Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Dolly Parton Songbook - Recap

Well, the cards are stacked against me. This week, I fell for Time Warner’s evil ploy again: I had to take a few phone calls during the prime “American Idol” hour last night, and even though I had my TV on and was watching “Idol” while I chatted away, I also set my DVR to record the show so I would be able to absorb the subtle nuances and general Seacrest douchiness that I knew I would miss while having to focus the majority of my attention elsewhere during the broadcast. And guess what? Hey! You’re right! My NEW DVR box crapped out!

The humor is starting to wear off. I’m just about sick of this whole “let’s give her the DVR that’s going to go tits up in 20 minutes!” joke they seem to be playing on me. I’m this close to going out and purchasing an old school VCR and just taping the fucking show so I don’t miss it.

Here’s what I was able to see: Idol featured the songs of the adorable Dolly Parton and her whittled waist and missile tits last night, and I just can’t help but love that woman. Sure, I grew up on her music as any child of the 70’s did; that has nothing to do with it. She’s just as cute as a bug, (a bug with scary-big knockers) and there can be no denying that. She’s a brilliant songwriter whether you like country music or not (again, I’m a Texan so I’m sort of genetically predisposed to appreciate country music in one form or another. It’s in my DNA.) and just has a knack for a catchy hook that gets stuck in your head for months. I don’t know if I’d call her the most objective of the Idol mentors or not, but she’s just SO CUTE that to me it doesn’t matter.

My recap is as follows, and is probably completely out of order. You’re welcome.

Ramiele Malubay – “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”. I thought, as Simon would say, it was “utterly forgettable”. Ramiele’s forte just isn’t country. She did a decent job, but it seemed sort of forced and unnatural. Beyond that, I personally thought it was pitchy and didn’t really showcase her naturally easy vocal. Randy said he “wasn’t mad” at her, and gave her a 6 out of 10. I thought that was a little generous for this performance. Verdict: Bottom three.

David Cook – “Little Sparrow”. David almost didn’t perform last night due to increasing stress over his brother’s failing condition and apparently had to be taken to the hospital last night post-performance with his own high blood pressure issues. He is reportedly just fine, being treated, and will be performing as long as he is in the competition. (which, depending on who you’re asking, might be until the very end.) I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but damn it, and please understand it pains me to say this, but I might be starting to actually like this guy. GOD I want to wash that out of my mouth… maybe it was his hair. KEEP IT LIKE THAT. The creepiness looked like it was almost washed out of it, and the comb-over? All but gone. THANK YOU, David Cook. I hope the Chester Molester hair is indeed gone forever. Finally a David Cook I might be able to get on board with. Maybe. I’ll think about it. Verdict: Safe.

David Archuleta – “Smoky Mountain Memory”. It was just good. So much better than last week’s debacle. This was the perfect Dolly Parton song to showcase his amazing vocals. Simon loved it, “Absolutely on the money.” I have nothing snarky to say about David this week. Verdict: Safe.

Jason Castro – “Travelin’ Through”. Okay. I’m a little bit biased because I want to have Jason Castro’s love children and take advantage of him in ways that are illegal in several states, but I thought he did a pretty decent job. Possibly the best song choice for his lilting vocals, but I’m not certain there is a single song in the Dolly Parton songbook that would actually make his vocals shine as they could. He did seem comfortable singing “Travelin’ Through” though, even though I’d have to agree with Simon that this genre isn’t particularly the best style for Jason. I’m a bit torn. Not about wanting to ravage him until he's broken into tiny pieces begging for mercy, you understand. I’m clear on that. I’m not entirely clear on whether or not I loved this performance. I’m trying, but this performance might land him in the bottom three. Verdict: Hot.

Brook White – “Jolene”. One of my favorite of Dolly Parton’s songs. I didn’t think it was perfect, but I have to agree with Randy that this sort of genre might be her forte. I’ll also agree with Simon though, in that it wasn’t one of her best performances. But there’s something about Brook White that’s just… forgettable. When discussing the show with anyone, I almost always forget that she’s still in the running. I think if she were competing on “American Semi-Boring Folk Singer” I’d probably vote for her, but I don’t think she’s cut from “Pop Star” cloth. Verdict: No fucking idea.

Carly Smithson – “Here you come again”. My most favorite Dolly Parton song. I was worried a little bit about her song choice at first, but in grand Carly style, she made it her very own and molded each lyric to her own voice. Her smoky higher notes were just perfect, especially for a song with schmaltzy-sweet lyrics like “Here you come again”. I thought it was just… well, perfect. Simon’s biggest complaint was about her wardrobe. I think he’d rather see her bitched-up like Amanda Overmyer, which makes me want to punch him in the neck. Verdict: Safe.

Kristy Lee Cook – “Coat of many colors”. Wow. Kristy singing an actual country song, and nothing about it worked at all. IRONY. She didn’t have to hillbilly-up this song at all: it came that way, all tied up pretty with a big ol' country bow, just waiting for her to hammer it home and she didn’t. It was the weakest performance of the evening from the one person that this genre suits the best. BOO. Paula thought it was her best performance, Simon thought it was “pleasant but forgettable.” Totally. Ryan Seacrest loved the French pedicure, which should answer a lot of questions for anyone who still has any questions about Ryan Seacrest. Verdict: Bottom three, possibly going home.

Syesha Mercado - Did she *really* sing "I will always love you"? I have nothing at all to say, honestly, but "Bottom three".

Michael Johns – “It’s all wrong, but it’s alright”. I thought it started out a little shaky and rough, but by the third verse I was ready to break the glass on my TV and tear his clothes off. He made me think dirty thoughts. His vocals were the best I’ve ever heard so far, and I think the arrangement was perfectly suited for him. The judges all loved it. I loved it. I loved him. Verdict: Rowrrrrrr.

Going Home: If there’s any justice in the world, Kristy Lee Cook is gonie-gone gone.

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Thursday, March 06, 2008

Results: America, Meet Your Top 12

The royal WE built them a new stage and bought them some Beatles songs to butcher. This is American Idol.

Oh Christ. Blake Lewis. The boyfriend and I watched his video on one of those Music On Demand channels. He liked it. I broke up with him. Okay, I didn't, but I thought about it for a second or two. Apparently Blake didn't get the memo about removing one shiny item of clothing before leaving the house. Paula's rocking out in an inexplicable hat. I want to shoot myself.

While we're having a commercial break, did anyone notice how unbelievably unhappy Amanda Overmyer was last night? I thought for sure TMZ would be on it today, but alas. Maybe I'll find something when I do my super sexy news update tomorrow.

Over 36 million votes this week. I like Ryan's suit. The judges are awfully silly this season. I think everyone's dipping into Paula's Kool-Aid.

David Cook is... IN! And Lionel Richie loves him.

David Archuleta is... IN! And he makes people happy. He and Brooke White do a Mormon fist-pump.

Jason Castro is... IN! And he loves me! Okay, I made that up. He hasn't even met me. Yet.

Man, I can't wait until Amanda Overmyer gets voted off and spills why she was so upset in an interview. And if it has "American Midol Blog" in it, even better. for the traffic, not for our souls. We're clearly going to hell.

Brooke White is... IN! I didn't recap last night, but I did love her performance.

Syesha Mercado is... IN! I found her screamy.

Kady Malloy is... OUT! Which means we have to hear that awful song again. Also, she looks pregnant in that dress. I think she should host TRL. Asia'H is inconsolable. Ouch, this hurts. I'm fast-forwarding. Man, Ramiele is a cryer, huh? Danny Noriega is also crying. Buncha fucking pansies on this show.

David Hernandez is... IN! No more stripper poles for him!

Michael Johns is... IN! Duh.

Luke Menard is... OUT! Jess is two for two! I also predicted Kady and Kristy Lee Cook, but I didn't post it.

Paula looks like a glitter demon is trying to eat her brain. And she is shaking it hard for Luke. Totally wants to bang him. I think he should become a soap star. I love how bored Simon looks.

Danny Noriega and Chikezie Eze left. Who's going home? Let's fast forward through the commercials and find out!

Ramiele Malubay is... IN!

Carly Smithson is... IN! Duh. Duh for all the foreigners tonight.

Amanda Overmyer is... IN! And she looks bummed about it. What the fuck is going on with that girl?

Asia'H Epperson and Kristy Lee Cook are left. Who will it be? Let's fast forward through the commercials and find out!

Hey, have you heard that this is the most talented season EVER?

Asia'H Epperson is... wait, no.

Kristy Lee Cook is... IN! And Asia'H is going home. The hell? So now we're down to one black girl and one generic blond. That sounds about right as far as these things generally play out. What will they do about all the gays on the boy's side?

Her singout is making me misty, what with all the holding back the tears and the dead dad and whatnot. I must be overtired. And I think Paula is on ecstasy.

Danny and Chikezie are holding hands, which just made me laugh out loud. My cat looked at me like, "Dude, shut up. I'm trying to sleep."

Chikezie is... IN! Hey, remember a couple of seconds ago when I asked what was going to happen with all the gays? Uh huh.

Goddammit. Why does my DVR always have to cut off the last few minutes of the show? I shake my fist at you, Time Warner Cable!

There you have it, folks. Your top 12. I may be surprised, but I'm not sad. When Jason Castro goes, though? Someone better show up at my place with a bottle of Riesling and a Vicodin.

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Monday, February 25, 2008

Poll-time again!

In the spirit of "I don't really care so much about the singing at this point; I just really want to know who's packing their crap and going home." while we're still in the stages of thinning out the herd, I thought I'd remind you all who went home last Thursday, since all three days of broadcast were completely unremarkable and ultimately, sleep inducing. True story. Just ask Curly.


Which two boys are going home on Tuesday?

  • David Hernandez


  • Luke Menard


  • Jason Castro


  • Danny Norriega


  • Chikezie Eze


  • David Cook


  • Michael Johns


  • David Archuleta


  • Jason Yeager


  • Robbie Carrico



And -

  • Jason Yeager

  • Danny Norriega

  • Robbie Carrico

  • Chikezie Eze

  • David Cook

  • David Hernandez

  • David Archuleta

  • Luke Menard


Yes, Jason Castro & Michael Johns are conspicuously missing from this list because a) really, neither one of them are tools, b) it's my damn poll and c) the whole Jason Castro/Michael Johns sandwich thing.


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