Happy New Year, Taylor Hicks, Now Where's that Song?

Snippet of one of Taylor Hicks' new songs? Perhaps.

Geez, Taylor you have me putting up vids like this to catch a glimmer of possible new material. Give a blogger a break, man.

...the night life and the sunshine got the best of me...
Idea for your New Year's resolution, cop Sunny a real deal and pass a tune to present to the fans. That said, I guess my New Year's resolution should be keep on keeping on that ledge of reality, 'cause that's not likely to happen.

This video showcases Taylor Hicks singing that snippet in this feature that ran on him a few weeks back.

Happy New Year IDOL BLUES readers.

Texas Tornadoes, "Is Anybody Going to San Anton?"

yeehaw

Have you Solidified Yet?

Amanda Overmyer has her first album following her time on American Idol ready and waiting for you to purchase. You can access the new album, Solidify, Pictured HERE, available on her website.

NonMusic Related Fangirling: "Firefly"

I'm not an avid TV junkie, but I do have certain shows I enjoy and tune in regularly to watch. I had heard of a series called "Firefly" which had aired only one season, in 2002. The reviews were impressive with praise heaped on for the writing, casting and special effects. I found out about this show through watching the NBC comedy, "Chuck"; one of the cast members on that show, Adam Baldwin delights me with his deadpan humor and gruff demeanor. He's an FBI agent who is working undercover to protect lead character, Chuck, who has special government super secret information stored or downloaded into his brain. Yeah I know... but it's really a great little show.

I don't recall even hearing about this "Firefly" series back in the days it aired on television. Joss Whedon created this show, he the guy of television series fame, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", my young daughter was thoroughly hooked on. "Firefly", even after only being on-air one season and now having been off for six years, has an active on-line fan presence. They've done what many fans of a show or a musician might do, worked to try and bring the series back, fantasize about its return and write angry posts about its cancellation. This show was unique on so many different levels being part Western, part Star Wars sci-fi wrapped in a psychological study of the character ensemble. The special effects for a television production are movie ready caliber with the spaceship, the Firefly, an actual built set providing a more realistic effect than normally attributed to a television venue production.

I received this series as a Christmas present and just completed watching the movie, "Serenity" that was created following the series cancellation, as well as all episodes. Providing you enjoy science-fiction, Westerns, great writing including dialogue that actually lends to the story, you'll enjoy this jewel of escapism video. Why this series was canceled I can't fathom, perhaps Whedon and FOX failed to see eye to eye, perhaps the powers in the big studios such as FOX are just ragingly stupid when it comes to good series television not reliant on animation or reality driven material.

The lead character, Malcolm Reynolds, played by the underrated Nathan Fillion, gave the show the character it possessed. He's not done much since the series from what I can gather, but has a new show scheduled to air on ABC in March, 2009, called "Castle". It's billed as an hour long weekly, witty drama that will air on Monday nights at 9pm, CST, beginning March 9th, 2009. The show is based on Fillion's character, famous crime and horror novelist, Rick Castle, who helps the NYPD homicide department solve crimes. Don't know if it will be as fascinating and as well put together as "Firefly" but since Fillion is a part of this show, I'll tune in to give it a look. "Firefly" has made a fan of me for Nathan Fillion and the other cast members from that show that deserved so much more than it received.
"Firefly" trailer

vid created by Slevenkil

The Next American Idol?

Elvis lives? Freddie Mercury incarnate? No, actually he's a rumored contestant vying for a position on this next season of American Idol.
"Crazy"

"Dust in the Wind"

Take a trip to his MySpazz site and check him out if you're interested. How far will go and whether he'll make the voting rounds will remain to be seen.

Spreading the Taylor Hicks' Love: It's Christmas

I had an email from someone who wishes to remain anonymous for what ever reason, regarding a question they had about my blogging. I was asked why I'm featuring the occasional other blogs I visit or frequent in my posts of late. One of their questions, why direct traffic off of my blog, bring attention to other sites which may take away from my site?

My reply to you, dear One More Anonymous and Curious Person, Taylor Hicks, of course. Just spreading some of the Taylor Hicks fan information and on-line 'magic', so to speak, around. You see, there are still a few blogs talking Taylor Hicks, perhaps not in ridiculous school girl way but in more of a discussion format; the way we once talked Taylor on Gray Charles in the days it was a great blog to visit.

Too, 'tis the season, the season of goodwill and 'cheersing', to quote Mr. Hicks off one of the audio posts he made on that late Gray Charles blog. I'd like to have the option of a community of realists, at least to a certain definition of realist, the definition that can be found in this realm of on-line worlds and identities, in which we might wander in a peaceful, but lively community. One in which we can accept one another rather than simply castigate and ridicule each other over opinions or thoughts about Taylor (or other artists). Omit mind controlling intimidation techniques,lock-step thought processes. Share other music, talk other artists as the mood strikes and of course, follow this Taylor Hicks character on his winding and rolling road.

I found this Taylor Hicks video today while looking for something Hicks related - first time I've heard this song that I've actually liked it. Instrumentals add much to it, this better than off the CD. Too bad the ending is chopped a bit short, though.
"Just to Feel This Way"

thanks to marthagartha

Of course there are some posters hesitant to let others play in the fan sandbox in harmony. My words to those police minded folks, and I mean this in the most humorous way; someone eventually shoots the sheriff. Here's my wish to a semi-peaceable kingdom where the wildebeast and the lions can all wander among the watering holes in a semblance of harmonic anarchy.

vid c/o Appleturnover321

Taylor Hicks' Mona Lisa Smile or Call Him Al?

Taylor Hicks walking down the street with a Mona Lisa smile? No not quite, but still... I found a new blog spot to add to my internet cruising for folks who blog about Taylor Hicks. She seems an interesting gal with a blogspot dubbed Celestial Soul. Love her irreverent title photo, pointing to a substance stepped on in red tennis shoes. (Nice tunes on her music box, too.)

A man walks down the street
He says why am I soft in the middle now
Why am I soft in the middle
The rest of my life is so hard
I need a photo-opportunity
I want a shot at redemption
Don't want to end up a cartoon
In a cartoon graveyard

Very fitting for this time in life of that guy who won the Idol reality show in 2006.

vid c/o curedude77

Taylor Hicks and the Mysterious Modern Whomp

Warning, Taylor Hicks' snark alert. Go no further if easily and unnecessarily insulted when Taylor Hicks mentioned in ways other than praise and adoration. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Reading over at It's All Grey today put my brain wheels turning. Something had to help spark those brain cells I must have killed this weekend. Anyway, the discussion this morning concerned musical genre and name choice, specifically Taylor Hicks' musical genre name selection to define his sound, self-titled, "Modern Whomp".

I located this site I'm kindly providing a link to which was created by the intelligent folks at Loyola U. This may present and provide a hint at the answer on Taylor Hicks' selection of genre moniker and perhaps The Why of what made the man feel he needed to define himself in a whole new genre rather than stick the tried and trues out there in today's market.

If you're a modern musician, you're probably all too familiar with one of the toughest challenges facing today's aspiring artists. That's right, I'm talking about choosing a musical genre. If you don't select the correct pigeonhole in which to voluntarily confine yourself, how will the record stores know where to stock your album? How will the kids know whether they're supposed to like you? Decisions, decisions.

Well, I'll tell you what you can do. You can get around this quandary by the same method hundreds of other bands have: you can invent your own genre. And with today's technology, it's a snap! Simply click the link below, and a sophisticated computer program will provide you with a custom-designed genre name, ready to be plastered all over your web site, or mentioned casually in conversation! Watch out, though -- there's no guarantee that some other poseur hasn't gotten to it first!

Just click "here" and you'll be on your way to exciting interesting new names for genres not yet taken - hopefully. "HERE"

Thing is, record stores already have pre-printed signing up delegating the what and where of the genres. Next part, you have to convince them to print up one just for your particular niche in the market to hang up on the wall.

Well you know signs can be overrated, labels not always appreciated, so who knows, perhaps Mr. Hicks stepping out from under the already printed labels and signs might work out to be a good thing.

video created by softtailteen

Christmas Party with the Local "Mob"

Darling Man and I hit a Christmas party last night that had a disconcerting Soprano's vibe. It was an interesting mix of lovely people and in fact, there was one guy had this uncanny resemblance to Scott Caan. We visited briefly outside by the pool over a Crown Royal, and the discussion turned to how our new friends are all in business together in some fashion, known each other all their lives.

I was informed they all were in the laundry business, one guy added he was in their 'electronics' division. I can imagine what's getting washed, at least in my overactive imagination. We were the only "outsiders" in the mix, with most attending the party, business associates or employed by the assemblage of these interesting characters.

I met the host while walking my four legged furface Cody, to feed turtles down in the golf course creek near home. Our host who happens to live right behind us, as I found out, was out walking his dog and we fed turtles together. New friend has a stable of cars I have been salivating over including a vintage Studebaker. I was thinking, 'so all those from cleaning comforters'? Yeah, forgettaboutit.

On another note, there were many in attendance who brought this song to my mind.

Christmas Tune Comparisons - Taylor Hicks vs Jason Castro

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" Taylor Hicks

As a comparison:
"White Christmas" Taylor Hicks

"White Christmas" Jason Castro


Gee this time next year who will IDOL BLUES have up singing this tune off that reality show?

Taylor Hicks - If Blue Can Do It, Why Not You?

Taylor Hicks has reportedly postponed the new CD that may be called "The Distance" until March of 2009 instead of February. Texas band, Blue October, is also releasing a new CD in March 2009; heard their single for the new CD on KDGE; they also previewed that single when they performed in Dallas at The House of Blues on December 4th. Texas boys, Blue October, also have their single up for release on iTunes, in time for those Christmas shoppers, what a concept...
"Dirt Room"

You may be scratching your head, what has Blue October got to do with Taylor Hicks? Nothing really with the exception of their differences in handling their music regarding marketing. That leads me to this question, when is Taylor Hicks going to work that promised new single into his "Grease" gig? Initially when he first came out in the press that he was going to be performing it with the production, it sounded as if that was to happen right out of the starting gate of this national tour. Since "Grease" has already hit a few towns and no sign of the single nor definitive word on when that single may actually hit the "Grease" tour, that question remains unanswered. Naturally, word out on this information not to be found on any of the Taylor Hicks' 'official news' sites. Where are my rose colored glasses this morning? Must have dropped them in the sofa cushions.

Blue October recorded their new album at Willie Nelson’s, Perdernales Studio, which lies about 25 miles outside of the band’s adopted hometown, which if you're a Texas musician or artist, you might guess - Austin, TX - of course. Took them two months to make the album, "Approaching Normal". Blue October tunes and information can be found at their MySpazz and here's their Wiki link.

Speaking of Willie, bought a new Christmas CD yesterday.

vid by gaincontrolagain
Goes with my new boots.

Feliz Navidad.

Taylor Hicks, Left Hand Meet Right Hand, Definitely Rhinestones

Reading on a few Taylor Hicks' blog sites today, word out he's moving the date into March for the CD and the DVD releases. Curious George that I am, I went checking the A2M site. On that site it appears the date for the CD remains in February, although they have above the information the word, "tentatively". That would be wise for Mr. Hicks to start taking note of - and perhaps in future release announcements add that word. The site seems somewhat delayed on Taylor Hicks' information as well, with his CD title still "TBA" instead of "The Distance" - unless that title still a possible change as well. If you're in doubt, check out the site yourself, I will comment that the Artist 2 Market website has a new, high tech, complex look. Takes a while to load even for my badboy computer.

One thing for sure, Taylor Hicks will be continuing his Rhinestone Teen Angel role in "Grease". Discussion today over at the Wordpress site, It's All Grey worked over the CD issue and lead to this little blast from the way-back past when rhinestones were the modèle du jour; remember Porter Waggoner?

Wait, I can't stop there, I'm on a rhinestone roll - here's to the guy that cried for Taylor when he won Idol:

video c/o the artist29
*giggles*

Soul Asylum shows how this song should be covered - Heinie in hand and drunk.

Thanks to go2ski for this video. Man, time to slide on my boots, go pick up a six pack to spin some Glen Campbell on the turntable later.

The Weather Outside is Frightful

Well, at least for a few days, we're seeing cold temps and some cold crystalline white material the weather guy calls 'ice'. Nice.
I've never seen this one before:

Ain't he pretty.

Richie Sambora Christmas Song:

One more Sambora, not Christmas related: love the guitar work.

vid created by paganini33

Taylor Hicks - Rolling the Dice

Taylor Hicks could be compared to a gambler of sorts. Gambler in that he quit college to pursue a career in music. Gambler in how he parlayed a free airline ticket received after dodging hurricane Katrina into an American Idol audition. Gambler in that he rolled the dice to go for the win on that show - against the odds. Really, looking at the guy, who'd have wagered he'd actually have pulled it off back then? Perhaps only those who like to bet on those long odds.

Again Taylor Hicks rolls the dice. As his fans are aware, he's the star feature in the nationally traveling show of "Grease". Many dismiss his foray into this theater production as evidence of his failure as an artist, as a musician. Expectations rose that he'd bomb out while playing that Teen Angel in an ice cream cone. Thing is, Mr.Hicks took that small role and created a win for himself, created a win for the Broadway production.

Taylor Hicks most recent gamble centers around utilizing the national touring opportunity to open a new potential avenue in marketing - he's combining his role in this theater performance as a way to highlight his own music. This marks a first time out venture in working the industry this way; if it works out for Mr. Hicks, certainly other musicians will follow in his dancing foot steps.

This recent spate of events in the career in Taylor Hicks' exemplify the appeal that Taylor Hicks holds for me - his perseverance. The guy tried out for Idol in a bid to get his name out in the national spotlight and that succeeded - although not with the exact results desired. Certainly his time with 19E and the Idol producers were not always spent enjoyed as a harmonious relationship. Still, now the man is moving forward, taking what he has open to him from that experience and bringing something else, potentially innovative to the picture.

This time I'm hoping that Lady Luck smiles down on him. Regardless, Taylor Hicks obviously plans on going the distance. Tumble those dice, Soul Man.

video c/o legacied LYRICS
Yeah, I'm feeling good.

Sunday Morning Christmas Songs

O Come all Ye Taylor Hicks Faithful, let Mankind not Bogart Love.

Nutmeg, the spice of my Eggnog.

videos c/o Wiredsetvideo
In a more serious, IDOL BLUES related note: Taylor Hicks sings "White Christmas".

video c/o bonzacat
Happy Sunday, time to go shopping. And eggnogging.

Taylor Hicks Seeking the Right Simon

Interview carried on Caryl's blogspot, with Tim of Tim's Travels' talks Taylor Hicks' new record, "The Distance" coming out February 10, 2009 (and Hick's current role in "Grease").

What should absolutely leap out at anyone watching this segment is the fact pointed out by Tim, the traveling interview guy, the musicians playing with Taylor Hicks on this upcoming CD are already famous, hell, Taylor's got Eric Clapton's (and the late Stevie Ray Vaughn's) musicians on the new record with him.

These guys don't 'need' Taylor Hicks. Simon Climie doesn't 'need' Taylor Hicks, but they obviously see 'something'.
"Traveling Riverside Blues" Doyle Bramhall and Eric Clapton

video c/o jemf999
Taylor Hicks is not mentioned on Doyle Bramhall's site - his playing on the recent Susan Tedeschi album is highlighted.
Here's some Nathan East:

Abe Laboriel making it 'talk'.

video c/o akyazero

I'm stoked.

Anniversaries... Past, Future, Now

Today, December 12th marks an anniversary fans of Taylor Hicks might remember. In 2006 this was the day Hicks' eponymous album created between he and the American Idol folks hit the market. This the day too, marks a date in which the fan base began a definitive change.

I was reminded of this over at Chill's wordpress blog. My relationship with Chill a story in itself about change. I've made peace with this lady and her blog pals - quite an evolution in itself considering everything that has occurred in our on-line klazzy past. I give this blog credit for assisting in this change of events.

The thing about anniversaries - although you may be celebrating it in the here and now, what they are about is the past, about time, about accumulation. Often this means a level of accomplishment too, bringing about an appreciation of how things once were comparative to how they are now. Anniversaries like birthdays; a time to embrace new beginnings as you reflect back on who you have been, what you have done, a time to stop and look forward to what you will do next.

Marking this date as the two year mark for Taylor Hicks' Idol CD leaves his fans looking forward to another future anniversary date - Mr. Hicks' new CD drops February 10, 2009.
Journey - before what's his name - "Look Into the Future"

video created by gojimdandygo *inhaling*
There you are my shining star
Can you remember who you are
The role that you play from day to day
You know it's not know it's not the only way...

Still I'm coming home
Yeah you know know I'm coming home someday
The futures brighter now it's not so far away
Guess I'm coming home I'm coming home some way

Taylor Hicks Tuesday, Weather and The Fall

How fitting, on Taylor (Hicks) Tuesday on Caryl's Blogspot she's featuring the Fox and Friend's weather cast with Taylor Hicks (from a while back).

"Fitting" since we're (here in Dallas)about to get a change in our weather - at least for a day or two. Cold front on the way, might get all the way down to 31 degrees tonight. I've gathered in some of that fire wood left over from our mild winter last year, got the Smores supplies in order for that fun loving ten year old's after dinner dessert.

We've got to enjoy those cool spells while we can during The Fall, in Dallas.

video c/o itily224 from Waukegan
Lyrics:
here it comes just rushing in
the distant smile replied, a distant grin it's not so bad after all I climbed the ladder, and you took the fall you took the fall...

Taylor Hicks, Caught in The Maze?

Now what's not to love about this photo? Taylor Hicks with the Sun over his shoulder. hahaha.

Yeah, see my point of view...

video c/o soulindiane
More Maze...In the mood for some Maze? I am obviously.

video c/o sturgess66
Taylor Hicks in Rhode Island - with Old Man River

video c/o iamvicarious

Taylor Hicks - Time Waits For No One

Taylor Hicks, Time waits for no one, and it won't wait for you. Push that music on your sites now - don't wait. Suspense is overrated. Go man.


Just saying....
Lyrics:
Yes, star crossed in pleasure, the stream flows on by
Yes, as we're sated in leisure, we watch it fly

And time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me
And time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me

Time can tear down a building or destroy a woman's face
Hours are like diamonds, don't let them waste

Time waits for no one, no favours has he
Time waits for no one, and he won't wait for me

Men, they build towers to their passing yes, to their fame everlasting
Here he comes chopping and reaping, hear him laugh at their cheating

And time waits for no man, and it won't wait for me
Yes, time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me

Drink in your summer, gather your corn
The dreams of the night time will have vanished by dawn

And time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me
And time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me

Taylor Hicks' Providence Interview...and Beer

Taylor Hicks was invited to the 92 PRO-FM studio to talk "Grease", Providence, and his upcoming new record set to drop February 2009. Mr. Hicks is in good form, exhibiting an affable, approachable, laid back vibe as he speaks about the topics at hand with the folks in the radio booth.

"Modern Whomp" as a style definition omitted as he describes the style of music he's been inspired by in the creation of this new CD as more Van Morrison, James Taylor. He's asked about the critics, and anyone reading much about Mr. Hicks knows he's been lambasted by the music writers - not just ol' Simon Cowell - for the duration of his career following Idol. Taylor Hicks' expression following the interviewer's comment, "...better than having a bunch of "yes men' around" speaks volumes(4:04).

My on-line pal, Caryl, asked me why I'd think he'd listen to what 'we' write. 'We' being fans/bloggers in this case. Check at 3:00; Mr. Hicks says, "it's about the American people". Caryl, we be people!

Watching this interview, apparently Mr. Hicks is having some fun in Providence, when talking about the beer at a certain brewery (Trinity) establishment he adds, ""Just drink four and they all taste the same". Man, if you go back in, order a nice molten dark beer for Sunny.

Speaking of beer, here's a clip created from one of my favorite shows of all time, "The Man Show" - featuring one of the stars of that show.
The Fox


Cheers.

Providence Comes A Knocking: Yo... I See You Mack Daddy

Taylor Hicks fans - do you readers of IDOL BLUES think it matters to that Mack Daddy O'Soul what you think, what you write, what you read... Hell Yeah, he listens, it matters.

"The Distance" ???


"Can't You Hear Me Knocking" Rolling Stones

I hear you. Break a leg, Soulman.

Taylor Hicks Knocking, Providence Opening the Door

It's somehow fitting that the "Grease" National tour would begin on a Tues-Tay Tuesday considering Taylor Hicks is planning on utilizing this opportunity to open yet another door in his quest to 'have his voice heard'. Back in 2006, during the American Idol boards in the Taylor Hicks threads, posters affectionately referred to this day of the week as "Tues-Tay". Slightly embarrassing to remember, but back then, beginning in the morning hours, fans of the man (yes, I'd be tuned into the web page at least part of that day) would start their countdowns in anticipation of show time in their respective time zones.

Moderately interesting, the beginning city of this national theater tour being in a city named Providence. Merriam-Websters defines the word 'providence': divine guidance or care; the power sustaining and guiding human destiny. Whether this city was selected simply at random, a matter of pure circumstance, convenience, or perhaps, for those so inclined, a sign sent harboring some sort of cosmic divinity (Ouija anyone?) - something to entertain your brain for a moment.

You see, Mr. Hicks has said he's on a new pathway toward a possible new age marketing idea, an idea concocted within the secluded walls of the show's producers and Mr. Hicks' "people". This national touring production of "Grease" providing the added benefit of promoting his new CD scheduled for release, February 10th, 2009. (Regarding "people", you know what I mean - the cast of humanity that surround those of the celebrity ilk designed to provide guidance and advice; handle all the scheduling and marketing that accompanies the status of 'said' celebrity.) Not known, the idea behind and the reason for kicking off this national tour in the the tiny state of Rhode Island and that potentially provident moniker of description for Mr. Hicks' most recent quest to rise in the entertainment industry.

In an article in one of the Providence local on-line sources, projo.com, Rick Massimo pens a clever title, "Taylor Hicks greases the skids of his career". In that title lies reference to the fact that Mr. Hicks is in need of an upward surge in his destiny chart and that perhaps "Grease" may pull the guy out of what has been viewed by many as a downward skid, career-wise. In the article Mr. Hicks is quoted as saying that the role of Teen Angel spoke to him. “It’s kind of like rock ’n’ roll heaven — all the rock stars coming down from heaven and [saying] ‘Do something that’s solid.’ I think there’s a hidden message: Education will set you free.”

Perhaps this role in "Grease" as the Teen Angel has come to Mr. Hicks as his providence; certainly it will provide an education in creative expansion. Too, perhaps Providence will play a role in being a key to finally unlock that door he's been knocking on for so many years.
"Fight Outta You" Ben Harper LYRICS


Taylor Hicks, may providence be with you. (You know, like the Force.)

Monday Morning Post Holiday Blues

A tune in honor of my loved one traveling today.
"I Love the Road" Bo Bice

Following the traveling theory, my heart's in California today.
"California" Joni Mitchell

"Goodbye For Now" P.O.D. (Payable On Death)

In the event you're not familiar with P.O.D. they're a little band from California - San Diego way: CLICK for WIKI. Their official website is to be found HERE. Lead singer, Sonny Sandoval has sort of an Anthony Kiedis vibe and tone about his style.
Now this post, dear readers, indicative of how very eclectic my musical collection runs. Variety is the spice.
Rock on.