the Bad Tour and Victory tours to show us more awesomeness. But when the DVD comes out you owe it to yourself to own it. You can keep a piece of Michael with you forever. And if you don't go and see This Is It you might hate yourself for missing out. Quite simply, the greatest concert there never was.
We miss you. We love you. Thank you Michael.
This is the first time that i haven't felt like a loser for going to the movies alone. I had my seat dead center, front row, ready to go. And the atmosphere was perfect. All MJ fans, ready to go. And as soon as the opening credits came on, dead silence took over. Then first sight of Michael, and applause and screams just run through the audience. Not the same as being at a concert, but the usual screams and "MIIIIIICHAEL!!!" screams were coming from everywhere. Tears were coming down people's faces and people reaching for him.
At times watching it, i caught myself realizing that he wasn't with us anymore and it became somewhat eery and sad. But watching him throughout, you just realize what we lost and what we'll probably never have again. Even in a rehearsal, not going all out, you still see him at a higher level than most. And it's funny, u know he wanted to go all out but he was just saving himself for the show. I can only imagine what the actual show would've been like with him up there, feeling the crowds and just giving his all. I think the best parts for me were Human Nature and I Just Can't Stop Loving You. Songs where you just hear him sing. And you hear that voice, clear and strong, and i just can't believe how much he still had. Just standing there, singing to his crew and you hear the emotion and the love he put into everything. The single song that probably would've been the most fun i think is Smooth Criminal. That's always been my favorite song of his in concert, and what they did with it this time around is totally different from every other performance of it he's ever done. Even just watching these clips, my mind was being blown. But just hearing how strong his voice was, how much energy he had. Watching this, it just takes you to a place that you didn't know existed. And watching him move around, even in just a rehearsal, you can clearly see that there will only be ONE Michael Jackson. It's funny, everything was just so effortless, yet it was still perfect and beautiful. If you've ever been lucky enough to see him on stage, then you too know what genius is.
I think i'm strong enough to admit, that I did choke up during it once. During the J5 medley, singing I'll Be There, seeing the clips of the Jackson 5 and him as a little kid, and it hits home that he's gone. I'll Be There was actually the first song i listened to straight through after he died, and it was the one that hit me hardest. But he still sang it beautifully, and had everyone in the theater putting up their lighters and waving their arms from side to side.
All people were thinking about was that he was too thin and not able to do it anymore, but it never even occurred to me that he was too thin and frail because he was rocking out with so much energy and passion. You can tell that this is what he wanted, and he put all he could into it. This Is It is, at its core, an insight into a creative genius, and people should take notes on what it means to create perfection. It's a show that would've had people talking for years. And would've shown people a Michael that they weren't ready for. This is perfection. This is showing a side of Michael we haven't seen. It's just funny to hear him tell people what to do, and he's not a jerk about it, cause it's like they can't really argue with him. He knows his music, and he knows what it should sound like. You just listen to him, and doing it the best you can. This is Michael. This is the man.
It sucks that not even one full show was able to be done, but at least we got something. We get to see Michael doing what he did best. What made him the greatest of all time. No talk of his personal life, his family, his face. Just him on stage. And for 2 hours, we were able to have him back.
They claim that the dvd will have new never before seen footage. I'm still hopeful that one day they'll release full shows from the Bad Tour and Victory tours to show us more awesomeness. But when the DVD comes out you owe it to yourself to own it. You can keep a piece of Michael with you forever. And if you don't go and see This Is It you might hate yourself for missing out. Quite simply, the greatest concert there never was.
We miss you. We love you. Thank you Michael.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
New Mariah....A Perfect Angel
SO i got a first listen to Mariah's newest album "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel." I gotta say, and don't let my publicly known love for Mariah be any bias, it's actually some of the best work she's done in years. I can admit when i don't really like a Mariah song, but it's got a totally different feel than her last 2 albums. It's pretty much a straight RnB album, and it's going against that hip-hop feel she was trying to do the last 2 albums. I was listening to it on an airplane for 3 hours, so i could get into it and i was actually able to go through it a couple times completely, without skipping a song, which is something i do on pretty much all of her albums at least once. It's a brilliant mixture of her tamed sound, with that belting voice we're all used to. If you want a reference to what it's similar to, think back to the Butterfly album. She's not blowing us away song after song to try and show us she can sing. We know she can. It's that whisper sound a lot of people usually hate, but i don't know what it is on this album that makes it so different and not just tolerable, but enjoyable.
I'll say this, it probably won't be a commercial success with several #1 singles and tons of top 40 play, but for someone who just likes soothing smooth RnB music, it'll do just fine. Honestly, what i think might be the key on this is that Jermaine Durpi is nowhere near it. Produced entirely by Mariah, Tricky, and The Dream, and they've definitely done something serious on this. Taking snippets from classic songs, even taking a throwback to some Jodeci "Forever My Lady," Biggies "One More Chance," and "Back In The Day." My favorites so far are H.A.T.E.U, Standing O, Inseparable, and Angels Cry. The only weird part of the album i think comes from "Ribbon" which has this weird robot sounding opening thing, which could totally turn you off to the song, but once that's over it's actually a decent song.
The album probably isn't for everyone, but if you take into account that she's not trying to be a hip-hop artist on this, and just listen to the album for what it is, i think you'll be pleasantly surprised. We don't need Mariah to make us dance, we just want to be moved by her voice, and i think she's done that for us here. It's actually an album full of slow to mid-tempo songs that lets her do what she wants. I think most of the credit should go to the production, and in my opinion it was the overuse of JD on E=MC2 that took that album down. And now that he's not on this at all, she's got fresh ideas and voices behind her letting her experiment, and using her voice the way she should.
As far as lyrics, Mariah has always been a good song writer when she wants to be, but i think what they took away in the uptempo songs, she put into the lyrics of the slower songs. She's just having fun with some songs, so hopefully no one holds that against her that some lyrics you're like wtf, but you're not supposed to take it seriously. I dunno if it's just me, but listening to songs like "Betcha Gon Know" and "H.A.T.E.U." the lyrics hit home and really make u feel something. So you can see the versatility.
I won't try and compare this to Whitney's album. Although in the comparison of comeback albums, i think Emancipation of Mimi was a better comeback that Whitney's. Both tried to do the same thing, but Mariah did it better cause she can still sing. But no need to get into that. Still got love for Whitney, it just wasn't for me.
Looking at these Vegas she's doing, these songs play perfectly into that intimate setting she wants to have, and possibly a string of intimate shows she'll probably do as a tour. Hopefully people give the album a listen, and feel it. I'm into it.
I'll say this, it probably won't be a commercial success with several #1 singles and tons of top 40 play, but for someone who just likes soothing smooth RnB music, it'll do just fine. Honestly, what i think might be the key on this is that Jermaine Durpi is nowhere near it. Produced entirely by Mariah, Tricky, and The Dream, and they've definitely done something serious on this. Taking snippets from classic songs, even taking a throwback to some Jodeci "Forever My Lady," Biggies "One More Chance," and "Back In The Day." My favorites so far are H.A.T.E.U, Standing O, Inseparable, and Angels Cry. The only weird part of the album i think comes from "Ribbon" which has this weird robot sounding opening thing, which could totally turn you off to the song, but once that's over it's actually a decent song.
The album probably isn't for everyone, but if you take into account that she's not trying to be a hip-hop artist on this, and just listen to the album for what it is, i think you'll be pleasantly surprised. We don't need Mariah to make us dance, we just want to be moved by her voice, and i think she's done that for us here. It's actually an album full of slow to mid-tempo songs that lets her do what she wants. I think most of the credit should go to the production, and in my opinion it was the overuse of JD on E=MC2 that took that album down. And now that he's not on this at all, she's got fresh ideas and voices behind her letting her experiment, and using her voice the way she should.
As far as lyrics, Mariah has always been a good song writer when she wants to be, but i think what they took away in the uptempo songs, she put into the lyrics of the slower songs. She's just having fun with some songs, so hopefully no one holds that against her that some lyrics you're like wtf, but you're not supposed to take it seriously. I dunno if it's just me, but listening to songs like "Betcha Gon Know" and "H.A.T.E.U." the lyrics hit home and really make u feel something. So you can see the versatility.
I won't try and compare this to Whitney's album. Although in the comparison of comeback albums, i think Emancipation of Mimi was a better comeback that Whitney's. Both tried to do the same thing, but Mariah did it better cause she can still sing. But no need to get into that. Still got love for Whitney, it just wasn't for me.
Looking at these Vegas she's doing, these songs play perfectly into that intimate setting she wants to have, and possibly a string of intimate shows she'll probably do as a tour. Hopefully people give the album a listen, and feel it. I'm into it.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Fame....why a remake!??!!
OK, so i've been seeing more and more clips of this new Fame movie. I'm convinced it's gonna be awful, but i'm hoping i'll be proven wrong. The original was so awesome at its time, and is in no need of a remake. It was a cult classic in its own right, especially to those kids who know about LaGuardia and that whole lifestyle. From the get go i already hate the new take on the theme song. It's slowed down, doesn't make me wanna bounce around to get the movie started. And then at the end, there's no Body Electric!!! WTF! That's what makes the ending so great. Hopefully there's another song they've come up with. The best we can hope for is that they've got actors who can really sing, play instruments, dance, and ACT! Ugh, this movie is gonna suck but i'll probably see it anyway. And i'll be back to hate.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Possible WNBA fix?
Quick thought. I"m sitting here watching A League Of Their Own, and you see how they made womens baseball interesting to fans, both men and women. Even though it takes place in the 40's, there are a few things the folks over at the WNBA could take notes on. First and foremost, i think, notice that they took women that were probably 95% attractive. If they wanna bring in the men, they gotta have chicks who are worth looking at. Men who loved sports back then aren't really all that different than guys who like sports today. Not sure what the basketball equivalent would be, but a little "dirt in the skirt" could get a lot more viewers. Even the possibility of "oops, my bosom pops out" would make me maybe even consider watching. Maybe a change to the uniform is needed. Another big part, the members of the All American League, had to attend charm school! Call me old fashioned, but if you've ever seen a WNBA player you would agree that they could all use a little primping and beautifying.
They always want to be considered equal to the men, but lets face it, they're not. They've got skills, but they also possess assets that men don't, and they should use them to their advantage. Even look at tennis, while the women play just as hard as the men, and a lot of people are into the women, you can't beat seeing a hot tall Russian running around in a short skirt, or crouching those long legs down while waiting to return serve. I mean, i've got my favorites for who's game i like to watch, but there are others who are just nice to look at and tons will watch for the latter reason alone.
Seems like every other sport has these average-good looking women, and find ways to make them hotter and more appealing to viewers. But what do they do with the WNBA? Just a bunch of tall, manly looking women who make layup after layup for a few months. That's not gonna get people to pay money to watch.
NO one knows what could possibly make the wnba more appealing, but just some suggestions. Keepin it REAL
They always want to be considered equal to the men, but lets face it, they're not. They've got skills, but they also possess assets that men don't, and they should use them to their advantage. Even look at tennis, while the women play just as hard as the men, and a lot of people are into the women, you can't beat seeing a hot tall Russian running around in a short skirt, or crouching those long legs down while waiting to return serve. I mean, i've got my favorites for who's game i like to watch, but there are others who are just nice to look at and tons will watch for the latter reason alone.
Seems like every other sport has these average-good looking women, and find ways to make them hotter and more appealing to viewers. But what do they do with the WNBA? Just a bunch of tall, manly looking women who make layup after layup for a few months. That's not gonna get people to pay money to watch.
NO one knows what could possibly make the wnba more appealing, but just some suggestions. Keepin it REAL
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