"One", Love and Friendship

To my friend who came to help celebrate my birthday. The answer is still the same as it was before. Much love.
"One" U2

"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" U2 (it is our band...)

I am getting very close.

Taylor Hicks and Bill Will, the Three-D Spongebob and Patrick?

Taylor Hicks and his relationship with friend, gofer, assistant and sidekick have been talked about at length in the fan forums. A certain fan and former moderator of a once popular site even wrote some humorous slash fiction about the two from what I understand. (Never read it myself, just second-hand information.)

In reality as Taylor Hicks would tell anyone interested, what they have is simply a close and trusting relationship. From what I understand, these two guys have been close friends for a very long while. Today while perusing the righthickssave.com site, I wandered into the thread featuring this dynamic duo, with focus on their long-time closeness. I mean they are like true best friends, swapping shirts and hats like close girlfriends will do. I have this one friend, every time she'd come over she raided my closet. Sadly, though much of what she'd take I never saw again. (Like my awesome purple skiing outfit.)

Talk about having someone's back - Bill Will has that covered for Taylor in several shots in that section. As you can see, by scrolling down that page, the two guys are very close. Arm in arm close.

One of the commentors, SegerHicks, pointed out the resemblance of the friendship being comparable to say, Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick. That, one of the funniest comparisons on the page. I get that!

There's always room for a bit of mistaken meanings in words, pictures and the definition of closeness. Take this short clip from a show all about "Friends":

It's all a matter of interpretation and where your mind might be in the sexuality arena, perhaps. Now before anyone gets the wrong idea, I think with Taylor Hicks' lifestyle, likely it's reassuring to have someone close enough to swap shirts and hats, and importantly, to trust. Nothing says trust like somebody there to hold your flashlight.

Smile Folks, You're on Candid....

Yes, just wave your fonts this way. You might be in pictures soon. (Oh Goody!) Who's looking at you kids?
"Twentieth Century Fox" The Doors


Oh and it's my birthday... in less than a half hour from my writing this. Like that's just world inspiring knowledge.
"Reeling in the Years" Steely Dan. Yeah, they're better studio than live.

Whoopin' It Up at the War Eagle: Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks partying and playing with the college crowd at the War Eagle Supper Club. Not a lot of 'supper' in evidence with the exception of the liquid kind, perhaps. Much beer and "cheersing" flowing. (Listen to Daddy cut loose.)
"Can't You See" Taylor Hicks with Rick Carter Rolling in the Hay

Then after a sip of some more cold brew, Taylor Hicks' "Gonna Move" on to another tune.
Love the tag inserts into this rollicking version. Cut loose Taylor, it's good for you.

Taylor moves into those "Night Moves".

Sounded like a fun gig, Taylor Hicks.

Life as a Waffle

Taylor Hicks' fan boards see rarely a dull moment. I have found one site that began as a quiet space for the blogger's reflections with a few comments here and there. It was nice to visit see what sort of topic they were covering, and interestingly how they were covering it. Now it's growing into one of the best internet spaces where a variety of Taylor Hicks' fans have gathered to 'discuss' anything from Taylor Hicks to somebody's attachment for attorneys. Reminds me of those African documentaries where you see lions sipping from the watering hole with gazelles and hippos.

Then there's another site that rolled from another. They even partially adopted the name of the site they came from, but unfortunately are nothing like the original. The blogger is mad, then glad. They're staying in the Taylor Hicks' fan base. They're leaving the fan base. They care. They don't care anymore. Its entertaining watching the flip-flopping and waffling but sometimes the speed from "Go" to "No" is baffling. Is it for the attention? Is it for ... what? I have no idea. Are they hoping Taylor Hicks will contact them and beg them to stay? Now that's amusing.

"Should I Stay or Should I Go?"


Life as a waffle must be a sticky conundrum.

Taylor Hicks' "Early Works" On-Line Heaven Knows, it's Time

Taylor Hicks' compilation CD, "Early Works" can be pre-ordered at Barnes & Nobles for pre-release sale, available October 28. On amazon.com however, one listing only specifies two CD's available with one review from 'Auntie Grizelda'. Their prices start at $10.99. Another amazon.com link, Dallas Texas Media, is offering the CD starting at $24.99 with a few more reviews. That said, Amazon.com is giving the CD, "stepchild" treatment with it being specified not eligible for Amazon Prime. This due to the the CDs currently being offered are not from amazon.com but rather individual sellers of this product. (Sort of like an amazon.com ebay source.)

Barnes & Nobles on the other hand, are featuring Taylor Hicks' CD at $11.99 and including it with their shipping specials. Perhaps in the near future amazon.com will pick up the CD again, as a regular offering but currently, Barnes & Nobles is your go-to, on-line source. Even Target, the home of Taylor Hicks' 'exclusive deal' is still not offering the CD on their website. Regarding other on-line venues, that will be up to you, intrepid Taylor Hicks' fans, to go forth and discover.

Will B & N increases sales for the CD? I would think so since Target's exclusive deal held the CD with limited quantities and a limited number of stores carrying the CD. Too, Taylor Hicks will be appearing across the country in the National Touring production of "Grease", widening his exposure and getting his name back out in a wider spotlight. For the "Curious Georges" out there, after seeing the "Taylorized" version of Teen Angel, B & N provides that venue for purchasing Hicks' other-than-Idol tunes.

Interestingly, the 'label' for the album listed on Barnes and Nobles is Welk Records. I went searching Welk Records (associated with Vanguard Records), but found no listing of Taylor Hicks on their emusic.com download site, nor in their main website's artist's roster.

Granted Taylor Hicks' "Early Works" came out as being 'distributed' by this company, but you'd think they'd be interested in pushing the works on their site as well. While visiting the site, I explored some of the artists currently on their promotional pages, and man, they do offer a great listing of musicians including Indigenous, Chicago, Big Momma Thornton, Charlie Musselwhite, Levon Helm (The Band).
Levon Helm today:

Levon Helm in The Band days:

Mato Nanji, aka Indigenous (Man, he's gorgeous; amazing musician with a Stevie Ray Vaughn influence.)

It's a positive find seeing Taylor hit the B&N website, I hope the CD stays up and doesn't disappear as seen on amazon.com - prior to the Target deal. Excellent timing with the CD becoming on-line with the "Grease" tour kicking off in December. Now we need to see Taylor Hicks tunes available on iTunes and emusic.com. News in my "Rumor Box" indicates that may be happening in the near future. Is the "Rumor Box" speaking Truth?
"Heaven Knows" Taylor Hicks

video c/o jeannemarie3

Just Call Him a Boy Named Sue

Perhaps that title should actually read, "sued". Chris Daughtry is being held liable in a case of, egads, song-stealing. Randy Mazick is suing Daughtry because the song, "Feels Like Tonight" on Daughtry's eponymous album replicates Mazick's song, "Tonight".
"Tonight" The Asphalt

video c/o twinklefz
The blogger, funnystone on VFTW, pointed out back on April 10, 2008, the similarities between The Asphalt's tune and Daughtry's. Randy Mazick wrote the song in 2005 then registered it with the US Copyright and Trademark Office in April of this year. The lawsuit names Apple as one of the defendants because Apple distributed the song on its iTunes Store. 'Ouch' goes the bank account should Apple and Mazick win this.

You can read the legal document over at VFTW.com. According to the funnystone, Taylor Hicks supposedly turned this song down; as Dave says, ""Feels Like Tonight" was the song that Taylor Hicks was supposed to sing before he threw a fit about it, finally the gray haired one is probably laughing to himself." I imagine at least chuckling. Good choice Taylor Hicks made refusing to sing that tune, perhaps he had some sort of inkling back then the tune was tarnished. Hell, he knew it wasn't one he wanted to sing. Instincts and timing? Pure luck?

"Boy Named Sue" (minus the -'ed' and minus the lawsuit)

video c/o hippiekuln

Tripping Back on Blind Melon

"Change" Blind Melon

video c/o Elpopos
"Paper Scratcher" Blind Melon

"Soul One" Blind Melon

"Mouthful of Cavities" Great vibe on this tune. Death comes to all of us sooner or later. LYRICS

Taylor Hicks, Why Use Words? Let the Music Speak

Taylor Hicks has added a new tune to his myspace jukebox; is this some sort of musical message or just another song on the roster?

"Sweet Home Chicago" Taylor Hicks

cool B&W video c/o tif41

"Vehicle" Bo Bice (love me some Bo Bice)

video c/o bovixen

"Destination" Missing Persons (trip back to the '80's)

video c/o Angel Dawn

"Words" Missing Persons (yeah, those kwazzzy days)

video c/o drakp
"My lips are moving and the sound's coming out
The words are audible but I have my doubts
That you realize what has been said

You look at me as if you're in a daze
It's like the feeling at the end of the page when you realize
You don't know what you just read.

What are words for
When no one listens anymore
What are words for
When no one listens what are words for
When no one listens
There's no use talking at all."

Taylor Hicks Taking the Teen Angel to the Streets

Taylor Hicks is expanding his role of Teen Angel in "Grease" and taking it on the road. Yes,Taylor Hicks has accepted the offer of performing as Teen Angel in the National Touring production of "Grease".

According to Playbill News it looks like the Spring Tour that Taylor Hicks had talked about will be revolving around his role as that "Beauty School Drop-Out" singing Angel. Andrew Gans, writer for the Playbill News wrote,

""American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, who recently completed a summer stint as Teen Angel in the Broadway company of Grease, will play that role for audiences across the country in the upcoming national tour of the fifties-themed musical."

Obviously Taylor Hicks impressed the show's producers sufficiently for them to make him an offer he could not refuse. I guess now, interested fans who may not have been able to attend this production in New York City can now make plans to go see Mr. Hicks and have their very own playbill signed.

Didn't I write in an earlier blog, that Taylor Hicks might be headed out West? Yes, I think I did. (It's all about the timing.)
"Going Out West" Tom Waits

lyrics:

"Well I'm goin' out west
Where the wind blows tall
'Cause Tony Franciosa
Used to date my ma
They got some money out there
They're giving it away
I'm gonna do what I want
Do what I want
And I'm gonna get paid"

The schedule for the National Tour is as follows:

Dec. 2-7, 2008 at the Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence, RI
Dec. 9-14, 2008 at the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, East Lansing, MI
Dec. 16-21, 2008 at Palace Theatre, Columbus, OH
Dec. 30, 2008-Jan. 4, 2009 at the Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
Jan. 6-18, 2009 at the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL
Jan. 20-Feb. 1, 2009 at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, Cincinnati, OH
Feb. 3-15, 2009 at the Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD
Feb. 24-March 1, 2009 at the Music Hall, Tucson, AZ
March 3-8, 2009 at the Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA
March 10-22, 2009 at the Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
March 24-April 19, 2009 at the Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco, CA (I know when to make sure I'm back in SFO.)
April 21-26, 2009 at Keller Auditorium, Portland, OR
April 28-May 10, 2009 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa, CA
May 12-30, 2009 at the 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, WA

The rest of the casting results are not available at this time. Here's another rumor, this production may feature much more of the Teen Angel than the original. Ah, Hell, what do I know?

"Taking it to the Streets" Taylor Hicks

David Archuleta, Paul Anka's Pick

I read Saturday, in an edition of Parade magazine, David Archuleta is Paul Anka's pick to portray him in an upcoming Broadway production about his life. Archuleta would be a good pick for this role with his vocal stylings and his type of musical preferences. He also bears a resemblance to the young Mr. Anka.

Reading through some of the message boards this morning I was finding a mixed bag of opinions regarding this opportunity. It seems to be a general consensus - evidenced too when Taylor Hicks was offered the Teen Angel role in "Grease" - that doing Broadway is almost looked down upon, slant of the commentaries leaning toward it just not being a favorable venue. Why do so many folks seem to view those neon lights of Broadway in a negative light?

I find that interesting, many willing to post and write in response to this news appear to rather see young David out touring than taking on this role on Broadway. I mean, this is a production written and created by Paul Anka, a legend in the entertainment world, right? It is certainly a high compliment for David to be Paul Anka's selection for the role and likely an excellent opportunity.

Thinking back, what would my pre-adolescent years been like without Donny Osmond singing, "Puppy Love", a song written by Mr. Anka? I could imagine, young David following in Donny Osmond's steps and doing this tune. This video is sweet enough to hurt your teeth, love the little hairball at 2:17.
"Puppy Love" Paul Anka


I know there are many folks culturally cognizant who understand the importance of The Great White Way, who love and appreciate live performance art. Perhaps though, with the television and movie era we now have evolved into, Broadway is seen by many mainstream average Joe's and Josephina's as more of a tourist attraction activity when visiting The Big Apple, rather than a serious and demanding art form?
"On Broadway" George Benson - video starts a little watery but clears out.

video c/o nfsj99

Stevie Ray Vaughn PBS Special Tonight

Tonight on PBS there's an hour and a half long special with concert footage of Stevie Ray Vaughn. With a head nod to Hurricane Ike:
"Couldn't Stand the Weather" Stevie Ray Vaughn


"The Sky is Crying"


Can't omit, "Texas Flood".

Y'all be safe out there.

Taylor Hicks Corralling that Muse?

Taylor Hicks leaves The Great White Way, off for a little R & R and then he's studio bound according to his latest messages. Hicks might be free, but does he have the music .... in him?

According to the man, he's been busy writing, lassoing and corralling that Muse; hints that she may have been tinged on the Country side. He'd spent some time in Nashville, and - likely hanging back there again on and off again to pick up some more vibes.

Granted it is football season and those college games some fun. I will miss visiting Alabama this year, we spent four years with that gorgeous University as a second home base. Loved hanging out in President Witt's box to watch the game. We'll still keep up with the Tide via our television, but just not the same as walking that campus and being in the stadium live with all that crimson and white. Taylor surely will catch some games and take some time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, BBQ, beer and football.

Of course, we support our Dallas Cowboys - pulling for T.O. and the gang to be hungry for that Super Bowl ring - I'll keep the popcorn warm and flowing this season. (We do have that new stadium opening next year...)

Meanwhile between the Auburn and Alabama games and whoever Taylor Hicks supports in the NFL, here's to hoping that Muse has some pull of her own and corrals him into that studio.

Taylor Hicks, saddle up, man.

"Cowboy" Kid Rock

A-Caryling with an Angel (Teen Angel)

Blogger friend and Taylor Hicks' long-time fan, Caryl, won the 'Talk to Taylor Hicks' contest featured on the Taylor Hicks' Headquarters Site. She did a brilliant job, kept it real and made it sound so easy.

I liked the directions of her questions, the intelligence she demonstrated; the conversation flowed like one old friend catching up with another. Nice job. (She also proved she can hold a secret! ha.) I'm probably one of the last to know about this, but just in case someone missed it, here's a link to
Caryl Gets Her Interview!

"Hello My Old Friend" ELO

video c/o rayflute
This tune recorded in 1983 for inclusion on the album Secret Messages, (shout out to you Caryl!) which was originally intended as a double album. The song saw eventual release in 1990 on the USA-only box set Afterglow.

Taylor Hicks: The One That You Want?

That is how that song in "Grease" goes, right? Taylor Hicks ends his Summer of fun on the Great White Way, supposedly hanging up that spangled suit and gray pompadour wig - or is he? Stephen Buntrock is slated to resume the role of Teen Angel in New York, but is this the last of the harmonica playing Angel Taylor Hicks created for the show? From what I have heard in the Rumor Mill, Mr. Hicks may be headed out West. If that word holds any Truth, I may be able to see him in that Ice Cream Cone yet, but is that the best route for him to take?

Granted the 1800's brought many intrepid pioneers venturing West in search of fame and fortune. But should Taylor Hicks follow suit, would this bring him The real Deal or would he come out of it with a bucket of Pyrite? Remember, all that glitters is not Gold.

Reports this Summer said Taylor Hicks was bringing in an average of $150,000.00 a week over the previous average weekly draws. Taylor Hicks gave the role his own slant and brought a new and fun definition to the minor role. He expanded the minor part to a rollicking celebration; his Teen Angel emerged from the Plastic Ice Cream Cone with a different kind of harp and apparently toward the end, some cowbell - he knows how some folks love that cowbell...

Of course this is just rumored speculation and blog-talk but should Taylor be presented with this venture as a reality would or should he take it? Where does the art begin and where does it end? For that matter what is the definition of 'art' in the vocabulary Mr. Hicks operates? In the words of one of those well-known gossip rag-mags, "Enquiring" minds want to know.

Neil Young "After the Gold Rush"

video c/o randalcraig
"Fool's Gold" Amy Winehouse

video c/o goldtoof1188

Mingling of the Music: Everlast

I love how Everlast melds electric and acoustic guitars along with keyboards to create unique tempos, beats with his combination of singing and rapping delivery. Man, the guy has a unique, creative sound going on. Found these three tunes over on the ol' youtube. One of my favorites, and the most rocker oriented, "Babylon Feeling". Of course the Santana influence only helps it along.

Everlast with Santana, "Babylon Feeling"

video c/o LumpyTheCook

Everlast "Black Coffee"

"She smelled like flowers, she tastes like toffee
She kissed me slowly, she held me softly
Got too close and she backed up off me
She left me stone cold sober just like black coffee
Just like black coffee, just like black coffee , just like black coffee"

Everlast "7 Years"


You can check out some of Everlast's tunes at last.fm. Tour information for Everlast is located in this well-written article in livedaily.com.

Taylor Hicks, Curiosity Might Kill That Cat...

Apparently there is a segment of fans who have been on-line supporters of Taylor Hicks that are just not that into him anymore. Yes, they've taken all the postponed dates, all the changed plans, absence of communications, dealing with alternate venues and decided they have had enough.

I understand some of the angst. I mean back - way back - in the 2006 Idol days I was one of those who watched Mr. Hicks from his audition on that reality show all the way to his win. He gave me reason to think (which always gets me into trouble) that someplace in this wide US of A were real musicians stepping up to try out for that often scripted and sometimes insipid reality show. I mean you can take just so many Whitney Houston wannabe's and still admit you're actually letting your television display that crap fest of karaoke music into your living room. Evil television.

Well as some bid adieu to Taylor Hicks, I simply keep looking to see what he's going to come up with next. His run on "Grease" is up the 7th of this month and no word outside of 'taking some time off' admitted to by the man. That "Fall Tour" isn't happening, that DVD, "Whomp at the Warfield" apparently will never materialize and now the new, real CD isn't coming out until 2009, possibly Summer from what I have read.

Really, Taylor Hicks didn't tell a complete falsehood by saying he would have a new CD out in the Fall; he released that compilation CD, "Early Works" in August. Granted it is not a body of new works, but it does have all his past original tunes all in one place. But, yet it is understandable why some of his fans are selecting to denounce their undying loyalty and adoration, wanting to turn in their Soul Patrol membership card (if they ever held one), based on their frustrations with all the twists and turns they feel they're experiencing.

Other fans I have read just feel let down on a more personable level - that he's letting his talent just go to waste. They feel disappointed to think he may not aspire to the career that they had believed he could obtain. They're still fans, still love his voice, his talent but somehow feel sadness that what could be won't ever materialize.

Thing is, it's his life, his career, good or bad choices. He will obtain what he aims for and really wants. He just may not want what some of his fans want for him. Only Taylor Hicks knows for sure what goal he's shooting for - certainly he's not in the mood to enlighten anyone curious.
Jason Mraz, "Mr. Curiousity"

"Trouble" Taylor Hicks (on that reality show)

"Somehow", Taylor Hicks, Singing in the Rain

Taylor Hicks' performance at Six Flags over Georgia in Atlanta. Video courtesy of the Taylor Hicks Fan Video site. Taylor and the crowd seem to have had a great time together. A little rain, lots of cheering, smiling, happy people.


Taylor Hicks performs Somehow at Six Flags Over Georgia from Robin on Vimeo.