Wednesday, May 26, 2004


The Song Not The Singer


Sometimes I lose all self-respect and end up watching American Idol.

I’m not really sure why I do this. I really hate the stock-in-trade product of these shows: treacly, overwrought ballads delivered by eager-to-please amateurs, with the ultimate goal of delivering a “new”, radio-friendly voice to slot in comfortably next to all the other identikit melisma-abusers already boring the world to tears.

I can’t help thinking how much more interesting the competition would be, though, if they opened it up to a wider range of songs, and maybe threw the contestants some curveballs. Wouldn’t it be great to hear some big, strapping jock try to deal with Belle & Sebastian’s “Seeing Other People”, or to see someone tackle the La’s classic “There She Goes” without the obliviousness Sixpence None The Richer brought to the lyrical content? (hint: It’s a love song, all right, but…)

addendum: thanks to George for pointing out this.


:: Dave Walker 12:26 (EST/EDT) [+]

:: [/entertainment/music]
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:: Comments (3)

Comments:

George Hotelling wrote:

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Sort of the flipside of Travis covering Britney Spears or Flaming Lips covering Kylie Minogue? Somehow I doubt the average American Idol viewer wants to be exposed to new music except in car commercials.
George Hotelling wrote:

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Wouldn't you know it, but I just came across Why 'Idol' Is Always Oldies Night on Waxy.org's Links.
ssp wrote:

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B&S would be a sweet idea. Those kids just wouldn't know what to do with themselves while singing.



Decisions of the judges will be final unless shouted down by a really over- whelming majority of the crowd present. Abusive and obscene language may not be used by contestants when addressing members of the judging panel, or, conversely, by members of the judging panel when addressing contestants (unless struck by a boomerang). -- Mudgeeraba Creek Emu-Riding and Boomerang-Throwing Assoc.