"I'm really good at this. You just don't know it yet."

"I'm really good at this. You just don't know it yet."

That is what I would say to anyone who reads this and maybe does not know me like some know me.  Music is not just a backdrop for me, it is life.  I sing out loud constantly for those who love and accept it.  If you have played some trivia game-Cranium- with me, you know (wink-wink).  If only I had these abilities with history or something other than pop culture!  I am justifying my endeavors here...clearly.  Just take the journey with me and enjoy the music, man.

On to Idol.

Why am I the only one watching this in my house at this time?  They have all lost interest.  I may be losing it too.  The first week of Hollywood was good, but not so good that any one person stood out for me.  There was drama, crying, yada yada.  Ellen is OK, but I did like Paula.  I have noticed that Kara has become much nicer.  Some one called her into their office to have "a talk" about her image, I am sure.  The second Hollywood week dragged...it always does.  I am now on the girls night of the top 24.  No one stands out.  Simon is usually spot on. Hope the guys are more exciting.  I know, I know, it's tv.  Which brings me to a non-musical note (no pun intended).  How did The Kardashian's become so popular?  I am just wondering. They don't even sing!!  What do they do?  They are no Partridge's is all I'm saying.

After starting this blog, I keep having these musical realizations...realization #5: I watch movie credits to see the very end with the music listed.  Do other people?  My husband indulged me at a movie the other night in the theater.  Everyone else had left but us.  I just had to see who had sung a particular song.  I really love when I know the songs in a movie.  It is like a special secret.  One of my favorites is Maroon 5's Sunday Morning in Something's Gotta Give Maroon 5.  It was before they hit it really huge, but I knew it because I had the cd.

I also get a kick out of singers in movies, like Gwen Stefani as Jean Harlow in The Aviator.

Cross-overs work for me too. I like Jennifer Lopez as an actress and singer.  She appeals to the pop lover in me.  Then there is our latest kick in Zooey Deschanel.  I love her quirky ways, acting and singing.  

This is her commercial.  Cute.  This is the full version.  Here she is with her sis Emily. .Duo

Then there is Danny Elfman of Oingo Boingo fame who has made an entire second career of movie music.  His pairing with the factory that is Tim Burton is awesome. 

What I do not like is bands/singers as the movie.  Like U2's Rattle N Hum.  I fell asleep-literally.  Madonna's Truth or Dare was okay, but she is entertaining as a show anyhow.  Hard Day's Night?  eek.  On my list to watch before I die is that one with the guys who are not really a band, but a parody...oh yes, um, what is it called again?? Shoot.

I am not Pretending! Ode to The Pretenders and Chrissy Hynde

Today the song Special by Garbage came on.  

I like them, I like their lyrics, the sound, etc.   I know Shirley Manson has covered some Chrissy Hynde/Pretenders songs.  But, giving this a millionth listen, it totally dawned on me how this song is an ode to The Pretenders with lines like "I thought you were special" and "we were the talk of the town."  I guess you would have to really know The Pretenders songs.

Here is what I mean:

 Special Listen to the last few seconds.  Right out of Brass in Pocket and Talk of the Town

I can see Chrissy's influence on Shirley.  Shirley does it well.  Some people do not...and lots have tried.

 I'll Stand By You

Carrie Underwood  I like Carrie, but not this one.  Too sweetie pie for me.   This is an anthem of a generation for god's sake.  I am angry, but I love you.

Shakira -live. Hmmm, gives such a different meaning to it.  This is about a couple, not the world, for me at least.  I am not buying it.

We are HUGE Pretenders fans.  At one time Rob and I searched high and low for this song by Moodswings that featured Chrissy Hynde.  It took us months to figure it out, this was before the internet.

Just beautiful.  It still gives me the chills. We listen to it even now.

I believe that Chrissy brought Rob and I closer over the years.  Remember mixed tapes?  Ha ha.  Here is one he put on an early mixed tape for me, among other ones: Breakfast In Bed.

Now on to something totally different and irrelevant...shocking from me, I know.

You know that song Proud Mary?  Well, I hate it.  So many people have covered it and it was not so good to begin with.  One time when I was in Vegas with Kelly and Belinda, we saw it up on a stage at The Rio, and man...was it cheesy!  That sealed the deal for me.  I hated it even more.  I have to clarify something though.  I know all the words to it, sing it loudly when it comes on and make a general fool of myself-a la Tina Turner- in the spirit of it's cheesyness.  My kids crack up when I do this and I do try to get a laugh.

Tina & Ike Tina Then

Tina all wound up 20+ years later, with the same intro too! Tina now

Beyonce is Rollin' as Tina and Prez Bush look on with an ode to the intro even! Bee being Tina

But, can I have that Beyonce hair!  Wow.

Tina & Beyonce together!  Tina and Co.  Beyonce even stepped on Tina's foot--there is coverage, but you go find the link.

Taking it such a different way now.

Creedence Clearwater Revival (who, by the way, I am not a huge fan of, but then, is anyone anymore?)  Thank God they do not have the same intro as Tina. Hmmmm John Fogerty has his own solo versions too...You get the point.

If you really love it, catch it on some goofy stage in Las Vegas.

I WON TIX TO AVENUE Q.  It was great.  Puppet sex...not so much.  lol.  If you get a chance to see it (free is better) go.

Gay  If you were gay from the show.

Idol-Hollywood Week starts-enough said.  Full recap next week?  Let me know.

The Grammy's Slammied

I watched the whole thing!  I have to say this, because in previous years, I skip through to just see the acts I know.  This year, except for Maxwell (sorry any fans) I knew all the acts and recipients.  Country, R&B, Beyonce, Taylor Swift.
I think it was a good show, it did not disappoint.  From the opening with Lady Gaga and Elton John mixed up and singing to the MJ tribute, with, might I point out, two American Idol ladies.

I think the most touching moment, brought a tear to my eye, was Taylor accepting one of her awards.  Referring to herself as that little girl who people said one day we may see at the Grammy's.  The humbleness she brings to the biz is refreshing if you ask me.

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 I also felt for MJ's kids.  You could tell how nervous they were.  I am glad to see they were there though, to see that the fans did love him.

Pink's performance was pretty dang special too.  I could have done without the water, but the acrobatics were amazing and the fact that she sounded so good doing it...even better.

The one thing I did not like is how there were a ton of awards given out that were not announced.  I love Colbie Calliet and her's was nowhere to be found.  I know, we would have to watch for 5 hours if they announced 'em all on the broadcast. 
Here is a link for the complete list of winners.
And the website to see what you  missed at the Grammy's.



ONTO THE MAIN EVENT-American Idol is singling in on Hollywood Week, and I think it should have been there already. Alright already with Posh-nice as she is-as guest judge and bad auditions. Bring on the real talent.
At their website, they are listing NOTHING yet!  I was hoping to see a re-cap of some of the Hollywood hopefuls, but not yet.  I called Carrie Underwood from her audition, so let's see who we get this year.  I call the girl from Barney as a finalist in at least the top 24...Erica Rhodes.