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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Taylor Hicks Superman Guides Your Direction

Taylor Hicks' Fanatics in Fandom - the ladies who pound the fonts over at Chills - once again have faced down the evils of speculation, battled internal strife, and finally have risen champagne cork ready to celebrate the most important issue in their lives: Taylor Hicks. It's been a real Comedy of Errors again, something that would make Mr. Shakespeare likely laugh out loud. I know I have.

This episode of the Fanatic Dramedy opened with Act One, the announcement of Taylor Hicks' compilation CD hitting amazon.com and other markets. Then, "poof" that CD just went and vanished, sans explanation from the market. Next came those pesky "speculative bloggers" to ask questions, to wonder, hailing in the Second Act.

It doesn't take much in the land of Taylor Hicks' fans to get them all upside down and panties showing - this little bungle in the internet jungle proved to be a stressful situation for the delicate Fanatics. Of course, coping mechanisms as they are, the Fanatics rallied in the usual format; like cornered beasties, they gathered, asses together and fangs to the forefront, gnashing at anyone and anything remotely considered a threat to their tenuous hold on sanity and reality. The Third Act of our play focused on the lack of communication from the subject in question, Taylor Hicks.

Naturally any inquiries to Taylor Hicks' motives, thoughts, actions or lack thereof are going to be met with considerable concern. I mean do you question why God does what he does? I think not. Much ado about nothing ensued with back and forth jibes and innuendos bantering back and forth among the Taylor Hicks' bloggers. Act three winds to a close with a new blogger on the scene...or are they 'new'?

This week's Taylor Hicks Comedy of Errors goes into Act Four with the announcement that "Early Works" isn't completely in the bargain bins after all. Rather Taylor Hicks has inked a deal with Target, an "exclusive" type of marketing plan. Sighs of relief echoed around the internet resounding from their keyboards, evidenced by their happy, self congratulatory postings. Virtual Champagne buckets filled, corks a virtually flying, wrapping to another "all's well that ends well". Sighing or rather typing in relief, the Fanatics have weathered the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Act Four doesn't end on that note alone, it seems that in their midst has always been a hero, a savior guaranteed to make things all well and safe in their land. All along this Hero has been there, they've just been rushing in and out of phone booths. Act Four ends with these words, "LOL I change clothes in a phone booth".

My take, instead let's call Chill "Jim" for short.
"You don’t tug on Superman’s Cape
You don’t spit into the wind
You don’t pull the mask off the old lone ranger
And you don’t mess around with Jim."



On the other hand, I just keep asking those questions, like "Where Are You Going?"


I'm know where I'm going - California.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Taylor Hicks Bulls-Eyes Target

Taylor Hicks dropped the bomb on me this week. It seems Taylor Hicks' has an exclusive deal with marketing his new compilation CD, "Early Works" and Target.

Yes, Taylor Hicks baby, you turned me out:

video c/o yakayakayaka
Mr. Hicks sending out that bullet into the Blue Sky. Let's see where the metal falls.

In the locust wind comes a rattle and hum
Jacob wrestled the angel and the angel was overcome
Plant a demon seed, you raise a flower of fire

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Taylor Hicks Girlfriends, Being Nice Just Too Much

Taylor HIcks' fan, Chill is clamoring for her Queen of Intrinsic Irony Title once again. Seems she and the other Taylor Hicks Girlfriends can't let a whole year go past without donning that honor of being the biggest Side Show in Taylor Hicks land. You go girls.

Notice in the top of their website, Mistress of Irony, Chill, has posted, "Be Nice", two words that Taylor Hicks supposedly said to his fans a while back. Now read any blog page comments to see why they rule as the site of the Whacky Fans and Chill as the leader, the Queen of Intrinsic Irony.

One of the Chill's chicks as they call themselves, Lite Bright, is opting to step out of situation, so perhaps she is not as nutty as they and might have truly an ounce of spiritual soul yet. I did send her a cloud clock in a link, but she promptly, it seems, deleted my sweet and thoughtful effort. Alas.
Eve 6

video by zerodayfilms

Anyway, here's to Chill and company for falling off the wagon and once again earning my laughs, for being some of the funniest denizens of this on-line weird little world. Cheers Chill.

Taylor Hicks vs Devil's Advocate

Taylor Hicks, for a brief time, had his "Early Works" CD on the market at numerous locations for pre-release sales. One location, amazon.com, has dropped the CD and has refunded monies paid to purchasers. No word from Taylor's group what happened there, although there were some fans who created theories published as facts to compensate for any authentic news. (It sold out according to them.)

Best Buy still has the Taylor Hicks "Early Works" CD but continues to state the release date as August 19th; from what I've read in 'TaylorLand', it's been bumped up to August 12th. You'd think the PR guys with Taylor Hicks would have that changed, but like everything else in the land of this man, all must remain without explanation.

Today, on one blog I read,
"As Taylor enters a new chapter in his career with a brand new CD on a brand new label dropping this Fall, a new national and international tour next year, a compilaton (sic) CD of his pre-Idol days called "Early Works" (out August 12 - details to come shortly), a DVD of his 2007 concert tour,and presently, the star of *Grease* on Broadway, I thought back on the first time Simon Cowell saw Taylor and said he "should be singing backgrounds - not in the forefront"."

Note, this blogger still trapped in Season Five, American Idol.

She continues with:
"I only hope he walked on the corner of 47th and 7th Avenue in New York City this summer to see Taylor's 10 story billboard - or better yet - the reactions he's getting from the 100,000 or so theater-goers he'll have played to this summer at the Brooks Atkinson Theater."

Simon Cowell's a busy man, doubtful he's prowling New York to check out Taylor's billboard.
"He recently said in a radio interview that he's happy to have regained control of his career. This "Grease" gig is probably the best career decision he's made yet."

That part was a little confusing since it followed the Simon remark, but she's talking about Taylor gaining control - I think Cowell's career is just dandy.

My question is how does she know when this new CD is actually 'dropping'? There's not any legitimate information to be found on the exact "when" of it. Heck, the "Early Works" compilation CD seems to be getting all bungled up in it's own little mire much less think to the future and a new CD. Regarding 'label' Taylor Hicks is not signed to a label. He's marketing the "EW" CD through Vanguard as a distributor. Labels and distributorship are very different. Now if they are talking about the Modern Whomp Records label, that's something that Mr. Hicks has talked about starting.

Should you be interested in looking up Taylor Hicks' Modern Whomp Records, all that is available, currently is an image. Record labels notably have websites that include pertinent information about themselves and their products. Take Calvin Ayre as an example and his Bodog Records site - importantly there is contact information, and address information establishing it as an actual physical presence. Googling Modern Whomp Records all the seeker finds is that emblem designed by the Monkbot site owner and past Gray Charles poster, Shelley. Now that's not to say something might change in the near future. Y'all take heart, now.

Then there's that pesky DVD promised. I'd have to dust off the cobwebs in my archives to find out when that originally was promised but it was like two years ago, and to be titled, "Whomp at the Warfield". Taylor Hicks does love his "whomp" word. Well, we have folks still out there with fingers crossed, holding out that we will see that hit the shelves one day. God, I love optimists.

Regarding Taylor Hicks' new National and International tours that the blogger included in her post, Taylor Hicks has no way in Hell to hold a big National tour much less travel internationally. Who's funding this tour? (Certainly those Meet and Greets at the Brooks Atkinson not sufficient to do that...) What venues would he fill to capacity to warrant a massive tour and what the Hell does he have to offer (in reality) to establish a National and International Tour? *whispering* Taylor Hicks is not John Mayer, Taylor Hicks is not Chris Martin. People, wake up and smell my Starbucks, or don't, your prerogative, again, I love optimists.

One other thing folks, fans of this man, let the American Idol shit go, even on this blogger's site, an image of a hot air balloon with Chris Daughtry's face on it. She captions, with Daughtry supposedly speaking,"I Know I'm a Poser! I Know I'm a Tool! But I Can't Stop Licking Clive's Ass! Yum!" Nice.

The best thing anyone who likes Taylor Hicks can do is stop living in 2006 and join everyone else currently in 2008. Oh, and step through that looking glass people. Some folks seriously resemble that Lewis Carrol story in thought and action. Thank you.

video c/o xavierXreivax

Saturday, July 26, 2008

IDOL BLUES Dangles This Carrot of Thought

Taylor Hicks' fans who love my 'carrots' of thought, here is something else to add to your list. Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who's the most foolish of them all? Think about it folks, amazon.com pre-release sales never end before the release dates due to being "sold out". ...Or do they?

Taylor Hicks is not pressing the vinyl in his New York City apartment, nor having Bill Will print them out in his, well, where ever he lives. These "Early Works" CDs are being distributed by Vanguard Records. V-A-N-G-U-A-R-D. Do you seriously imagine that Vanguard would only provide a limited amount for sale? Not if they are serious about making money.

Think about this concept, if only a certain number were available why the emails from amazon.com refunding monies paid and the commentary the CD is not available? Just proposing some thoughts to contemplate. I know though the hard-core fans will suck it up as blasphemy that these ideas are even in print. One more thought, it matters not to me, but it is curious with all the fan talk out and about regarding this topic why nothing coming forth from Mr. Hicks or anyone associated with him?

Who knows the real deal about this turn of events? I don't care either way what happened but it is entertaining to read the theories being posted in the forums. Me, I'm off to the West Coast in a few days, will be mixing some business with pleasure.
"California" Led Zepplin


Thursday, July 24, 2008

Taylor Hicks, Once There Was This Little Ol' Ant

Taylor Hicks fans sent him an ant farm? Trying to interest him in agriculture? I didn't think that Taylor Hicks had an interest in farming or ants. Ah, yes, "Once there was this little ol' ant..."
Taylor Hicks are they trying to tell you something?

"High Hopes" No, not the ant song.


"Beyond the horizon of the place we lived when we were young
In a world of magnets and miracles
Our thoughts strayed constantly and without boundary
The ringing of the division bell had begun

Along the Long Road and on down the Causeway
Do they still meet there by the Cut

There was a ragged band that followed in our footsteps
Running before time took our dreams away
Leaving the myriad small creatures trying to tie us to the ground
To a life consumed by slow decay

The grass was greener
The light was brighter
With friends surrounded
The night of wonder

Looking beyond the embers of bridges glowing behind us
To a glimpse of how green it was on the other side
Steps taken forwards but sleepwalking back again
Dragged by the force of some inner tide

At a higher altitude with flag unfurled
We reached the dizzy heights of that dreamed of world"


(Please excuse any typos, this blogger had been up 20 hours straight - work, somebody's gotta do it.)

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Jason Castro Date Night July 22


Jason Castro is having fun, fun fun in the Summertime. Look, the fans were much better behaved than the last time we saw them. Nobody deserving duct tape in this group.

Control and cool chicas, that's the way to say hello. Boutonnière a nice touch.

Don't Bring Me Down

"Don't Bring Me Down" ELO LYRICS


Is it possible for a retailer to cut prices on an item that's a hot seller? Yes, but is it probable? Not likely.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Taylor Hicks Video CD Promotion

Taylor Hicks cuts a promotion video to market his compilation CD, "Early Works". New news, the CD is releasing on August 12th now. Should be some new news attached to this release coming soon to a blog near you.
"Early Works" Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks Early Works CD ! - Buzly.com - All videos in one place
Could have used a little more "tuneage", but hey it's something.

Tell Me Something Good Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks', soon to be released compilation CD, "Early Works" is off amazon.com but nobody panic. "Daddy's" disk can still can be found for on-line purchase at Best Buy. Yes, I hear you sighing with relief.

Taylor Hicks' fans, as a portend of what to come, I'm sure you already have heard there's a new Modern Whomp in internet land. The image bears a striking resemblance (should read 'exact' resemblance) to a logo that Gray Charles once had up on his now invisible site. I think that gal who ran Monkbot either helped design it or did design it. Memory fails me to the exact story. Unfortunately, all that is left from the Gray-days is this cryptic message, "The keeping real of shit matters to some people, but it does not matter to me". That comment speaks volumes about Gray, especially to those who read him often. (Click image.)


From the looks of things, as indications stood last week, Taylor Hicks might be about to bust wide with something new. Tell me, tell me, Taylor Hicks, tell me something good.


That Taylor Hicks, he's a real life Man of Mystery.

video c/o nocturnussx
You all behave out there.

Taylor Hicks "Early Works" Vanished. Poof.

Man, it was like an episode of X-Files. Aliens or other beings seem to have abducted not Agent Mulder but rather the CD. You know the one, Taylor Hicks, "Early Works" due to release in August. Yeah, that one - seems now even though it had been available for purchase on amazon.com for weeks, now it is 'off the market'.

It has vanished. Well from amazon.com at least.



Look, if you had one shot, one opportunity:

"Look, if you had, one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted-One moment
Would you capture it, or just let it slip?

[Chorus:]
You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go-o
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo

You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo, you better

No more games, I'm a change what you call rage
Tear this m*********n roof off like 2 dogs caged
I was playin' in the beginnin', the mood all changed
I been chewed up and spit out and booed off stage
But I kept rhymin' and stepwritin' the next cypher
Best believe somebody's payin' the pied piper.


What'cha doing "Daddy"? Oh yeah, then there's this: Modern Whomp

One faithful Soul Patroller on Mr. Hicks' myspace informs the interested parties,
"Early Works can still be pre-ordered at Target, Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, mtv.tv, etc.
This info needs to be posted on MS and HQ.
SPREAD THE WORD SOUL PATROL!!!!!!"


Nobody panic, now Best Buy still showing the love, you can buy how ever many copies you want right here. BEST BUY
Feel better?
There, the word is spread.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Someone Said I'm Like Nash in "Beautiful Mind"

Interesting, it is one of my favorite movies. I'll have more thoughts on that later.
Lincoln Park, man crank it up.

video c/o ecarter

Idol Hunting, It's a Sport

As has been seen in the news and on-line, American Idol may have suffered some rating decline this past season, but that "fat lady's" not singing any odes of goodbye yet.

In the chicagotribune.com review about the recent tour stop in Chicago, the Idol's are not being painted in exactly rainbow hues, although the reviewer did enjoy Jason Castro's "Over the Rainbow" performance. The article, "Johns, White Castro grab center stage", was presented as a special feature submitted by Andy Downing. Mr. Downing, as readers can be seen in the comments section of this feature is feeling the wrath of the show's fans. This, another example of the level of fervor the fans of American Idol feel toward the hit show. It also indicates why this reality program isn't going to go off the air anytime in the near future.

Post commentators provide an excellent example of what I see regularly in articles mentioning Taylor Hicks that may have a less than glowing slant. Many of the comments say the same thing in this post regarding supporting the show as you can read Taylor Hicks' fans post in their attempts to 'protect' Mr. Hicks. Just insert "Taylor Hicks" in the place of American Idol and they sound the same.

Evidenced as fan fervor, the usual fan crying out 'boycott' and wanting the head of the writer, or at least he be fired. That's laughable and censorship. Only write what everyone wants to read and never voice your opinion, or off with your head.
"This reveiw is completely ridiculous. Obviously it was from someone that was not at the show. I was at the show and the 2 Davids were both brilliant. The audience was so loud when David Archuleta came out and throughout his set stayed that way and it was the same for David Cook. I enjoyed all the performances and actually bought tickets to go see it again. This article needs to be retracted or at least an apology to all the idols and this writer needs to be replaced--what a bunch of BS and I for one will never read this paper again."

"What kind of review is this? Obviously , this writer never liked American Idol. This is the worst I've come across since the beginning of the tour. He's either blind or deaf or was not in the concert at all!"

Now I'm not bringing this up to denigrate Mr. Hicks, and I must clarify that point right now since his fans will immediately read into this that I am. What I am pointing out is the criticisms for some of the behavior of his fans has nothing to do with the man and everything to do with that reality show. It's the avid, naive and accepting viewers that take everything that happens on that program as serious business and real life. Not real life and business for the contestants, no - rather real life as it pertains to them personally. They take this show that airs twice weekly during its seasonal run and make it about them.

Why this phenom? It's on their televisions in their homes and they're voting on the contestants, interacting with the show. This carries forward to the on-line portion of this reality show. The internet plays a huge part of the direction the season takes, with the fans sometimes immersing themselves into the reality story lines, on-line. They personalize themselves into the show by creating characters basically, that are a reflection of themselves out in cyberland. They create their groups to hang out together in the form of websites and forums. Often these groups fight against each other as seen with the ridiculous situation around Chris Daughtry vs Taylor Hicks' fans. Sometimes websites rise up and act as one to attack "certain bloggers" who may write things they don't agree with or identify with, concerning the object of their affection.

One concern that is just now beginning to pop up is the proximity and the access that some of the more, let's say adventurous fans, are finding themselves enjoying as they attend the concerts. This testimony written in a forum about their recent concert adventures:
"TOUR BUSES were parked in the hotel parking lot, so we decided to barricade all the entrances (there were like 10 of us and then it eventually grew to like 30) and wait for them to come out... they said they wouldn’t kick us out cause there were so few of us and we can try hunting them down."

Yep, 'hunting them down' - like they're on some kind of safari. She continues with recounting how the girl's bus driver gave them better 'hunting' information:
but at like 12 we met the girl’s bus driver and she said when the bus starts moving we can just follow them and it’ll lead us to where the idols will be coming out from... we chased it to the “secret” entrance"

Having gained access to the 'secret' entrance she and her fan pals encountered Carly:
"while carly was signing my thing she’s like “i heard you guys running past our hallway like a million times...and that was just the beginning. there was no fence between us or anything we caught them off guard."

There are also stories about some fans shooting the Idols with water pistols, and I thought what the hell is that being allowed for - when will those water pistols become just pistols and what sort of non-security is this?
"I heard someone squirted MJ with a water gun before they were rushed unto the buses at that time. Unbelievable."

(I found a few of these little poster "gems" on Smartie's site.)

One thought, is 19E, and the PopTart corporation so enamored of the mighty dollar they'd risk a publicized scandal? If one of the contestants were hurt or worse, certainly that would create some killer headlines... Just amazing. Amazingly disturbing on several levels.

This is some footage from the after-show in Chicago with Jason Castro signing assorted items the fans are shoving at him as they scream into his face. Man, he's got a lot more patience than I would under those circumstances. A few of the gals are completely losing their minds and emitting this ear piercing shrieks, "Jason, Jason, Jason". Duct tape time there, chicas.

video c/o BigYear2008
Here is a flashback to the '80's for those Idol fans on 'safari'.
"Obsession" Animotion

flashback provided by gkkaul7

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Jason Castro Hits a Milestone

Beautiful Jason Castro has hit a milestone in his entertainment career, his myspazz site has registered 1,000,000,000 song plays and he's riding at over five and a half million profile views. That's phenomenal for a kid that this time last year had performed a handful of times live. Go over and increase those numbers, show your support for Jason with visiting the site and listening to his tunes.

Jason Castro possesses a multi-dimensional appeal, a big positive, for me at least, his staying 'grounded'. He's staying real, not forgetting who he is - that realism in the face of what would turn most people's egos upside down is commendable and admirable. (His Momma and Daddy did a great job.) On his myspazz site he writes in his 'About' section:
"...that is I...haha welcome to the space! you've caught me in a strange time...most of you probably know me from the show American Idol. i came in fourth place this last season and i am now on a nation wide tour playing in sold out arenas and i've never even released an album... isnt that rediculous?! haha so strange but i must say, its pretty fantastic! haha that is the amazing wonder of american idol, and that is where im at right now! traveling the country getting to meet all the lovely people who've had my back these last few months."

What hits me is that last line - "the lovely people who've had my back these last few months". Jason Castro realizes what will make him successful: the fans. Thing is with Castro he's leading like an everyman guy next door who has a gift that other people recognize. Jason Castro is coming out of that fishbowl of a reality show with both his feet on the ground of reality. It is so cool to see that.

I love his weekly 'date nights' in which he vlogs to the fans. He made a promise to the fans to do this and he keeps his word. The vlogs are not long, he doesn't try and wax egotistical or self-important. Jason just talks to the camera like he'd talk to his real life family or friends. It is paying off, for him. These early days of a career are the days to give to the fans, because as 'Karma' tells us, what you give is what you'll get. There's that adage, you will reap what you've sown, and Jason Castro is sowing all kinds of love, all kinds of goodwill and all kinds of great, sweet vibes.

Hell, at the rate he's going the guy may one day have the kind of success that everyone in the music biz dreams big about having. Thing is, if he doesn't I know it won't crush him. He's reminding me very much of Frank Marino (Mohogany Rush). Frank still gives to his fans and to this day has the kind of career he wants - on his terms. I hope for at least that level of success for Jason.
"If I Fell" Jason Castro on A.I.

video c/o vidtext
Since I mentioned Frank Marino here's a video shot by a fan. He tours Dallas every Fall and I always love to go hear me some Frank! Check out Frank wailing some Blues guitar HERE. Just awesome.

Frank Marino, "Stories of a Hero"

video c/o blackdiesel

Taylor Hicks Says Dan's the Man

Taylor Hicks has entered into a program with Consider it Dan. This is a travel outfitter for special events and concert packages. Dan Berkowitz, owner and operator has a great deal of experience in putting together specialty packages for entertainers and special interest groups.

Considering venturing to New York City to see Taylor Hicks? This trip package is billed on the site as 'a weekend to remember' with two tickets to "Grease", an autographed playbill and a private Meet and Greet in a private group setting. You also will be receiving two nights' accommodations at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

Now on its own, the hotel would run about 576.00 for two nights. Tickets to the show can be obtained for $150.00, Rear Mezzanine, $165.00, Front Mezzanine and $175.00, for Orchestra seating.

I worked in the travel industry for about ten years, I specialized in wholesale packages for a mass variety of destinations that included most of Mexico, parts of Europe, Hawaii and ski resorts in the U.S. It was fun, exciting and I saw a part of the world for free, after all the participants in the packages, air carriers, hotels, rental cars, motorcoaches (fancy name for a bus) and other vendors all wanted me to see what great products they had to offer. I also did work on the side organizing family vacations and group educational tours. My job was to make their trips go as smoothly as possible, down to the last mile and pit stop. It was great fun, but a lot of work.

I'm sure Dan, with his wholesale arrangements, obtains a much better rate than the average Joe on the street, but all in all considering what it would cost you, the fan, to make these arrangements on your own, Dan's offering you a reasonable rate with the bonus of meeting Mr. Hicks. That's meeting Mr. Hicks without the mass of screaming fans pushing and shoving you. I hate the screaming fan pushing and shoving scenes, don't you?

Now I'm not a big proponent of paying to meet a celebrity no matter who they are, but this deal offers you an opportunity to stay at a fabulous hotel in a great location as well as score tickets to the show. You also will have Mr. Berkowitz overlooking the details, assuring everything is taken care of for you. He has a positive reputation as a tour operator.

Information on prices and details on the inclusions can be found on the website, you can click HERE. Regarding how you get to New York, fly, drive, boat up the coast, take Greyhound; that's up to you.

Led Zeppelin-Travelling Riverside Blues(the '90 music video)

video c/o kilu 1971
kilu gives us this little gem of information:
"Travelling Riverside Blues" is a blues song written and recorded in Dallas, Texas by legendary bluesman Robert Johnson. Johnson's June 20, 1937 recording has a typical 12 bar blues structure, played on a single guitar tuned to open G, with a slide. It was first released on the 1961 compilation LP King of the Delta Blues Singers. The song has proved popular with more recent blues musicians.

Taylor Hicks - "Daddy" goes Black

Taylor Hicks has had some visual revamping going on with his website. Yes, that Mack Daddy has gone and incorporated a big logo picture like I've seen on Jason Castro's site (ha!). It includes, Taylor Hicks' "Grease" promo shot and better yet, he's running with my favorite color - Black.

Just think how much better that Taylor Hicks' page might be if he'd hire a witty writer for that blog... We'd see "Daddy" in fine form - as he turns things around.

"Back in Black" with Jack Black (and the foo fighters. cool, rockin' fun.)



Now I'm on a Dave Grohl tangent. This is one of my fave pal's favorite tunes.


This is one of my favorite Foo tunes; "Learn to Fly". It's from their "Nothing Left to Lose" CD. This is an old Letterman video.


Lyrics:
Run and tell all of the angels
This could take all night
Think I need a devil to help me
Get things right

Hook me up a new revolution
Cos this one is a lie
We sat around laughing
And watch the last one die

Chorus
Im looking to the sky to save me
Looking for a sign of life
Looking for something help me burn out bright

Im looking for complications
Looking cos Im tired of lying (trying in 2nd chorus)
Make my way back home
When I learn to fly (high)

Verse 2
Think Im done nursing the patience
I can wait one night
Id give it all away
If you give me one last try

We live happily ever trapped
If you just save my life
Run and tell the angels
That everything is all right

Friday, July 18, 2008

Judging "Daddy"

The Chicago Tribune web edition has an oxymoron hovering on-line in their feature titled, "We Don't Judge". Thing is, that's exactly what they're doing.

Taylor Hicks once again, as seen numerous times in the on-line rag-mags, is hung up to be pummeled like a virtual punching bag. Like witnessed on many of the on-line 'news' sites, Taylor Hicks is having his name thrown in like a virtual paperwad into the Loser's Can. The winning example, in this piece, "Grammy-winning Carrie Underwood".

"I Get Knocked Down" Chumbawamba (Arlo, this one's for you.)

video brought to you by illegal999
That video reminded me of my morning. I wake up to make coffee, had to open a new can. I open the can and out whooshed the coffee, exploding right into my face. I wandered into my pantry for the creamer, brushing the grinds out of my eyes. We had just bought a 6-pack of the stuff, all bound up in some of the most resilient plastic wrap available. I hadn't thought to bring scissors so used my fingers to stretch the plastic. Thinking it wide enough to get out one of the containers, I pull and the bloody thing explodes. Yep. Into my face, all over my hair, pajamas. It's in the nooks and crannies of the shelves around it and the items on the shelves, the floor and into the cat food bowl. I was a walking coffee with creamer. Darling Man walked in on me and laughed until he cried.

Okay, maybe I did not get knocked down, or knocked out, but it took me an hour to make coffee.

The chicagotribune.com mentions several Idols by name, you know, to get those Google alert hits. They omit one of the fan favorites and big on-line draw, Jason Castro, so I'll insert his name here. The blurb's focus instead, aimed at the much hyped contestants, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns, who finished prior to Castro. Naturally, runner-up David Archuleta and winner David Cook rounded out the paragraph. (See, I can do it too.)

Really if this chicagotribune.com knew their Karaoke contest, Chris Daughtry would have made a more knifing comparison. After all, the battle between the Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry fan bases, in some cases, still carries on, trapped in time, like the Hatfields and McCoys.

Taylor Hicks "forgettable"? That's a rather ill-timed selection of words. Taylor Hicks has been receiving a respectable amount of positive media attention the past few months since he began his Broadway appearance in "Grease". Mr. Hicks also was included in the PBS special, "Capitol Fourth". He's been seen on CNN as well as FOX news segments for his work on Broadway and his "Early Works" CD that is coming out in August. He's also making the entertainment interview circuit in MTV interviews to talk about his new body of work promised to be issued this Fall.

The chicagotribune.com piece does get one thing right - phrasing the show as "Television's biggest karaoke contest" - and I liked their idea for audience members to vote the Idols off the tour as it goes on. Interesting, and it could make going to see one of the concerts much more fun; I can imagine the audience acting more like attendees to a WWE match.

Some of the more passionate members of Taylor Hicks' fanbase have already began gathering on the site to post their support and smack down the chicagotribune.com site.

Apparently some folks are remembering Taylor Hicks. Heads up chicagotribune.com, Taylor Hicks hasn't been completely lost and forgotten.
"Everything's not lost" Coldplay

video c/o Andersoncounce2
Lyrics:
When I counted up my demons.
So there was one for every day.
with the good ones on my shoulders,
I drove the other ones away.

So if you ever feel neglected,
If you think that all is lost,
I'll be counting up my demons, yeah,
Hoping everything's not lost.

When you thought that it was over,
You could feel it all around,
And everybody's out to get you,
Don't you let it drag you down.

'Cause if you ever feel neglected,
And if you think that all is lost,
I'll be counting up my demons, yeah.
Hoping everything's not lost

If you ever feel neglected,
If you think that all is lost,
I'll be counting up my demons, yeah,
Hoping everything's not lost.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Somebody Switch on the LiteBright

It was inevitable. The Taylor Hicks fan site once named after his ex-girlfriend has decided they once again hate me. Chill and the gals have - since they're having a melt down of sorts, perhaps shut me out. Chill use to work that ploy in the past when the Muckies are having at me so I can't reply. It's something that she must have learned in Bully 101. Woe is me.

Taylor Hicks fan, BrightLite, on top of being somewhat ditsy has reading impairment. I'm also always fascinated at her complete inability to spell the simplest words correctly. Well, 'if you can't do, then teach', isn't that how that phrase goes? After all LiteBright is some sort of school teacher. Yes, I'd want my kid under her instruction.

Poor little LiteBright went into full spiral melt down after hearing about my post I wrote (this morning). I have just a portion of her rambling non-paragraphical nonsensical ravings focusing around her erroneous interpretation of my posting. Since she misread the post, it seems she's been afflicted with sort of green with envy goob, it's dripping from her long and pointed nose.

How interesting they could all have such a laugh over something not yet posted. All I had up last night were music videos. LiteBright and Taylor Hicks must have looked into her crystal ball or asked that Ouija board. She has mentioned what fun it would be to play Ouija with him. Yes, granted it was a full moon last night - now we see her blossom into a big squawking full Loon.

Check it out, LiteBright says,
"I am certain Sunny that Taylor is “following” you. He is your “Daddy” girl, he is your “old friend” as you say.
In fact he likes you so much, he came HERE last night AFTER reading your blog and spent the evening with GF’s here, and laughed his ass off at you. How do I know it was him, because he said so, and I beleive it! lol We could not laugh hard enough or long enough at you.
For crying out loud. Be real girl.
Best advice…get a life and live it. If you can’t get a life, invent one then, but do anything except make a fucking fool of yourself by printing fantasy garbage on a public blog where everyone can read it."


Well I guess that throws any credibility she was trying for regarding being a spiritual and good human being. I knew that veneer was about a dime deep. Now I'm sure there are some of you who wonder, "Sunny why do you talk to them? Why do you even post things like that look how they will act!" My reply, that's exactly why I posted that blog - I knew they'd go into a spiral tizzy. I did not reference my Ouija for that information - it's a no-brainer when it comes to that mentality. They are so amusing.

Since I am locked out, it appears at Chill's, I'll put my reply to them here:

"Evening you all stellar individuals. Bright your reading skills are not up to par sweetie. I did not say that picture was Hicks. I did not say that Mr. Hicks was the old friend. Whatcha smoking chica? Pass me some.

That picture referenced Aaron Ruffcorn in my hello to Jeanni reference. That picture is a photo of an old 'friend'. Clue to who, lie in the previous sentence.

Regarding Mr. Hicks coming to my site, I'd wager you all might really eat a lot of crow should I decide to serve it up. Doesn't make me special doesn't make it him, could be anyone at that address.

I've been getting hits from that location now for the past few months. No big thing, to me, but I just thought I'd mention it to see the melt down over here. I knew it would happen.

Is it "Daddy"? That's the 'mystery' brought up in the blog.

You all be good."


Considering how they all want to paint Taylor Hicks as a gentleman, etc... it is something to think about regarding his 'visiting them' and 'laughing his ass off' at me. Certainly not the behavior of a Southern gentleman. The ladies are so conflicted.

One other point, I made the commentary about Hicks being a "pimp" as a joke regarding the Meet and Greets, I mean for God's sake, I posted Frank Zappa's (son actually) "Willie the Pimp" song. Now, because I dared talk about the M&G's and joked around about it, now I'm accused of running about all over the internet assailing his character and calling him a lot of ugly names. Well, that's what the good Duckies at Chill's would have the casual reader think. (?)

Man, talk about blowing things out of proportion. That, my friends, how the Muck Duck quacks. Read the signs folks, read the words. Make up your own minds.

"Signs" Tesla

Lyrics
"And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why
He said you look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you'll do
So I took off my hat I said imagine that, huh, me working for you
woah!

Sign Sign everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign

And the sign said anybody caught trespassing would be shot on sight
So I jumped on the fence and yelled at the house, Hey! what gives you the right
To put up a fence to keep me out or to keep mother nature in
If God was here, he'd tell you to your face, man you're some kinda sinner

Sign Sign everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign

Now, hey you Mister! can't you read, you got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat
You can't even watch, no you can't eat, you ain't suppose to be here
Sign said you got to have a membership card to get inside Uh!

And the sign said everybody welcome, come in, kneel down and pray
But when they passed around the plate at the end of it all,
I didn't have a penny to pay, so I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign
I said thank you Lord for thinking about me, I'm alive and doing fine

Sign Sign everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign

Sign Sign everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign."

It is a Full Moon; and "Daddy's" Watching

Taylor Hicks fans are doing what they sometimes do when the guy starts making some media waves. You know what I'm talking about. Anyone who has stepped into any fan board associated with that reality show has seen the way the tides ebb and flow; they've witnessed the types of people who gravitate to that venue and follow the talent, with the Taylor Hicks regulars some of the most avid.

The reason for the current turmoil standing among some of the fans is ridiculous. It's a matter of over investment, a matter of fanatic versus fan behavior. There are satire fan sites that make it a point to mock American Idol due to the sheer over the top fan followings that sprout from the show. The folks that haunt the satire forums have coined a name for these folks; "FanTards". It's an urban slang way of indicating mindless and single focused thought processes toward the object they adore. Many might very well be 700 Club watchers with the way some attribute religious qualities to their object of devotion.

Veering from the more ardent fan's perspective surely to grant you condemnation. The very fact they think they are able to hurl that condemnation the very thing that the satire sites live for - for that is what "FanTarding" is all about. Oh, and the over the top gooey gushing, the fawning, the cult follower mentality, the frightening fan fiction, especially the 'adult' variety. Yeah, those some of the qualities that might get that "FanTard" title bestowed upon them.

"Condemnation" DePeche Mode LYRICS


Everyone has two sides to them, I'm no different. Looking out last night at that big full moon it hit me. What hit me? No, not a rock from the neighbors for my stereo blasting; rather the why of my moods the past week. It happens every month. No not THAT - I'm writing about the Full Moon.

The need to just get out and howl comes over me, and even though I don't require a Nair shower - my fangs do seem to become more prominent - metaphorically speaking.

"Werewolves of London"


What is the 'Daddy' Watching part of the title about, you might ask? Well there is a certain resident in NYC (near 34th and Broadway and 42nd St.) who tends to visit IDOL BLUES often. I think I might keep him entertained, that or appalled. Another 'Daddy', an 'old friend'. Let's play guess who might this guy be? No Jeanni, it's not Aaron Ruffruff. Am I serious or am I just making fun....?

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Can't You Hear Me Knocking?

"Can't You Hear Me Knocking?" Rolling Stones

video c/o Ronnie B Goode
"Don't Fear the Reaper" Blue Oyster Cult


Let's Rock n Roll. In the mood for a few old tunes.

Speaking of Brain Melting: Muck Duck Quacks

Brains, as if this gal had one to begin with. I cruised past the girlfriend's site needing a nice laugh in between work on the computer and found them bashing fat chicks. Yes, fat chicks in bikinis, that's absolutely hilarious. With humor like this how does a show like The Office stay on television?

From dear Chill's site:

CelebrityBlondeBabe quacks, "Chill…You crack me up….Get ready…bad laugh,
BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROFLMAO!
Recognized a few of them…Tell me…did any of them sing? Waiting for the fat lady to sing. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!


Fantasy, she is thine friend.

"Funny, I heard about a fashion tip for the extra full figured dames… from a lady that checked me out in a fast food chain (she actually wore them)…she said there is a line of clothing…jeans…made exclusively for big butts…called APPLE BOTTOMS…well, these women need WATERMELON BOTTOMS…good grief…they look like samuari warriors…just don’t let um sit on you… it would be a slow and painful death."

Let me guess The Why part of the clothing line being brought up - no wait that's tacky. I'll leave it to you, dear readers, and your imagination. ha.

Have had an eventful day of real estate…had a closing…90 miles away…UGH! But, like picking up the check…hee hee…and missed most of the not so newsworthy reports from the chaingang. I DO hope that my celebrity status was in full force. See…Celebs don’t EVER show up."

One minor point, if said Celebrity - she means herself here, folks, never showed up how would they read all the juicy goodness they love to see being said about themselves. You see, she's gonna love this post. Yes, CelebrityBlondeBabe, you're such a Stah.

"They trick them…and go do something worthwhile and then hear about all the calamaties when they get back…especially ones that say things like…”Taylor was here….” B.S. Delusional NitWits…oh yea, he was there…like I’m for sure…it was surreal…HAHAHAHAHA! If ya wanna know what falls off a turnip truck…well, you now have an idea. LOL! Weren’t they supposed to change all their names too?"

I believe the name change meant to switch from guest#### to a name, not necessarily a fake name, although many did. Not I though. I ain't 'skeered'.

"Oh…that should have been fun…they would not even know who they were talking to. They might even bash their own people. LOL! Ok…enough of the ever uneventful side of hades, glad to see that all are well and hope that spam jail isn’t too full. Chill…I sent you extra crunchy peanut butter and day old bread for their dinner."

She's such an imbecile.

"Had a friend that visited Mexico the other day, she brought back H2O straight from the spicket of an old bar’s bathroom hole in the wall…and forwarded it to you…so that you can serve then water…OOPS…forgot the pepto bismal and extra toilet paper…ewwwww…bet it stinks in there."

It's not a "spicket", love, it's a "spigot", well that is if you're talking about a faucet anyway.

Yes, that from the mouth of a self-professed "Swan". Sounds more like the quacking of a Muck Duck to me.

Taylor Hicks Teething on Broadway and the Magical Mystery Musical Megastar

Taylor Hicks once again holds a "convo" with another MTV reporter. This time it was with Garth Bardsley. By the way, if you're wondering why MTV is spending so much time with Taylor Hicks lately, well, they're neighbors. Yes, the glorified offices of MTV, the same folks who had no clue how to spell Gram Parsons' name, are located right around the corner from the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Now at least Bardsley spells everything correctly and doesn't have any names of past or present musical artists to misspell, instead we have this clever cliche; " American Idol season-five champ Taylor Hicks is cutting his teeth on Broadway." "Cutting his teeth"? Really.

Readers also learn about Taylor Hicks' upcoming surprise, apparently Taylor, "spilled the beans" about someone considered as a "megastar" who may be considering recording one of his newly penned tunes. Ever enigmatic, Mr. Hicks wouldn't spill who this 'bean' in question might be but he did drop the gender; apparently it's a female "megastar".

Naturally, Taylor Hicks fans are expending time and keyboard strokes contemplating the 'who' of the news. Some of the fan exploration of this exciting news (!!!) included, Tina (Turner), "If it was Tina......I would flippin die! I just LOVE her!", Carrie Underwood, "...some articles regarding Taylor next album will be little country like, hmm, the only mega country i know is Carrie Underwood.", then that jumped to Celine Dion, "I will die from over excited(sic) if Taylor has a duet with Celine Dion...".

Other speculation included Reba (McIntire), Dolly (Parton) and Faith Hill. Bonnie Raitt was considered, but this poster added, "I think Bonnie Raitt has a rich blusie sound that would work well with a Taylor tune, but I'm not sure she qualifies as a 'mega-star'. "Legend" or something perhaps...". Then the talk switched to Macy Gray and Alicia Keys. Of course Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera's names popped up, as well as Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson, and even Beyonce'. What, no Madonna? No Mariah Carey? After all, Carey was a previous 'guest' on Idol. I was also surprised Joss Stone wasn't included, perhaps the "megastar" label not the right moniker for her. Also absent, Amy Winehouse, although with her "rehab" experiences, she's quite 'last year' and has tumbled off the "megastar" charts.

Even though it was written and stated in the MTV interview, this 'megastar' was of female persuasion, a speculator on this Taylor Hicks fan site added Maroon 5. That's a whole group - of guys - sweetie; yet another fan excitedly added she hoped it was Lionel Richie or Stevie Wonder. Once more with feeling, folks, Mr. Hicks mentioned it was with a FEMALE. Add the "fe" and well, these three brilliant pieces of speculation, while entertaining don't fit. Let me add a cliche' - the one about the square pegs...

What do all of these names in speculation have in common? A couple of things. The most glaringly being, a lack of cohesiveness regarding concepts into who would work well within Mr. Hicks' form of music. This opens the door to his fans' obvious confusion about who he is and what type of sound he intends to embrace. Is Taylor Hicks 'Pop', is he blues, is he country? That circles back around to that "Modern Whomp" thing.

The names being thrown into the discussion are for the most part, entertainers who appear weekly in the latest edition of People Magazine or Us, with the exception of Bonnie Raitt and Macy Gray. Naming 'guys' and entire bands completely random. (Okay, so maybe they did not read the Beardsley MTV article, and just splashed off of that Soul Patrol diving board into the conversational pool.)

It would be interesting to see how Winehouse and Hicks would match up musically but in the MTV piece, there is not a mention of a duo in reference to this song, rather it sounds as if this gal is recording it on her own. Whether it would be included in the next Taylor Hicks' album along with whatever other tracks he has been working on is also not specified. Still, to have some sort of 'megastar' with your song you wrote on the charts, not a bad accomplishment.

"You Know I'm No Good" Amy Winehouse


"Right to be Wrong" Joss Stone

video c/o Conosuke03

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Jason Castro Date Night: Time for a Brain Break

Jason Castro is so gorgeous when he just wakes up. Man, who looks this good when they first get up? Oh, yeah, Jason Castro. My brain is melting.

Just kill me. ha.

Taylor Hicks: the Hot and Cold of Broadway

Taylor Hicks, the "hot" portion of this blog, for those with concerns to the daily temperature on IDOL BLUES. I'm considering a format outlining the posts whether they may be hot or cold or both to alleviate any concerns by anyone reading where I stand. Interpretation can be so random.

Taylor Hicks has been met with some nice and positive reviews to his joining and enlivening the cast of "Grease". Regarding material I've located and read on-line, such as, Broadway.tv. blog, Hicks'fans are turning out to post their support in the column, so go make your voice heard and post your thoughts about the man's Teen Angel experience.

Revenues for this production of "Grease" are citing numbers of $800,000.00 a week according to the New York Post.com with Mr. Hicks being attributed to an additional increase to the tune of $150,000.00 per week. The NY Post points out the previous critics' reviews for this production that began as a reality show to cast the leads, have been negative. The show was still seeing big tourist bucks flowing in largely due to it being a recognizable name for those not theater regulars, but in town wanting to experience The Great White Way.

Since Taylor Hicks has joined the cast, the show and producers are taking a different direction and embracing the previously bad reviews. Michael Riedel writes, "Meanwhile, the producers of the show are no longer flinching from the critical blows but are starting to have fun with them." That's the lemonade from the lemons, adage in works, if you can't beat them, join them. Taylor Hicks was brought into this production to help take it up over the edge of trying to be a serious Broadway musical and enacting upon the drifting toward parody this casting was considered to embrace.

In this review from 2007 - Pre-Taylor Hicks - in Variety.com the writer, David Rooney sums up the show like this:

"None of this factors into Marshall's "Grease," however, which smacks of a presold title being lazily recycled and owes more to the movie (from which it includes the popular additional songs) than to previous stage incarnations.

It also represents perhaps the final step in the sanitization of a once-irresistible property, now drained of every ounce of the raunch and blue-collar suburban Illinois grit that gave the show its edge. At this point, it's barely distinguishable from Disney's squeaky-clean contempo progeny, "High School Musical.

"On the tech side, Martin Pakledinaz's costumes and Kenneth Posner's lighting do the job without particular distinction while Derek McLane's cartoonish sets could use more stylistic unity. Orchestrations are thin and Marshall's uninventive choreography on the cramped stage seems too content to take its cue from "Born to Hand-Jive," the one number in which any significant electricity is sparked.

The most dismal thing about this "Grease" is that, aside from the two discoveries plucked from a mediocre TV talent pool and thrust into this production, no one appears to be trying very hard. Like the drag-queeny wig slapped on Sandy when she finally conforms to the cool-kid ethos by unleashing the bad-girl within to win Danny, it all seems somewhat counterfeit."

Lest you think that Mr. Rooney was alone in his disparaging "Grease" there are many more critiques that emerged from the show. Ben Brantley had this to say about his time spent in the audience, August 20, 2007:
"The message of this latest “Grease” is that anyone, famous or not, can star in a Broadway musical, a natural enough conclusion in the era of YouTube and “American Idol,” when the right to be a celebrity is perceived as constitutional. And I can see how Ms. Marshall might have talked herself into believing that this democratic approach could work for “Grease.”

Those who come to “Grease” without such sentimental attachments are sure to be baffled by the lack of wit, charisma or original presence on the stage. Given the choice between slick soullessness and rough-edged sincerity, I’ll take the latter any day. But most of the cast here seems uncomfortably wedged between those extremes. Everyone is reasonably proficient but devoid of the heightened personality that is essential to landing jokes and selling songs."


The "cold" portion of IDOL BLUES:
Valerie Smaldone's recap of theater happenings attributing Mr. Hicks' best attribute to "Grease" as ..."the hair", it's at :23. Now I thought that was a Sanjaya thing.

Brantley was almost eerily prophetic with his American Idol mention now with the inclusion of Taylor Hicks to at least add some sort of semblance of soul to the production.

Let's rock and roll:
"Burn" Deep Purple

Lyrics:
"The sky is red, I dont understand,
Past midnight I still see the land.
People are sayin the woman is damned,
She makes you burn with a wave of her hand.
The citys a blaze, the towns on fire.
The womans flames are reaching higher.
We were fools, we called her liar.
All I hear is burn!

I didnt believe she was devils sperm.
She said, curse you all, youll never learn!
When I leave theres no return.
The people laughed till she said, burn!
Warning came, no one cared.
Earth was shakin, we stood and stared.
When it came no one was spared.
Still I hear burn!

You know we had no time,
We could not even try.
You know we had no time.

You know we had no time,
We could not even try.
You know we had no time.

The sky is red, I dont understand,
Past midnight I still see the land.
People are sayin the woman is damned,
She makes you burn with a wave of her hand.
Warning came, no one cared.
Earth was shakin, we stood and stared.
When it came no one was spared."


Rock on Ritchie Blackmore!

"Smoke on the Water"

Monday, July 14, 2008

Sweet Crackers, Misspellings and a Flash

Taylor Hicks provided an interview with MTV's Jim Cantiello about his "Grease" gig and the influences behind his Teen Angel portrayal. In the article, "Taylor Hicks Channels Elvis..." written by MTV's Jim Cantiello, Mr. Hicks describes the characterization of his Teen Angel as;
“It’s a really cool part,” he said. “The Teen Angel comes down and tells Frenchy she should put down her teasing comb and go back to high school. I’ve kind of channeled Elvis, a little Graham Parsons and Liberace, all at the same time, for this role. It was just a perfect fit and a way for me to experience the Broadway stage in a small dose, instead of a full role. I come out in the second act. I pop in from an ice-cream cone, in a blue rhinestone suit, and rock it out for a few minutes.”

I get the Liberace comparison with the rhinestones and that pompador hairdo that Taylor Hicks wears for the role, and of course he'd toss in Elvis because, well, it is Elvis. But apparently the MTV guy or someone wasn't familiar with "Graham" Parsons. For one, they misspelled his name, which should read, 'Gram' Parsons, not like the sweet cracker spelling. (click photo)

Now, I'm not seeing anything about Gram Parsons in Mr. Hicks' portrayal of Teen Angel but the light bulb flashed in my mind on the 'why' of Parsons being mentioned. I've read statements from Mr. Hicks in which he listed the Flying Burrito Brothers as a favorite and so that targets his being a fan of the late, underrated and talented Gram Parsons, but again, associating Parsons with the character in "Grease" a big stretch.

Taylor Hicks' fans, I'll share my little beam of light toward my thoughts on Gram Parsons, since it's not likely many of Hicks' mainstream fans are cognizant of who he was. Gram, over time, has become something of a cult figure in the music business. During Parsons' actual short lifetime he just missed that mark of hitting it big, and today, like I said, it's doubtful anyone but a music historian or music buff of this genre would know his name off the top of their head, now. That could be a likely excuse for a reporter or MTV editor to misspell the man's name. Hell MTV is more concerned over their mind zapping insipid, IQ deficit reality show fare over anything much to do with real music anymore anyway.

As it stands, Gram Parsons is now referred to as one of the pioneers behind the country-rock phenomenon that hit during the late 60s and early 70s. Parsons was a member of the Byrds at one time, and was that creative force driving "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" a country themed compilation released in 1968, considered by music aficionados as a classic of its time.

Most fans of music other than Pop, should recognize the name, "Flying Burrito Brothers", a band that was founded by Mr. Parsons. He was also instrumental in helping Emmylou Harris get her start in the industry when he invited her to sing on his solo album, GP, in 1973. He was a friend to the Rolling Stones and cast influence in their "Exile on Main Street" album. He was pals with Elvis Costello and Linda Ronstadt. You can also hear his influence in works by the Eagles, Tom Petty and New Riders of the Purple Sage (loved that band) and Pure Prairie League ("Amie") Sadly Gram Parsons died way too early from an accidental overdose, a lethal combination of alcohol and morphine.

Taylor Hicks has referred to his new CD to have somewhat of a country flavor. This is where and The Why Mr. Hicks is bringing up Gram Parsons' name. The new CD is reported to have a bit of a country music flair to it - steel guitars, that vibe. Man, it's smacked me upside the head this morning, I got it. Mr. Hicks once communicated about what he meant by the name, "Modern Whomp", his intention and ideals. Yes, man, what a great way to be reviewed later in the music annals as doing what Parsons did for the rock music scene back in his day - to be able to cast a new music vibe in today's era. Everyone has to have a dream, man. Taylor Hicks you are dreaming large, baby. A Change-a-Gonna Come, indeed.

Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris rocking out the Liberty Hall, Houston, Texas:


"In the late sixties they pioneered the country rock sound. They were never really a commercial success, but they were one of the most influential bands of the rock era, blending hillbilly soul and raucous rock. They paved the way for artists like the Eagles, Garth Brooks, Dwight Yoakam and others. Founding members Chris Hillman and Gram Hillman called it cosmic American music. The melding of acoustic instrumentation interrupted by searing electric guitar riffs was certainly a sound new to the music scene. Although the Gram and Hillman managed to stay together for only 3 years and 3 albums, their music would far outlast their shortened career."
quote from youtube source

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Taylor Hicks and The Business of Celebrity

Taylor Hicks recent news concerns the early release of his CD titled, "Early Works". This being a compilation album containing most but not all of the songs from the two pre-reality show CDs that Mr. Hicks had created. Now certainly fans of his have likely already purchased "In Your Time" and "Under the Radar". earlyworksI never bought the "In Your Time" because the price was too high. For the most part you'd pay anywhere from $25.00 and up and it contained only about seven songs, three were covers.

Having taken economics in college, I understand the whole concept. Price regarding a product, it's all about supply and demand, baby. That's what drove that little body of work to become such a pricey little collector piece. I got that. I made the decision not to buy it though for that very reason. Besides you could hear those tunes on-line whenever you wished for the most part. Now Boogie Board moderator and past Gray Charles poster, and of course, obviously, big Taylor Hicks' fan, AmyH outlined her emotions in her blog, "Crafty Peaches" which I read today. I enjoy AmyH's writings, and she covers in a very diplomatic way the concept of the past CD market prices and the current Taylor Hicks CD that is simply a compilation of past tunes.

AmyH's point carries much food for thought regarding the concept of cost, how price can fluctuate with demand. She is left feeling somewhat conflicted regarding have paid that $25.00 for the "In Your Time" when now, sans a few tunes such as "Hell of a Day", which is on Taylor Hicks' post-Idol Wal-mart edition CD, you can have both CD's on one plastic disc for much less. Quandary for the conflict, did Mr. Hicks use market strategy in the pricing of his music? Of course he did. It's business. Now did he charge those high prices back then with a scheme in mind to re-release the two CD's onto one? That I'm not sure of, I think this new release of the "Early Works" was something cooked up in the not so distant past. In fact, I could see this being something decided upon when Mr. Hicks first CD from his stint on Idol was not met with the kind of reception that had been anticipated by many fans as well as Mr. Hicks. You know, go back to the drawing board, so to speak.

It is rather pointedly coincidental that with Mr. Hicks taking this role in "Grease", the resulting positive exposure he's reaping from this gig, that this compilation CD is released now. Certainly Mr. Hicks could have anticipated the potential need to have something relatively immediate to offer his fans and potential new fans. An offering to exemplify the product he created before Clive Davis and 19E got their talons into him. Perfect ideology for a lead in for any new works to be released as well.
Heartfullofsoul
Think about this too, soon after season five ended of America Idol, Taylor Hicks was approached to do a book, a 'life story' type to describe how he went from 'there' to 'here' sort of thing. Granted he's a young man and had plenty of experiences to talk about, but he is a tad young for a "Life Story" type of novel. Thing is he knew there was a market out there who would buy it. When the book first came out to the tune of about $25.00 his Idol fans were snatching it up and even buying large quantities to ship to the U.S. troops overseas - still do. Time was right to have such a piece of material out, you know that adage, strike while the fire's hot, no matter how brief, time-wise the man's career truly was, to date. Think about it, ten years as a struggling musician...ten years goes by in a heart blip when you consider how quickly time seems to pass when your children grow up in the span from one to ten years old.

So any fans that may bemoan having spent triple the cost of the "Early Works" CD in the past for that real very early work, "In Your Time", look at what you possess as a fan. You bought something that was the authentic Early Works in its original format. I'd recommend that possibly you save those CD's and purchase this new version to play in your home or car and save the others for what they really represent - memorabilia and collector's items. Too think of them as what else they represent; a study in business and economics, supply and demand.

Life should be a learning event, just ask Taylor Hicks. He's now entered into another supply and demand venture. Reading over on his myspace was this announcement:

Friday, July 11, 2008 Share Some "Summer Lovin’" With Taylor Hicks!
"Hey Soul Patrol Members, Membership has it's privileges. Make sure you take advantage of the Meet & Greet packages available exclusively to fan club members for a limited time as they will soon be made available to the general public! Not a Soul Patrol Member? Join now to take advantage of this exclusive offer. Don't wait, because Taylor will be gone just like "Greased Lightnin'"...

Besides reading on the thick slice of Velveeta side, the writer of that blog post sounds like a carnival barker, "Come one, Come all, take your chances!" What this post is alluding to is how fans can now lay out to the tune of $475.00 tickets for two to "Grease" and a brief, I think it's ten minutes, meeting with Mr. Hicks in his dressing room. It also invites anyone interested to join the Headquarters site, which is about $25.00 too, I think. I have never joined that site, abstaining from paying fan sites one of my many quirks. Certainly with the positive New York press and the havoc that has apparently been being created on the Broadway Fan Boards regarding Taylor Hicks this latest development in Soul Patrol economics doesn't surprise me. Once again Mr. Hicks is going to strike while that Soul Patrol Iron is hot and Greased.

Many of his fans will likely become enthusiastic at this prospect of meeting the man face to face and having a quiet little sit-down. It would beat the usual fan frenzy after the show settings or the rushed Meet and Greet formats in mass venues. I can't knock the guy for doing it, time will tell how well this works out for him. I don't know of anyone else in the Broadway market who has ever done this, but then I'm not an expert on celebrity events. I will say the whole concept while thought out as perhaps a fan perk as well as a way to justify the man's ten minutes just sits sideways with me. I find this more conflicting to embrace than the idea of purchasing the "In Your Time" for $25.00 versus "Early Works" for about $11.00. It just smacks of allowing yourself to be 'pimped' out and I don't like to think of Taylor Hicks in that manner. Perhaps the semantics of this new development being a little over thought by myself. After all, the art of celebrity is a business, and that lesson in economics always holds true. thgreased
"Let's Make Lots of Money" aka "Opportunites"

video c/o capzo

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Taylor Hicks and Willie the Pimp; What's in Common?

What's this I'm reading? Taylor Hicks charging fans for a Meet and Greet on Broadway?

Taylor Hicks is apparently starting this Meet and Greet Special to the tune of almost $500.00. Now this does allow admission, I think for two, and special seating and of course, that private meeting with Taylor Hicks, supposedly in his dressing room. Don't think you'll be alone with Mr. Hicks though, I'm sure Mr. Body Guard will be on-hand to curtail any hijinks the ladies may have in their fantasies.

Does that make Taylor Hicks a sell-out? Taylor Hicks - is he 'pimping out' his dignity? Is Taylor Hicks taking advantage of the fans? Besides Taylor Hicks, who else does this on Broadway? Just questions, I'm full of questions.

"Willie the Pimp" Zappa plays Zappa in Dallas.


Lyrics:
Frank Zappa:Willie the pimp

I'm a little pimp with my hair gassed back
Pair a khacki pants with my shoes shined black
Got a little lady...walk the street
Tellin' all the boys that she can't be beat
Twenny dollah bill (I can set you straight)
Meet me onna corner boy'n don't be late
Man in a suite with bow-tie neck
Wanna buy a grunt with a third party check
Standin' onna porch of the Lido Hotel
Floozies in the lobby love the way I sell:HOT MEAT
HOT RATS HOT ZITS HOT WRISTS
HOT RITZ HOT ROOTS HOT SOOTS

Taylor Hicks How is One Man's Idol Another Mans' Joke?

Taylor Hicks' fans have been alerted via google and otherwise to a relatively new site. I found it last week in a Taylor Hicks' alert. In one of my previous postings, henry8 brought up this relatively new and I suppose becoming controversial site, IdleTard.com. She compared it to a now defunct site that was geared toward viciously attacking certain Taylor Hicks fans in overtly personal and disgusting sexually personal slams.

Henry8 wrote, "I do not mean that a person is to be judged by what they look at but I might judge them if they do not speak up about garbage. I have seen you do that. You helped to get one site shut down. This one is as bad IMO.". I guess I did play a role in that site's demise to a degree, with my commentary, but it was inevitable it would be shut down regardless of what I or anyone else said. If I were the folks who were the subjects of that site, attorneys would be right now in court; that site may have been named, "The View to Your Ass" but man, I'd not leave them the clothes to cover their own asses.

Regarding IdleTard.com - while many straight and sincere fan folks might consider being pretty hard core regarding subject matter, it is run by someone completely educated in legal aspects. They know the difference in crossing the line that the other site in question's owners were clueless about. My beef with that now 'defunct' site was the illegality and the personal vindictiveness that had nothing to do with any humor nor snark, simply stupidity and viciousness. Perhaps many folks won't see the difference between these two sites, but there is a huge difference.

Reason for henry8's anger toward Idle Tard.com? The site's focus which includes, but is not exclusionary, about Taylor Hicks and his fans. Started by folks who inhabit VFTW, Smartie and insane and the gang frolic and play among the internet fan sites selecting the most entertaining and "post worthy" recipients of the moment among the American Idol fan bases.

Henry8 and some others in Taylor Hicks' fan base became upset because Smartie lifted photos from one of the fan boards that included a much loved fan among them, Dee Dee. This lady has recently passed away and so the groups were featuring her photos apparently as a remembrance.

While I think it deplorable to make fun at someone's expense who has recently passed away, on IdleTard.com, that's not what is happening in that particular post. Smartie doesn't single anyone out, she is not making fun of Dee Dee in particular, Dee Dee just happens to be in the pictures. There is not a valid point in riling yourself up full of umbrage against what is in that post, since, that would be an illogical approach.

Overall that post that was put up to poke fun in a general format. It really had nothing to do with Dee Dee, that wasn't the point; it is the respondees to the post that bring her up. Granted Smartie's comeback to the irate posters associated with that particular posting not particularly sensitive but that's Smartie's prerogative. I'm not here to stand up for Smartie, certainly she's more than amply capable to do that herself.

IdleTard.com is a site that while many find it insulting, because, man who wants to see themselves as the butt of a joke, but it's enlightening and perhaps somewhat of a reality check. Seriously it can be easy to fall off into that void of illogical fandom. I have been guilty of getting giddy sometimes over this or that individual, but there are truly people out in the world who will spend their last dime to follow and try gain attention of someone they admire. This encompasses not just American Idol fans, although they are a classic group, but also sports fans, political fans, celebrity fans. It's like any kind of addiction whether drugs or alcohol, there are many people who go completely bonkers and lose their footing in reality.

Perhaps it just comes down to one man's Idol being another mans' joke. The mind can do crazy and mysterious things to us if we take ourselves too seriously and forget to laugh at ourselves.

"Jokerman" Bob Dylan LYRICS

Friday, July 11, 2008

Taylor Hicks "Early Works" CD Song Listing

No information on how the sales are coming along on this CD being released by Taylor Hicks in August, but it's up for grabs at amazon.com as most loyal Hicks' fans are aware. The link for information, comments and purchase is "Early Works" by Taylor Hicks. He's incorporating that one picture of him that I ran originally on my blog header.

IDOL BLUES once used this picture I created out of combination of photos - love his look back in those days with his hair longer and fuller, just more attractive to me than the really short cropped look he favors currently. I think I might later on put this back up as the blog header for the time being in lieu of his upcoming 'new' CD.

I love the "West Texas Sky" tune, as well as "Somehow", "The Fall", "Soul Thing" and "Son of a Carpenter". My least favorite is "Tighten Up" just not into that tune at all.

1. Soul Thing
2. The Fall
3. Hold On to Your Love
4. The Deal
5. Heart and Soul
6. In Your Time
7. West Texas Sky
8. Somehow
9. Tighten Up
10. Son of a Carpenter
11. My Friend
12. Georgia

Taylor Hicks Fans: Don't Mix Drugs and Keyboards

There are many and various great reasons not to do drugs. Now I'm not talking aspirin or the occasional sleep-aide type med. Rather I'm here tonight to speak about mixing keyboards and hallucinogenics. It's not a good idea.

Taylor Hicks fans know that their man has not been an Abstinence Angel during his life time - perhaps playing a Teen Angel in "Grease" helping him fly that right path. (I kid.)

Taylor Hicks is adding an additional from the usual profit, uplifting totals by $150,000.00 a week for the production. Man, that will buy a lot of Duck feed...if you're feeding Ducks. (I'm not.)

Now I know Taylor Hicks is nobody's Angel in real life, he's gone out and partied, had his fun; man, so have I. Drugs, yeah, I've done some, purely as a - you know - an 'educational theorist standpoint'. I mean how can I write about something I haven't actually experienced? Wait. I have written about murder and haven't done that ...(yet)

Anyway as a precaution and notice because I care so much for all of the Taylor Hicks fans out there, I just wanted to caution everyone about the dangers and say, "Man, stay clean, stay real, stay off of drugs." Reason for my concern tonight? (freaks)

A few examples:

celebrityblondebabe // July 9, 2008 at 11:10 pm

"You are definately" (sic) "a delusional fan…cross out the fan…let’s say…You are definately" (sic) "delusional if you confuse Ducks with Swans…of course, if you have never been a Swan, haven’t lived the life of a Swan plus don’t recognize a Swan…and only trapse"(sic)"around in muck all your life…then, maybe it’s not just a delusion, but confusion. What one’s breeding does is to
expose that there is indeed a mix of a classless society vs. a classy society. What one does not get…one will never get. One man’s joke…is another man’s realization of those that lack good taste."


She must have been 'peaking' when she rambled all of this out. Wait, I can't leave this tidbit out, this is hilarious: (from the same "celebritybb" chick)

"I noticed out on the lake today, the geese swam in formation away from the ducks who swam in their own cluster following the geese…but, before the geese were the Swans who swam with their heads held high…had such an aire

Let's stop here a moment, definitions of 'aire': Wiki and not to leave out Websters - I doubt a river in northern England what she had in mind. Let's continue with this study of a mind fried on some sort of hallucinogenic substance. Man, I'm thinking she needs to market this stuff...

CelebrityBB continues her rant" "...about them…because…they just knew…it was ingrained in them…sustained by their DNA…peaked with demure expression..."


Now that's just funny

"because they know who they are and where they are going.

Taylor Hicks…knows where he is going…he knows because it is engrained"
(sic)" in his DNA. Some have it…some don’t…and some don’t even understand it…so, what do they do? They swim around in circles…vicious circles…and if they swim hard enough and long enough…they create a whirlpool and get swallowed up like being flushed down the toilet. SLURP!
Buh-bye…Adios, Chica"


Man, I love a good laugh, good God.

Here's her sister obviously on the same stuff:

"Cbb…
Ah yes, Swans? That was right on the mark. Reminding me of my show dog German Shepherd who is the best behaved animal I’ve ever had and the sweetest… vs the mixed Shepherd a friend of mine insisted on buying against my advice. I warned her about it, she didn’t listen and…that mixed Shephard was mean as sin. It would attack anyone, at anytime, without provocation, but seemingly for the fun of it. They finally had to do sell the dog, he was vicious. The lesson there was a simple one, just as you said Cbb, its all in the DNA and breeding….Ducks are not Swans and never could, nor will be. An excellent life lesson I would imagine…thanks. :)"


My guess they don't advocate 'rescuing' dogs from the pound and only buy the most expensive animals. Such great humanitarians. I should subscribe to their level and drop adopting and fostering pets from here on out. I guess all mixed breeds and strays should just go directly from birth to the doggie gas chamber. Euthanasia. Kill the mongrels per Jeanni and CBB, great and sane humanitarians. LOL

Thank the Good Lord that these chicks bought Taylor Hicks a fucking basket of beer so he'd get to know the 'finest' beers. I'm sure the guy needed their basket to educate him on what to drink and what makes a decent brew.

Check this out:
celebrityblondebabe // July 10, 2008 at 11:06 pm

"You left one out.

You might be a delusional fan…if you think that Taylor would be happy in the environment that he was in prior to his latest success on AI. He drinks the finest beer (thanks to our basket, LOL) and he rides in LIMOS…he eats first class, has first class accomodations"
(sic) "including flights, his clothing is exquisite, including his Italian leather $600 plus shoes…he hangs with the elite and dates classy cuties…he invest" (sic) "rather than blow all his money on the slot machines in Vegas, he will one day hand TPTB their asses on a Silver Platter…and when that day comes…I will certainly hear that fat lady sing. Where has that fat lady been lately? Haven’t seen her around."

What the hell is that about anyway? They have anything to do with the guy's life? Because they sent him a fucking basket of Beer all of his latest 'great things in life' are somehow related to them? That's just bloody demented.
"Heart Shaped Box" Nirvana, my favorite drug induced band

video c/o euphanisariarecords