Supernova and VMAs
Ryan gets the boot
OK, I'm a fan of "Rockstar:Supernova," but can anyone tell me why there is always a look of shock when someone is named to the bottom three or when someone is booted?
Seriously. You know half of the remaining contestants will be at the bottom, and you know someone has to leave. There's only going to be one winner.
So, why the look of shock last night when Ryan was booted? Would there have been less shock if Storm or Dilana was given the axe?
I doubt it.
VMAs aren't what they used to be
MTV's Video Music Awards are on tonight. It's not what it used to be.
I don't recognize half of the names up there.
Some of those up for awards tonight are:
Chris Brown - Usher Jr., is that you?
Rihanna - A Beyonce look-alike that did an absolutely horrible lip-synch job at the Teen Choice Awards last week.
Panic! At The Disco - No idea who they are. I can tell you they have a bad band name though.
Three 6 Mafia - Funny - they won an Oscar, but probably won't win a VMA award.
Fort Minor - I wouldn't be able to ID him if he was standing next to me.
I guess it's ok when you think the awards are being given for best video, and not best talent or best song.
And what's up with the "Ringtone of the Year" category? Your choices are Kanye West's "Gold Digger," Nelly's "Grillz," Fort Minor's "Where'd You Go," Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps" and Bubba Sparxx "Ms New Booty."
Either I'm getting old, or I don't know anyone who would think about putting any of those on their phone. (Maybe it's both.)
Another question - Does MTV even play videos anymore?
At least Jack Black is hosting, and that may have some redeeming qualities to it.
I'll try and post my thoughts on the show tomorrow.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:30 AM
August 30, 2006RockStar: Supernova Week 9
Wow, it's really getting difficult to find the bad singer in the group at this point.
I thought the Dilana situation was blown a little out of proportion. I mean, she said some bad things to the press, but she shouldn't be criticized for her honesty.
Then again, she's still not my favorite on the show, so I wouldn't mind if she didn't win because of the comments.
Anyway - on to the show:
Lukas Rossi - Lukas opened the show with Nirvana's "Lithium." He changed it up a little and I thought it worked well. He strained his voice a little, but he's gotten much better about that over the weeks. I thought it was a really well done performance. Lukas has the ability to keep you focused on him, and not think about the band. That works well considering who makes up Supernova.
Magni - His voice (and the bald look) worked well for Live's "I Alone." He messed up the words at the beginning, but it was hard to notice. He also kicked it up a notch for the chorus and really ripped into it. His primal scream was awesome, too. It was his best performance to date. He's always a solid performer, but I thought he really stepped it up this week.
Ryan Star - He slowed down the beginning and used falsetto for "Clocks" and I hated it, but it did get better. I'm not crazy about the song to begin with, but I wasn't into his changes.
Storm Large - I didn't think "Bring Me To Life" was a good choice for her because of the tone of her voice. I liked that Toby came out and sang with her, but it did take away from her performance. Her voice is always just... missing something. It almost sounded like bad karaoke to me this week.
Toby Rand - His performance of "Rebel Yell" was one of the better ones for him on the show. He has the right tone in his voice for it. I thought it was a solid performance, and he really got the crowd into it. It wasn't his best, but it worked well.
Dilana - I thought the guitar actually took away from her performance of "Mother Mother." I'm glad she put it down after the first verse. Of course, then she went nuts as usual. It was one of her better vocal performances, but she needs to cut back on her over-the-top antics on stage - flailing about, kicking around. It's almost cheesy.
It's getting tougher by the week. I thought the best performances were by: Magni, Lukas and Toby
I thought the worst performances were by: Storm and Ryan
For me, Dilana was in the middle.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:08 AM
August 29, 2006Hilton CD flops
Apparently, Paris Hilton's CD is being called a flop.
Is anyone really surprised by this?
Her CD sold just 75,000 copies in its first week. (Compare that to Christina Aguilera who sold more than 300,000).
Here's the problem - even if the CD was great, it's still Paris Hilton, and people will avoid it.
The problem is that the CD is terrible.
Hey, Kevin Federline... Think you'll beat Paris' sales numbers? I doubt it.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 6:06 PM
August 28, 2006This week's new releases (Aug. 29)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
The Black Crowes "The Lost Crowes" - A collection of rarities - I hope that because the band is touring that they'll record new material.
Crossfade "Falling Away" - I can't keep all these rock bands straight. File with Nickelback, Shinedown, etc.
Bob Dylan "Modern Times" - A new album? It makes me wonder how clear his vocals will be, or will he be mumbling as usual?
Gwar "Beyond Hell" - Gwar is a visual band meant to be seen live. A new album - no one cares.
Hatebreed "Supremacy" - I wish I could tell you how they were at Ozzfest, but they had to cancel their Raleigh appearance.
L.A. Guns "Loud and Dangerous" - The "What Year is This?!?" of the week.
Jessica Simpson "A Public Affair" - Another cheesy pop album - just what we all need.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week: Birdmonster, Copycats, Hawkwind, Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes, Loon, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sailcat
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:06 PM
August 26, 2006CD Review: Breaking Benjamin "Phobia"
Release date: Aug. 8, 2006
14 tracks; 46:42
The track listing for Breaking Benjamin's third album, "Phobia," should be breifly explained.
There are 13 tracks listed on the album. Some copies have a hidden track - an acoustic version of "The Diary of Jane."
While that adds up to 14 tracks, two of them are the "Intro" and "Outro" - basically worthless tracks that consist of noise for less than one minute.
Now, to the music.
The first single from the album, "The Diary of Jane," is probably also the best on the album.
I first heard the band at Ziggy's as an opening act, and immediately was impressed by them.
Their first album, "Saturate," is packed with solid songwriting from start to finish.
Their second album, "We Are Not Alone," is another solid effort, that falls short of the debut's quality.
Now, with the release of "Phobia," the band has basically hit the same mark as their sophomore release, but once again fallen short of the original.
There simply aren't enough stand-out tracks. There are some good songs, but nothing I was truly impressed with.
"Breath," the third track on the album, would be a nice follow-up to the first single.
Singer Ben Burnley has a great tone to his voice, and knows the perfect times to turn on the heat into a growl or scream.
I will say that the more I listen to the album, the more I like it, so it may be a matter of time until I'm truly impressed by the album as a whole.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:32 PM
August 24, 2006Megadeth is mad...
Megadeth is so mad at the United Nations, they're going to call their next album, "United Abominations."
The album, which is expected next year, is the band's first since 2004.
As I read the article at cnn.com, I thought, "Megadeth is still together?!?"
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:23 AM
August 23, 2006Rockstar: Supernova Week 8
Let's get to last night's competition:
Patrice Pike - Her original song, "Beautiful Day," wasn't too bad. I think the lyrics were a little simple and like Dave said, it's for more of a solo act instead of something that fits into Supernova.
Magni - I didn't like his voice on the opening verse of "Smells Like Teen Spirit." It got better on the chorus, but his tone was off. It wasn't his best performance. I was surprised they all gave him so much praise.
Ryan Star - His original song, "Back of Your Car," was good. He still has that confused look on his face each week, but he looked more comfortable on stage than he has in the past. Funny that he threw his guitar after the band suggested it. It was one of his best weeks.
Storm Large - Her version of "Cryin'" was a pretty solid performance. I thought she lacked Steven Tyler's power on the chorus, but she picked it up during the breakdown of the song. The beginning of her performance looked a little too choreographed, but she let go at the end.
Dilana - Her out loud breathing at the beginning was really annoying and cheesy. I wasn't into the giant eyelashes. her voice didn't have enough range to start, and I'm still not into the whole vibrato thing. I think her presence on stage carries here more than her voice. I didn't like that she sang her own name either. Not her best week.
Toby Rand - He did a very different arrangement of "Layla," and while I didn't like the hood pulled over his head, I liked his version of the song. He got the crowd into it. It was a big risk to rearrange a classic, but I thought it worked.
Lukas Rossi - I wasn't familiar with the song, "All these Things That I've Done," but I liked his performance. He has a controlled wild side that works. You can tell he's trying to let his vocals flow more freely. It wasn't his best performance, but it was solid and will carry him to next week.
I'll start listing my top three. In other words, I wouldn't be surprised if any of the others are at the bottom: Ryan, Toby and Lukas
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:25 AM
August 21, 2006This week's new releases (Aug. 22)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases (and a big week for bands with animal-related names):
2Cents "Lost at Sea" - Apparently they're a metal band, and it looks like they're also 48 cents short of being a rap act.
Danity Kane "Danity Kane" - Another Puff Daddy, er, P. Diddy creation that won't last long.
Gov't Mule "High & Mighty" - Another album from Warren Haynes' Gov't Mule can't be bad.
Kelis "Kelis was Here" - One-hit wonder returns with a new CD.
Paris Hilton "Paris" - OK, I'll admit that the first single is a slight notch above horrible. I mean, I expected much worse. But that doesn't mean it's any good.
Outkast "Idlewild" - It's Outkast - I hope they're not disbanding as the rumors say.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: Crazy Frog, Dog Age, Gov't Mule, Inca Ore & Lemon Bears Orches, Lamb of God, Lambchop, Miff Mole, The Mountain Goats, Radio Birdman, Snapper, Tortoise, Wolverine Brass
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:36 AM
August 20, 2006CD Review: The Panic Channel "(ONe)"
Release date: Aug. 15, 2006
13 tracks; 53:10
As a life-long fan of Jane's Addiction, I really wanted to love The Panic Channel's debut CD, "(ONe)".
It has three of the four members of the latest incarnation of Jane's - guitarist Dave Navarro, bassist Chris Chaney and drummer Stephen Perkins.
I questioned the voice of singer Steve Isaacs - after all, he's a former MTV VJ. However, after I heard some of the band's music at Navarro's site, 6767.com, I was convinced that Isaacs could sing.
The album starts off with the catchy, "Teahouse of the Spirits," a song they recently performed on The Tonight Show.
From there, it feels like things just slow down.
"Bloody Mary" isn't bad, and neither is the slow-charging "She Won't Last," but it was hard to find a stand-out track that simply impressed me.
"Said You'd Be" picks up the pace again, but falls just shy of the mark. It lacks a defined chorus and sounds kind of sloppy.
It's not Jane's Addiction, and it's not trying to be.
In a music world that's currently dominated by hip-hop, it's a solid rock effort.
Navarro's guitar work is as good as ever, though Perkins seems to have tamed his drumming.
I wanted a fantastic rock album, and I got a good rock album. I guess it's better than no rock album at all.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:24 AM
August 18, 2006Best of the Triad voting begins
It's time to vote for who's got the best pizza, the best ambiance, and best dance club in town, and more!
Now's your chance to tell us and all of the Triad your favorites. Each week, an online ballot is randomly drawn to win $25. One grand prizewinner will receive $50! You must vote in at least 10 categories to be considered. Winner will be announced on gotriad.com.
No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or over to enter. One entry per email address. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Entries must be received by midnight, September 13, 2006. Weekly winners will be randomly drawn from all valid online entries to receive a $25. One grand prize winner will be randomly drawn to receive $50. Winner will be responsible for any taxes connected to his/her prize. The News & Record is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, illegible, misdirected entries, or other online technical malfunctions. Chance of winning is directly proportional to the number of entries received. All entries will become the property of the News & Record. Abuse of rules will forfeit your right to participate in this and future contests. By entering, winners agree to allow publication of their names, home cities, and publicity in the News & Record without additional consideration. Submission of an entry indicates acceptance of all game rules and the decisions of the independent judging agency, which are final and binding. News & Record or Landmark Communications employees and members of their immediate families (spouses and children) are not eligible to enter.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:08 PM
August 17, 2006Reunited, and it feels so good
The Smashing Pumpkins have reunited (well, two of them, at least) and have started working on their new album.
I hope they revert to the rock ways and not the lighter side they had later on.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:12 PM
August 16, 2006RockStar: Supernova Week 7
Tonight on the elimination show, there will be a performance of the band with one of the contestants singing. It should be interesting to finally hear what the band will sound like.
Let's get to last night's competition:
Zayra Alvarez - She's not right for Supernova, but her original song last night was outstanding. She got to showcase what she's good at, in her style and it worked. I don't think she's right for the band at all, but she showed her talent and why she's a talented singer - for her style.
Magni - I think he continues to improve each week. He always looks comfortable on stage and his vocals get better and better. I'll admit I wasn't too familiar with the song, "Star Man," but it wasn't bad.
Patrice Pike - I think her performances are consistently average. She's good, but not great. She lacks vocal power and doesn't have enough presence on stage to lead Supernova. She'd simply get swallowed by all that would happen around her.
Lukas Rossi - He let his vocals flow for a second week and sounded great again - though he did strain for a few moments. Sitting down let his vocals stand out. I thought it worked well.
Storm Large - She started with a different arrangement of "I Will Survive," but then it went and got all disco. She should have gone with the Cake version instead. Her vocals were good, but it was her worst performance yet.
Toby Rand - It was good, but it didn't blow me away. It wasn't bad by any stretch - solid performance, and I liked the addition of the congas. It just didn't stand out in the pack.
Ryan Star - His face always has a look of mild confusion as if he's saying, "What is that I'm looking at?" His vocals sounded great on "In the Air Tonight" and he continues to get better each week.
Dilana - I'm still not crazy about the tone of her voice or the vibrato. She has a great stage presence, without a doubt, but it's her vocals that are shaky for me.
It's getting tougher to call, but my bottom three would be: Patrice, Zayra and Storm
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:25 AM
August 14, 2006This week's new releases (8/15)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Christina Aguilera "Back to Basics" - Of all the pop teen queens, Aguilera was always the one who could actually sing. Her new album fuses in some old-school and should be a big hit. And it's a double CD, which is nice for fans.
The Panic Channel "ONe" - Two original members of Jane's Addiction (and the most recent bass player) unite with a former MTV VJ to try and spark the rock on the airwaves. From what I've heard, it sounds good to me. Review coming soon.
Sublime "Sublime (Deluxe Edition)" - OK, seriously. How many albums can one band put out after the singer has died?
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: Caballo Dorado, Hot Snakes
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:04 AM
August 11, 2006Staind on tour - Raleigh
Staind will make a stop in Raleigh on Oct. 1.
With them: Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Crossfade, Hinder and Black Stone Cherry.
Tickets go on sale Aug. 19 at 10 a.m.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 5:18 PM
August 10, 2006Concert Review: System of a Down/Disturbed
Ozzfest
System of a Down/Disturbed
August 9, 2006
Alltel Pavilion
Raleigh, N.C.
Sunburned backs. Pierced faces. Black clothing. Topless women. More black clothing. More pierced parts. Combat boots. Fishnet stockings.
It was all a part of Ozzfest's stop at Raleigh's Alltel Pavilion on Aug. 9.
There was no Ozzy (He only played on a handful of dates on the second stage).
There was no Hatebreed (They cancelled due to a family emergency).
There were plenty of bands. There was plenty of heat. There was plenty of everything for everyone.
Harry Perry wandered the crowd and would later show up for the last eight songs of the System of a Down set.
Various vendors sold their pro-marijuana wares.
Women walked around with shirts off their freshly-painted torsos.
Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society capped off a second stage roster that included Norma Jean, Atreyu, All That Remains, Bad Acid Trip and others.
Avenged Sevenfold got the main stage crowd up, singing along and fists pumping in the air for a cover of Pantera's "Walk."
While the majority of the bands during the day were high-charged, screaming, in-your-face heavy metal acts, the last two bands on the schedule focused more on vocals and melody.
Disturbed hit the stage at 7:50 for a 70-minute set that touched on each of their three albums.
Addressing the crowd with "My brothers, my sisters, my blood" from time to time, singer David Draiman told those in attendance to pray for the future of the world, and heavy metal.
Draiman's vocals were spot-on for the duration of the 13-song set. He later compared heavy metal music to church saying it has the power to "cleanse your souls."
"Land of Confusion" was the lone cover in their set, though the band had a hit with "Shout" earlier in its career.
The band had a strong performance and led the long day into the night as the crowd got ready for the final act, System of a Down.
With a pending "hiatus" on the horizon, System of a Down did little to acknowledge the crowd - or each other.
They rifled through 22 songs in an hour and 20 minutes, focusing mainly on their recently releases, "Hypnotize" and "Mezmorize."
The video screens that are usually used to show the band were only used for abstract artwork.
Venice Beach's Harry Perry was introduced before the band began "Radio/Video" and he remained in the background for the rest of the set.
Daron Malakian slowed down the beginnings of "Violent Pornography" and "Cigaro," but other than that, the band stayed true to the albums.
The only thing it truly cranked up was the volume, which seemed to be many times louder than the previous bands.
If Ozzfest is the swan song for SOAD, they went out in style and left their fans satisfied with a solid set showcasing songs from all of their albums.
Disturbed set list
Guarded
Liberate
Fear
Remember
Just Stop
Stupify
Deify
Prayer
Voices
Land of Confusion
Believe
Stricken
Down with the Sickness
System of a Down set list
Soldier Side Intro
B.Y.O.B.
Revenga
Attack
Needles
Deer Dance
Suggestions
Psycho
Chop Suey
Lonely Day
Kill Rock N' Roll
Old School Hollywood
Violent Pornography
Cigaro
Radio/Video*
Hypnotize*
Lost in Hollywood*
Question!*
War?*
Aerials*
Toxicity*
Sugar*
* with Harry Perry
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:30 AM
August 9, 2006Rockstar: Supernova Week 6
Let's get right to it:
Dilana - Like Dave, I was shocked that no one jumped on "Won't Get Fooled Again" and a chance to perform with Gilby Clarke. I thought Dilana did a great job with it. It was funny that Gilby sang with her and sounded kind of off key. It was a good way to start the show. She doesn't have a wide range in her voice, but it was a solid performance.
Jill Gioia - Her vocals were good for "Mother, Mother." She added her own twists to the performance and got into it. It was very high-energy. I liked that her vocals were toned down a notch during the verse.
Ryan Star - His vocals continue to get better each week. The black eye makeup may have fit with "Paint It Black," but it was a little too much of an act. His performance still needs work, but he's gotten better over the weeks.
Storm Large - "We Are the Champions" is a tough song, but she did a good job with it. Solid vocals and a comfortable performance.
Zayra Alvarez - Another odd outfit, another bad vocal performance. I couldn't understand half of what she sang. Magni was on guitar with her, and I'm not sure why. I can say she has plenty of confidence and stage presence.
Josh Logan - Tommy Lee surprised him by saying he's play with him on "Interstate Love Song." Josh seemed a little rattled by that and missed some lyrics. He's a good singer, but it was a little off key and a weak performance.
Magni - It was a solid, solo acoustic performance. They said he was the first to do that, but Ryan performed solo on piano, didn't he? I thought it was Magni's best yet - vocals, performance and presence.
Patrice Pike - She's not bad, but she doesn't have "it." She's good, but not great. Compared to the rest, it was weak.
Lukas Rossi - He showed a softer side to his vocals with "Creep." He showed range and his true voice and it was very well done. His best performance yet.
Toby Rand - He brought an edge to "Burning Down the House." It was one of his better performances ... until he brought out the megaphone, which was just odd and not good vocally.
It's getting tougher to call, but my bottom three would be: Josh, Patrice and Zayra.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:12 AM
August 8, 2006Supernova tonight
"Rockstar: Supernova" is on tonight - Check back tomorrow for my thoughts on all of the performances.
If you haven't seen this, check it out. It's a video of Phil getting the axe, and Dave Navarro calling him out for an interview he gave.
It's funny as he does the big :::GULP::: when Navarro quotes him.
"Do you get newspapers where you live? No? Well, I do!"
Hilarious.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:45 PM
August 7, 2006This week's new releases (8/8)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Breaking Benjamin "Phobia" - I've been enjoying this band's music ever since catching them live a few years back. I'm hoping the new album matches up with their previous two. Check back for a review soon.
Fatboy Slim "Why Try Harder - Greatest Hits" - That's right. Why try harder. You had one big hit and most people have forgotten you.
Gin Blossoms "Major Lodge Victory" - Did anyone know these guys were still together, let alone recording?
Willie Nelson "Very Best of Willie Nelson" - Having just heard him live, I'm glad there's a new album, even if it's only a best of.
Sixpence None the Richer "Kiss Me - The Best of Sixpence None the Richer" - I didn't know they had more than one song...
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are:
As Tall As Lions
Copycats
Dog Age
Earl Greyhound
Hootie and the Blowfish
Hour of the Wolf
Lair of the Minotaur
Miss Kittin
The Nighthawks
Porcupine Tree
Sabertooth Tiger
Streetwalkin' Cheetahs
Thee Minks
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:53 PM
August 6, 2006CD Review: Stone Sour "Come What(ever) May"
Release date: Aug. 1, 2006
12 tracks; 49:00
Stone Sour, the "don't call it a side project" for Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor, has released their sophomore album, "Come What(ever) May."
The first few notes of the first track, "30/30-150," may sound like Slipknot, but as the track and album goes on, the comparisons are harder to find.
Sure, Taylor is also the frontman for Slipknot, but his vocals with Stone Sour are much more melodic. The music isn't as layered, but no less complicated.
Taylor showed some of this side on the last Slipknot album, "Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses," with "Vermilion Pt. 2" and "Circle," but this is a different melodic side.
Taylor has said Stone Sour "gives me a chance to do the singing that I love to do, the type of singing that I do when I'm walking around my house."
"Hell & Consequences" brings in a double-bass drum beat and some growling vocals, but the chorus is pure melody.
"Sillyworld" is an acoustic track that fits in nicely with Taylor's previous acoustic songs. It picks up at the chorus and is a solid rock song.
"Made of Scars" has a chorus that's a little shaky, but is still not a bad song.
"Through Glass" is already making waves on the radio. It's a radio-friendly acoustic track that fits nicely beside the band's prevous radio success, "Bother."
"Zzyzx Rd." sounds like an 80s band power ballad, and the lone track that doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the album. While it showcases Taylor's vocals a little more, it's borderline cheesy.
This is the kind of rock album that's needed at this point in time.
Simply put, it's the anti-emo. It shows diversity, has an edge and rocks from start to finish.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:16 PM
August 5, 2006CD Review: Toby Lightman "Bird on a Wire"
Release date: July 25, 2006
13 tracks; 50:59
When I heard the first track off of Toby Lightman's sophomore CD, "Bird on a Wire," I had to go back to her debut CD and see if this was the same girl I had heard before.
I remembered Lightman as the young singer who had a hit on the radio with "Devils and Angel," but thought she leaned towards the folk and pop side of things.
The first track of the new CD, "Don't Wake Me," sounded more like Susan Tedeschi than Nelly Furtado (um, the pre-"Promiscuous" Nelly Furtado).
However, this is also the Lightman that has opened for Jewel, Marc Broussard, James Blunt and Prince.
The new disc sounds more inspired, more bluesy and more soulful than her debut.
It grooves. It rocks. It rolls.
Lightman not only sounds like she has matured as a songwriter, but also as a vocalist.
She doesn't have the same vocal power as Tedeschi, but I can see her growing in that way.
File her with Anna Nalick, in fact.
Her CD ranges from the slow, soulful "Slippin'" to the bluesy "Round & Round" to the mellow "My Sweet Song" to the upbeat "Overflowing."
I'm surprised that Lightman has gone mostly unnoticed up to this point, but that won't continue for too much longer.
Amidst the techno and artificial noise that is saturating music these days, Lightman is one of the true musical bright spots that shines through.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:35 PM
August 3, 2006The Eagles' new album
The Eagles are working on new songs for their first new album since 1979.
I guess all those "Farewell" tours they've been doing for the past handful of years weren't truly farewell tours.
There are more bands out there that act like Michael Jordan than anyone would expect.
How many have said they're doing a final tour, only to keep touring?
Kiss, The Eagles, and Eric Clapton to name a few.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:03 AM
August 2, 2006Rockstar: Supernova Week 5
It's interesting to watch this show each week. I sit and wonder if the singers are getting better or are they changing themselves to fit the show and being someone they're not. I guess the band will have to make that determination.
On with the show:
Patrice Pike - She brought the attitude for a good performance of "Higher Ground," but she lacks the vocal power and edge every week. The song needed some raspiness in the vocal, something that said "rock" more than her faux-hawk. I'm guessing that she'll be safe this week because Tommy Lee was on stage with her.
Josh Logan - He has a good bluesy vocal, but just doesn't fit in with a rock band. "Santaria" was good, but what was up with the beat-boxing? It was good for the song, but not for the competition. He's a good singer, but I can't picture him with Supernova.
Dilana - For the first time, I thought her performance was really good. Her vocals for "Can't Get Enough" worked well and I thought she brought something different than her previous performances and it worked well. Her best performance, stage presence and vocals so far.
Toby Rand - Once again, he put his own spin on a familiar song by changing up "Pennyroyal Tea." It started a little shaky, but he settled down and did a good job with it.
Zayra Alvarez - I can't decide if this girl wants to be a rock star or a porn star. Her outfits every week are more and more "interesting." She brought a nice edge to "867-5309" and the different arrangement worked. She doesn't have the strongest vocals, but the band acts like they'll keep her around for a while just to see what she wears next.
Magni - His performances are starting to look the same each week. He's comfortable on stage, his vocals are pretty solid for "Clocks," but nothing stands out for me. He needs to change it up a bit.
Jill Gioia - She performed a rock arrangement of "Don't You Forget About Me" and it was a bit of over-singing. She brought an edge and good performance, but just needed to tone it down a little bit.
Ryan Star - By far, the performance of the night. He tore through "Losing My Religion" on the piano as a solo song and blew it away. His stage presence gets better each week, though he still looked a little uncomfortable. It was his best song so far and one of the best of the competition to date.
Lukas Rossi - His vocals worked well for "Celebrity Skin," but he still sounds like he's straining his voice. He's been consistently good each week, but like the band, I didn't like that he kept facing away from the audience.
Storm Large - "Changes" was a good song to showcase her vocals. I think she's another one that's getting better every week. It was one of her best performances.
Dana Andrews - She's bringing more of an edge each week and you can see her growing as a performer each time. Her performance tonight was completely different than the first week and I think it was her best so far. I didn't think she'd do so well with "Baba O'Riley." She still has the best range in the group, too.
It's getting tougher to call, but my bottom three would be: Josh, Jill and Zayra.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:18 AM
