Idol Recap: Jamie Foxx Leads The Rat Pack?

Can I just say this one thing? WHY THE HELL IS JAMIE FOXX THE MENTOR FOR RAT PACK WEEK? He's a nice dude and everything, but his hits include an autotuned ode to drunk sex and doing the hook on a song called "Gold Digger." Never mind, he's perfect for Rat Pack night...

Kris Allen sang "The Way You Look Tonight" and can we talk about the way he looks tonight? He looks delish, and he sounds like a dream. He has a great voice, and didn't do anything new with the melody. Which is precisely what he should have done because these songs need sung well to be effective, not changed up.

I was worried about Allison, and I have no idea why. She picked "Someone To Watch Over Me" and it was the perfect song for her smoky jazz voice. She sounded like a little girl with a story, and you really wanted to watch over her. Classy, sweet but not really sentimental - everything Allison needed to be tonight.

Matt tried so hard to not go crazy and let the runs take over; but he can't control himself, can he? It was good, but "My Funny Valentine" has become so played out on this stage and he didn't bring anything fresh to it. I don't think he has what it takes to keep going.

Do I have to talk about Danny Gokey? Really? If you insist... I totally disagree with the judges, he does not have the voice for this kind of song. "Come Rain Or Come Shine" should be happy, breezy and fun and Danny injected it with to much growl and unnecessary attitude. I could just be projecting because I hate him so much, but he really sounded wrong for the song. Yeah he has swagger, but so does M.I.A. and I'm pretty sure nobody wants her singing "I Rather Be Lonely Than Happy With Somebody Else"

I couldn't even think or write any notes during Adam's performance of "Feeling Good." He always bring such magnetic energy to the stage. How anyone could look away from the sight of him strutting down those steps in a shiny white suit crooning the most dramatic American standard, I can't even imagine. He always entertains and bring a believability that theatrical performances can sometimes be missing.

So, I really feel that Matt should be going home tonight. But Allison may be in trouble, too. She was brilliant, but the voting public seems to be against her. We'll see...

Label Drop Can't Stop Ms Kelly From Rocking My World, Vocally.

So, you guys, listen. Kelly Rowland was dropped by her label a few weeks ago, and I'm sure Beyonce was saddened by the news. Sasha Fierce was probably just vouging it up, though. But don't cry for girlfriend, Destiny's Children! She's got a Bravo TV hosting gig, and she's still singing.

House DJ David Guetta tapped Ms. Kelly for his new single "When Love Takes Over", a prelude to his fourth album. Now, I love my some dance music, but I apparently missed the boat on Guetta. So I had to check out the single, available now on the iTunes and places like that, and it sounds like Jordin Sparks lost her virginity to Coldplay and their illicit love child recorded a ballad that Teisto remixed. Which is to say: FRIGGIN' AWSOME!!! So yeah, check out the live video from the official live debut at a F*** Me I'm Famous party. Found via Chart Rigger.



Does anyone else smell a hit, or am I huffing the "We Break The Dawn" fumes again?

REVIEW: Bat For Lashes - “Two Suns”

The first, most obvious evolution from Bat For Lashes’ debut album to this lush sounds cape is evident on the opening line of the opening track. “Glass” begins with a quote from the Song Of Solomon, and Natasha Khan’s voice soars in a striking falsetto without backing music. Her vocals were sometimes a bit staid and almost boring on that first album, now they are alive and going places I didn’t expect. “I will rise now and go about the city, in the streets and broadways I seek him who my soul obeys” she sings as the drums join her eerie chorus. That’s one good thing Bat For Lashes has retained from the uneven Fur & Gold, an uncanny feel for unusual percussion, often sounding like beats lifted from the ritual dances of native peoples and warped into this futuristic blend of beauty and pain.

The drums play an important role in the synth-heavy stand out (and lead single) “Daniel” which sounds like a lost track from the Labyrinth soundtrack. The synths and drums underscore another emotional and lovely vocal and brilliant viola solo. The lyrics seem like they were also lifted from ancient sources, lines like “Khia took me to the darkest place she knew and set fire to my heart” seem tribal and raw. “Two Planets” also plays with this Twilight Zone concept of the future meets the ancient.

“Pearl’s Dream” is a new-wave kind of slow dance number and the first obvious indication of the theme and characters of this concept album. Apparently Pearl is the Sasha Fierce to Natasha’s Beyonce, but I wouldn’t worry my pretty little head about this story line. It doesn’t play into the music much, just enjoy it for what it is, a blend of ancient sea shanties (most notable on “Sleep Alone” ), futuristic synths and spooky vocals and drums.

Closing the album is the best, most haunting song on this musical journey. “The Big Sleep” doesn’t explore new lyrical territory, the metaphors of curtain call as death and sleep as death have been done again and again. But an icy piano is the only background to a spiraling duet between Natasha’s lilting soprano and Scott Walker’s quavering, almost Dracula-esque tenor and the two create magic in three minutes.

Idol Recap: They Work Hard For No Money

This week the songbooks of Donna Summers and the brothers Gibb were opened, and it was good. Except when it wasn't. (Oh, Lil. How could you spit on the grave of Chaka Khan's career?) It's Disco Week on Idol, and no one wore bedazzled polyester jumpsuits. But they did sing. Here's your recap...

As you may have guessed from the intro, I'm kinda in hate with Lil this week. She sang "I'm Every Woman" which has been done a couple times on Idol, most memorably by my girl Mandisa. And bombed so badly, it was the worst she's sounded all season. It was a diva song, but she sounded off key and shouty, half the song was just awful sounding runs and she was completely unhinged. In a perfect world, she would go home tonight.

Thankfully Kris righted the love train with an Latin-flavored acoustic take on the Donna Summer hit "She Works Hard For The Money." I give him huge points for originality, but I knew he would have to do a new version of whatever song he got. I would have maybe amped up the Latin percussion or dropped it all together, but it was hot. He really made it fit with his vibe and voice.

I hate Danny. That is all. OK, no that's not all. I mean, I hate him and don't even know why, that's true. He's shouty, loud and obnoxious. And he didn't do a damn thing new or interesting with "September" which the judges would complain about others later on. But Danny gets praise for his vocals and only mild critique for the boringness. Fellate him a little more, Randy. I can't tell whose head is further up his hot Gokey ass, Danny's or the panel. Ugh, hate leads to the dark side and wrinkles, I just need to ignore him.

OMG! Allison just keeps getting better. She sounded like Christina Aguilera's rock sister, just belting out a slowed down version of "Hot Stuff" in some really fly pumps. I loved the arrangement, it added to the roar Allison brings whenever she attacks the stage. But should a sixteen year old really be singing "Hot Stuff"? If Miley can do it...

I expected a wild performance from Adam. We all do. But I didn't expect to go wild over his slowed down version of Yvonne Elliman's "If I Can't Have You" - showing he can go beyond theatrics and really show an emotional connection under his wailing vocals. And he was really pitch perfect, which is really hard to do when you convey that level of emotion live. Of course, I'd rather he'd done Yvonne's Broadway classic "I Don't Know How To Love Him" but I don't expect to hear that on the Idol stage...

Matt wants to be "Stayin' Alive" this week. With a double elimination, that might hard to do. He brings the Timberlake, but is that enough? It was solid, even sexy but with Adam, Allison and Kris really stunning us tonight I don't know if that's enough. I enjoyed it, especially the interaction with the background singers.

Rounding out the show, for God only knows what reason, is Anoop. He sang "Dim All The Lights" well, but it was so slow and boring. I hated it, mostly because I couldn't get into it. I didn't know the song and his version did nothing to inspire me to dig any further. He should go home, but I'm not sure he will.

Bottom three should be Anoop, Danny and Lil, but I know Matt will fill that place that Danny won't. Matt shouldn't go, but I can't guarantee he won't. Lil has to be one of the ones going home, unless Allison's fans were asleep at the wheel last night. We'll find out...

Happy Earth Day!

Hello, fellow humans and English-translating humanoids! It's Earth Day, a holiday which has a lot in common with Christmas. Both days feature trees, discussions about wrappings and guilt trips. The only difference being the guilt trips are from Al Gore instead of the relatives that got the short end of the visitation stick.

But in all seriousness, I feel my inner Green Man rising forth and reminding of all the things I do right and wrong on regards to my Mama Earth. I do my bit, and here's how:

I recycle. Not just because I'd get a fine if I didn't, but because it's not really that difficult and it's a small thing. The trash collectors take cardboard, plastic, aluminum, glass and metal, that's a few extra minutes of sorting that is so worth it. Also, if you forget your re-usable bags at the grocery (like I often do) most grocery stores have plastic bag recycling bins, at least here in Central PA. Check out the supermarket near you. And if you have still-usable household items and clothes you no longer use, don't toss them in the garbage. Plenty of charities, like Salvation Army, Goodwill and local charity thrift stores will take them and turn them into cash to help fund food shelters, job placement programs and other community events. Some even pick up the items! This is a no-brainer, people. Doing good for the community and the environment? That's good karma right there.

I shop smart. Yeah, environmentally conscious products can cost more. But those energy efficient light bulbs save you money in more ways than you shell out initially. Your electric bill goes down, plus they tend to last much longer. I've been replacing my old style bulbs with the new ones as they burn out. And other times, it's not about buying something with a big ECO FRIENDLY sticker on it. Malt-O-Meal breakfast cereal use just bags, no boxes. That's a bunch of cardboard that doesn't need recycled because it never existed. And it's usually cheaper than the name brands. Also, purchase local produce. Not only is it fresher and tastier, it takes less fuel to transport and you help local farmers. Just take a second to think when you're shopping and you'll see lots of choices that are better for the planet.


I turn off the lights. Duh, it's so simple. Just turn off the TV when you're watching it, turn off the computer when you're not using it anymore, turn off the lights when you leave the room. It's so simple, yet I find a lot of people jacking up the electric bills and wasting energy out of sheer forgetfulness/laziness. Also, long showers should be saved for those days when you need that extra relaxation, if at all. Instead, get a massage, meditate or visit a park or library.

I use the web, not the post office. I have bills and statements sent to my email, and do a lot of bill-paying online. It's easier and faster, plus less paper wasted on envelopes and bills. I try not to buy magazines that have the same content I can find online, although photo spreads in Vanity Fair do look better in real life, not online.

But alas, I am not the king of all things Green. Here are the things I need help convincing myself to do:

I don't carpool. I just don't know anyone well enough that follows the same schedule and commutes the same path. If you do, I highly recommend it. Or take the bus/subway/train if the schedule fits your job (it doesn't here in the 'burg.)

I don't buy MP3 albums. I know they are often cheaper, don't waste any paper or plastic and I get the music instantly. I just have a strong attachment to the feeling of holding a CD booklet, looking at the cover art, liner photos, lyrics and reading all the fine print with producers, songwriters and session musicians. iTunes doesn't always include the composer information and never has the rest of that info. I can count on one hand the number of full albums I've downloaded, and most of them end up burned onto CD to play in the car anyway.

I rarely send e-cards. I know they are usually free, and can have music and movement. And no postage required! My problem is, I like the feeling of writing actual notes inside cards or even letters on stationary, and creating a personal item that someone can save. Or not, I don't really care. But I don't know if I can give that up. I do try to find recycled papers and cards to use.

So, what do you do help Mother Earth? Any tips I should be trying? Leave 'em in the comments!

Going Gaga: Lots of Lady Gaga News & Reviews

I didn't really have much reason to post any of these Gaga-related tidbits, but new stuff from the new Lady of pop keeps popping up. So I thought I'd just throw it all in one post and get the Lady out of my system...

First, a new song from Kid Cudi feat Kanye West and Common samples the acoustic version of "Poker Face" on the super dirty "I Poke Her Face." It's amusing, but not really a hit or anything. Kanye has some amusing double entendres, and Cudi drops some NSFW lines. I really hate the use of the "n" word in rap music (or at all, really), and this is one I might look for a censored version before downloading. Listen and download at OMG Blog.



Speaking of acoustic mixes, I picked up Lady Gaga's recent EP The Cherrytree Sessions. It features two live stripped down mixes of "Poker Face" and "Just Dance" from the Cherrytree House and a electric piano & human beatbox mix of "Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)" The vampy, burlesque take on "Poker Face" is fun, not so much an improvement as a brand extension. The "Just Dance" retake just sounds like a poor quality mix of the number one single. However, "Eh Eh" is greatly improved. The beatbox gives it a new, bolder flavor where the original was kind of a limply mid tempo Ace Of Base knock off. The Cherrytree Sessions is available now at online retailers and in physical CDs exclusively through Borders.

Finally, the Gaga tackled Coldplay's number one single "Viva La Vida" for BBC Radio's live lounge last week, and she does wearing a completely ridiculous outfit. Like you expected anything different. Especially with the muffed lyrics, it doesn't sound better than the original in any way, but it is a fun bit of fluff to waste a few minutes with.

Recluctantly Enjoyed: Carolina Liar - "Show Me What I'm Looking For"

Occasionally I rush to judgement on a song. Either I dislike the artist, so I don't give it chance; or at first glance it's doesn't seem like my kind of song. Sometimes, I judge too harshly and end up regretting it. Here is another song I Reluctantly Enjoyed.

At first blush, Carolina Liar's lead singer Chad Wolf looks like a southern rocker with a singer-songwriter bent. I hate southern rock, and most singer-songwriters tend to be a bit pretentious. I hated him already. Upon listening to the band's glossy emo-pop sound, you may think he's South Carolina's new Pete Wentz. Which is kinda cool, but the back story is even more glossy. Britney Spears' producer Max Martin produced the debut album, Coming To Terms and most of the band was created out of Swedish session musicians. It's all so pre-fabricated, which works for thin-voiced pop tarts but rock singers need a little more authenticity. I was planning on hating the lead single, "Show Me What I'm Looking For" because of that perception.

I was wrong. "Show Me What I'm Looking For" takes the best bits from Coldplay's grandiose symphonic rock and Phil Spector's wall of sound, throws on a gospel choir and churns out a pop-rock single that thrills me. I couldn't believe it, I was loving a rock song produced by the same man who gave us "...Baby One More Time." Listen, and reluctantly enjoy with me...

Kelly Clarkson Sexes Up Waiters, Falls Off Bars, Doesn't "Hook Up"

Squee!!!! New Kelly Clarkson video!!! Thank Jesus (and his taking of the wheel) for Google Alerts. The new video for the second, Katy Perry-penned, single from All I Ever Wanted leaked this weekend and it is hot. "I Do Not Hook Up" finds Kelly sporting some fabulous side swept bangs at a society luncheon. She's seated next to Seth Rogen look-alike but she only has eyes for the hot waiter. So she pulls him until the table, and has a chocolate covered strawberry. Oh, and a make-out session, which is captured on a cellphone by Seth Faux-gen. Later, her and the girls hit the pool hall and a Coyote Ugly situation ensues. Will she make out with the pool player in the vest? Or just fall off the bar while dancing? Watch and find out:


Find more videos like this on The Hype Factor

American Idol Recap: Born To Be Mild

This week our Idols were mentored by musical genius... Quintin Tarantino? OK, so he's a huge fan of the show, even going so far as to guest judge on season three. And he's a master of using music to set the scene in his films. He's also really weird, so he and the judges should get along great. Too bad Megan left already... Anyway, this week's theme was Songs From The Cinema, and we got the best of the sappy ballads that soundtrack the big love scenes and end credits.

Opening the show is Allison Iraheta, with the massive Aerosmith single from Armageddon, "Don't Want To Miss A Thing." The opening verse was really nice, her vocals had that mixture of tenderness and gruffness that Pink does so well. But she doesn't quite have the lungs of Steven Tyler, and the chorus was a bit more shouty than powerful. All in all, it was a truly solid performance and I hope my pink-haired sister is safe this week.

Still stuck in a ballad rut, Anoop Desai has figured out what America wants and is going to give it to her. Bryan Adams' Robin Hood theme "Everything I Do (I Do For You)" was really well sung, and he did have some great vocal inflections at places. But despite the fan fervor online, I found it no better, no worse, than his usual balladeering self. I need a really powerful connection to sell me on that many slow, sweet love songs.

Adam Lambert has never done anything boring in his life. I imagine picking up toilet paper at the supermarket even features a few lines in high pitched falsetto, and a dramatic kick at the cart rack. He's a rock star in a way not even last year's hot winner could have imagined. Adam kicked things into overdrive with an electric performance of "Born To Be Wild" that rocked, his stage presence is beyond that of any contestant in the five years I've been watching. It can be over the top, it can be dramatic, but it's never dull.

Look, it's some more Bryan Adams. This time it's "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman" from Don Juan and Matt Giraud is the panty-drop-worthy hottie handling vocals. The opening was really awesome, the soulful vocals over the piano really sold me an emotional connection. But then the guitar broke in, Matt started losing the melody and a really lovely performance went south. He jumped the train on the bridge, and drowned under the weight of his own runs.

Gokey forces an emotional connection with me, and I feel violated. I'm guessing "Endless Love" was chosen with his late wife in mind, but it's beyond sappy and only barely works as a duet. Solo, and with that shouty thing he does when he his emotion chip starts kicking in, it needed either less harp, or less Danny. I'd prefer the latter.

Kris Allen picked the most fucking beautiful ballad of the last ten years and connects emotionally with it. Yeah, I've been playing the "emo-connect" card all recap just so I could salivate over this performance. "Falling Slowly" won the Oscar for best original song in 2008, and it well deserved it. It's haunting and has great melody and lyrics. And Kris just took this sinking boat and pointed it home, thanks to the background singers harmonizing with him at just the right moments. He is amazing, and may have just sailed into the top spot on my favorites this season. Adam, Allison, it's your moves. And Randy can suck my left testicle...

Lil Rounds, how could you? You choice "The Rose" (smart idea avoiding the cliched Whitney/Celine songs) and really gave it a hot arrangement. Huge props for that, you haven't showed that much versatility yet. BUT, and this one is almost as big and hot as yours, you never really committed to the vocals, the generic "session singer" sound didn't work over the traditional first half, and was even less convincing over the amazing gospel ending. That vamp could have cemented you a place in my top ten Idol performances of 2009, instead you just ending any chance of me voting for you. Ouch, that came out harsher than I wanted it to.

The bottom three should be Anoop, Danny and Lil, but it will probably be Anoop, Matt and maybe Allison. There is no way Lil is leaving, one diva always lasts to the top four and the final singer has never gone home outside of a finale episode. I hate to say it, but Matt may be singing for the Judges Save tonight. Sorry, my beautiful boy. At least I still have Kris to look at. He was the best of the night.

My Top Twenty: "Paint It, Black" - The Rolling Stones

Song: "Paint It, Black"
Artist: The Rolling Stones
Album: Aftermath
Year: 1966
Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #1
Players: Mick Jagger -vocals, credited songwriter; Brian Jones - sitar, acoustic guitar; Keith Richards - background vocals, electric guitar, credited songwriter; Bill Wyman - bass, electric organ; Charlie Watts - drums; Jack Nitzsche - piano; Andrew Loog Oldham - producer

I could write scads about this middle-eastern flavored classic Rolling Stones single. From the moment Brian Jones launches into a sitar (one of the most recognizable intros in rock music) through the dark, menacing lyrics and driving drums, the Stones have never been harder, cooler or more enticing. I've never been a huge fan of the British band, but between this song, "Gimme Shelter" and "Start Me Up" I have to give them props.

But that's not why this song is one of my Top Twenty Favorite Songs Of All Time. I have a little story about this song. Wanna hear it?

It was about a year ago at Strawberry's on a Karaoke Thursday. I was there with the guy who had dumped me a few weeks prior. We tried to stay friends, so this was the second time I had grabbed the mic with him post-breakup. After a lackluster attempt at Kanye earlier in the night, I was debating what song to try next. He had told me that I wasn't a rock fan, which annoyed me because I pride myself on loving all music. I was in a combative mood, so I picked "Paint It, Black" and worked that motherfucker out. It felt so good to just let loose with a rock strut and, while I'm no Mick Jagger, I think I did a kick-ass job.

Since then, I've taken to doing "Gimme Shelter" on Rock Band every time my gang of friends gather. But if they had "Paint It, Black" I would revisit that moment of attitude-drenched glory. And the next time I go out for drinks and amateur tunes, I may just do it again.



And this conclude my series of Top Tweny Songs Of All Time. Watch for a new series, The Essentials, to start later this week.

Since I Can't Find The New Bat For Lashes Anywhere In Harrisburg...

Bat For Lashes' newest disc, Two Suns, has been out since last Tuesday. But I've checked the usual shops in the 'burg, (Best Buy, Borders and Target) and nobody has it. Same thing happened with Marianne Faithfull, I had to wait a week before I could find it. I don't know what the deal is with that, if it wasn't for the fact I greatly prefer to have the booklet and all that, I'd just hit the iTunes. They love the Natasha Khan's ethereally spooky chamber pop and have MP3's stocked and ready for download.

While I wait for Two Suns, I stumbled onto a BBC Radio 1 performance by the lovely Ms. Khan. She covers "Use Somebody" (by every Brit's favorite rockers, King Of Leon) with her delicate vocals, an organ and tambourine. It's very pretty, and a great follow up to her Lo Fi mix of my current favorite song, "Daniel." Of course, if I had the album, perhaps I would have a different favorite song. Download both MP3s at Stereogum, and listen to "Use Somebody [Live Lounge Cover]" below.



Ah, what the hell. Enjoy my Favorite Song Of 2009 (So Far) too...

VIDEO: St. Vincent Makes An "Actor Out Of Work" Cry On Command

I've been remiss in posting St. Vincent-related news. I do apologize. Her flawed Marry Me was one of my favorite albums of 2007 but I hear the new disc, Actor, is even better. The lead single "Actor Out Of Work" is wonky, fuzzed out guitar magic with Annie Clark's multi-layered vocals stealing the show. The video is acting class 101, Annie walks into a warehouse full of actors (probably out of work) and makes them cry. Perhaps her overly dramatic lipsynch was too much insane beauty to handle? It's not as emo as it sounds... Watch: (found via Stereogum)

David Cook Is Just As Hot Going Backwards As He Is Forwards...

My beloved Cookie told me (well, the whole crowd actually) at his concert that he was filming a new video for the second single from his recent self-titled disc. "Come Back To Me" finds him in solid mid-tempo power rock arena, a place his voice can swell on the emotional chorus. The video features the scruffy faced Idol winner walking backwards out of the bathroom, joining his band before heading out the woods and back to the airport, where his horrible, terrible, unworthy girlfriend is getting on a plane and leaving him. He's willing to wait until she "finds everything you need... when you find you, come back to me." Aww, he's so sweet. In the meantime, honey, he can find comfort in these arms. Just saying... Watch:

American Idol Recap: As Years Go By...

This week the Idols sang song released in the year they were born. Because nothing says fresh and modern like songs as old as the artist singing them. Anyway, let's take a look at the almost all 80s babies singing some old school stuff.

Danny Gokey went back to 1980 for a really bad arrangement of "Stand By Me." It was boring in the beginning and shouty at the end. The pre-song package made him come off as douchier than usual, which is quite an accomplishment! The Good Christian Widower should be in trouble, but since the judges gave him a tongue bath of praise, he's so safe.

Truthiness alert: my mind wandered so much during Kris's "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" that I didn't write any notes. Re-watching it, it still left no impression. He's cute, but the original version is so obnoxious and he did nothing to improve it. A bad week for an other wise good performer.

Oh, Lil! You can sing, but that's not enough. Tina Turner has so many imitators (Beyonce springs to mind,) and you came off as the lowest of them. Plus the vocals were very shouty, and "What's Love Got To Do With It" needs more sass, less scratch... iness. Sorry, rhyming is not my gift. Girlfriend is in danger, Idol fans love a diva but she is not living up to the standards set by Fantasia or Syesha.

I see Anoop's "True Colors" and that's why I am ambivalent about him. He explained his disgusted reaction after last weeks god-awful song and Kara's very accurate observations about it. But he did not apologize, which was either an oops or a diss. Anyway, I loved his ballads before, but this time he was boring. Cyndi sold that song with emotion and her unique voice, Anoop doesn't have that connection that is required for this song.

Scott finally picked a more upbeat song than usual, the Survivor power ballad "The Search Is Over." He also stepped outside the box playing an electric guitar. But his vocals suffered, it was a little screechy. I enjoyed his "punk" side, but his singing was pretty punk, too.

Here is the reason I love Allison: she can take a beautiful, slow, moving song like "I Can't Make You Love Me" and keep it beautiful with making it boring. She has such a studio-ready voice, the subtle inflection of smoke is beautiful. She may be my favorite, but I'm not sure she can win.

Poor Matt Giraurd! His comments got cut short because the show was running long. It's OK, because his Stevie Wonder cover was sexy smoothness and I am here to tell him all about it. He has that pretty white boy soul thing down pat, and if being my "Part Time Lover" is all he can offer, I will take it! My baby sis says he should not have worn the hat, but I told her it's just one more thing he can take off for a seductive strip tease. Oops, did I say that out loud?

Adam got a standing ovation from Simon, which was perfect since he did his entire performance sitting down. Everything about "Mad World" was stunning, the lighting, his stage presence that didn't require movement and his beautiful falsetto made a dramatic statement proving his artist swagger is more than merited. I kinda love the Scary Homosexual Rocker...

The bottom three should be Scott, Anoop and Lil. It will probably be Alison, though, not Anoop. Going home: Scott.

American Idol Recap: Pick A Theme, Any Theme...

This week the Idols had to choose from "Top iTunes Downloads" meaning pretty much every song ever, excepting the Beatles. Because they are too important/greedy to have songs available for download. Anyway...

Anoop Desai decides to try something fresh and modern, like an old Usher song that wasn't much of a hit. "Caught Up" requires some frsh dance moves and killer runs to work, this was karaoke of the worst kind. Ick.

Megan Joy tries to lull us into a sense of contented highs with some Marley, mon. It's a song that she could try to kill, with that meandering vocals of hers. But instead she just lulls us to sleep.

Danny Gokey is better on mute. I discovered this by accident when I got a phone call from my Gay Best Friend and muted the sound whilst we chatted. He's really hot, but so much hotter when he isn't shout/singing at me.

AHHHH! I love Alison Iraheta, and she nailed No Doubt's "Don't Speak." Yes, that dress was fug as sin, but her showmanship and killer smoked-up pipes made up for it one-hundred fold.

Scott McIntyre attempts to cinch the deal on his Adult Contemporary kingship. His Billy Joel cover was his best so far, but still incredibly boring. As usual...

I thought Matt Giraurd started rough, but his version of "You Found Me" got better as it went on. I like him with a rock song, even if everybody else hated it.

Lil Rounds needs a song choice coach! She picked a diva song, but totally the wrong diva song. "I Surrender" is one of the most boring and old fashoined of the Celine Dion catalog. She sang her ass off, but she needs to pick a song that is worthy of her pipes.

I still cannot decide how Adam Lambert made "Play That Funky Music" almost work. His voice is rediculous, as always, but that song choice was really dumb. But still, it was fun and enjoyable.

Kris Allen turns out the best performance of the night with an understated vocal turn on "Ain't No Sunshine." It was seriously hot, he came out of no where to become a frontrunner. And this is the second instrument he's played, proving he is a artist to be reckoned with.

Megan went home, deservedly. Alison should not have been anywher near the bottom.