A TV series Glee is recently a hit around the world, the audiences love the Glee cover of the classic songs. No matter it was classic like Don’t Stop Believing or It’s My Life, or current hit Poker Face or My Life Would Suck Without You, audiences are all amazed by the singing ability of Glee cast. Some people even said that some Glee cover songs are far more better than the original ones.
I always held a same attitude that singing hit songs by Glee cast is beneficial to both the show itself and the audiences. First of all, audiences are already familiar with the classics, so they do not need a long time to find the echo with Glee. Second, the educational function is explicit, audiences can through this series learn something related to these songs.
However, when the issue of “copyright” and “intellectual property” has been aroused in a book I read recently, Glee has come up in my mind. Using classics abundantly, Glee must confront some issue with copyright.
The fact is, the producers spent a great amount of money in licensing. Dominic Patten wrote that “Madonna-themed episode of ‘Glee’ is going to leave the Material Girl very, very happy”. The reason of that surely is the producers have to pay Madonna for $50,000 per song for licensing fee. This kind of expense not only can not be avoided, but also has a trend to rise: “Licensing, like live performance, is one of the few areas of the music business that is still actually growing.” Including numerous “mash-ups”, the major amount of expense in Glee is obviously not in casting, but in paying licensing fee.
Christina Mulligan wrote on his article Copyright: The Elephant in the Middle of the Glee Club that the biggest problem in Glee was not about paying licensing fee, but in the portrayal of high school students using copyrighted songs in the series. She mentioned that Glee club sang classic song every week, if it was in a real life, they can totally unable to pay such expensive licensing fee. If they put the video on the Internet like the series, they need to pay 150,000 to 300,000 copyright fines. This was obvious not the ordinary high school students could afford. Mulligan believed that Glee apparently ignored copyright issue, she indicated: “the absence of any mention of copyright law in ‘Glee’ illustrates a painful tension in American culture”.
If it is just like what was mentioned above, teenagers can no longer share music or sing songs in public. However, according to copyright law, performing in class or organization without financial purpose does not infringe copyright law, unless the audiences are invited. In the series, most of the performances the student did are rehearsals in classroom, only a few of the performances are in public. Furthermore, if the audiences are less than a certain number, copyright issue can actually be ignored, because there has no financial purpose. But if the show is aired by TV, licensing fee is inevitable.
Back to the series, although Glee has a pay a large amount of money in copyright, the profit later on is abundant. According to a report in Advertising Age, Glee, till February, 2010, has created 420,000 downloads and two golden albums.
We have to agree that in the issue between licensing fee and profits, Glee is doing very well. Although purchasing large number of songs, the show can earn them back in a short period of time, which includes CDs, live performance and other related products. Furthermore, comparing to other series, Glee cast sing all the songs, so they do not need to pay the performance fee, which save the produce team a lot of money.
Besides, with the development of technology and music industry, copyright holders are difficult to get all the legal money from Glee. Those Glee video clips which are protected by copyright have owned over millions clicks, which like Patrik Wikstrom said in The Music Industry: Digital Media and Society Series: “In the new music economy, it is still important to know how one’s intellectual property is used by the audience but it is more or less impossible to regulate and police that use.” Although recording firms are happy with such wide music dissemination, the process is hardly to control. In fact, the so-called “illegal promotion” created more and more listeners, which means more and more people are likely to purchase related products and tickets for tours, and this no doubt increased to potential profits of recording industry. Copyright holders should actually appreciate Glee for the promotion, no wonder there has people believe copyright holders should reduce licensing fees, because these show serve as a promotional function in an implicit way.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The Music We Love Is Changing
In 1960s, the appearance of the Beatles and Elvis Presley made people addicted to rock music. Youths at that time were against war, against mainstream and against everything left by the older generations. Rock music became the tool for them to escape the world or vent their anger.
In 1970s, youths started to search for more fun with the end of wars. Therefore, a fast-beat style of music occurred. Nobody knows it was a pub film Saturday Night Fever ignited the heat of disco music or it was disco music got this film famous, but one thing surely that the people at that period were connected with flared trousers and disco pub.
In 1980s, with the emergence of MTV network, more and more people started to put their attention on visual sensation. At a result, artists such as Cyndi Lauper and Prince, who combined excellent vocals and fantastic outfits, achieved great success. Of course, we ought not to forget Michael Jackson’s unparallel Thriller in 1983 and Modonna’s flirting Like a Vrigin in 1984. In this decade, visual sensation went ahead which also served as the beginning of the later so-call Pop music.
In 1990s, no one would forget Backstreet Boys from the US and Spice Girls from the UK. This was also the golden age of “Pop” music. Young fans franticly chased those handsome boys and girls who singing love song excessively. In this age, Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync made people fascinating boybands that can dance, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera then made people know the shortcut of female artists getting famous was following the part of “Mickey Mouse Club—being sweet like sugar—the few clothes the better”.
Came to the millennium, people started to realize dancing “pretty-face” could not satisfy their hormone. After then, a phrase began to disseminate from corner to corner, it was “pop-punk”. Take a look at the highest reportage from magazine and the highest cover from radio, they all belonged to those kids holding instruments making cool looks. “BoyBands” like Good Charlotte and Simple Plan completely replaced those aged “boyGroups” like Backstreet Boys. People found out that singing with guitars was cooler than singing with dancing. Of course, we never should forget who “popul-ize” pop-punk: Avril Lavigne. 2001, her debut album Let Go surprised people that female singers undressed themselves worth nothing, singing with screaming was the real hot. Thus, more and more similar female singers, such as Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, Kelly Clarkson and Ashlee Simpson, showed up and gained sufficient fame and fortune.
Actually, we can sum up from now that since the emergence of MTV, music was no longer a mirror that reflected a period. People listening to music were not about to express their emotion or escape the world, all their purpose was “being entertained”. These can explain why one of the Michael Jackson’s hottest songs Thriller was nothing but fantastic music video, why “material girl” was another name for Madonna, why dancing handsome boys such as Backstreet Boys could be so famous that even housewives could recognize…
From the music genres, we can classify that rock ‘n’ roll in the 60s, disco in the 70s, pop in the 80s and teen-pop in the 90s could represent a period of year. With the coming of 2010, we can begin to label 2000-2010 which is pop-punk/pop-rock, represented by Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan, Busted, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and Jonas Brothers.
Then, what is the next genre that blows the world? How about saying Lady Gaga?
All I could say is dance music pop again! Heavy beat and songs made by synthesis effect processor re-permeated everyone’s life. Ke$ha and Pixie Lott all once were blamed to follow Lady Gaga. Although there were Justin Timberlake and Usher, who combined hip-hop, dance and R&B, that used to dominate the music industry, no one was like our Lady Gaga that can receive numerous compliments as a rookie. Dance music is so prevalent that some pop-rock bands like McFly add dance-music feature to the new single, then what should we say new artist like Adam Lambert showed up with dance music. Of course, there has Katy Perry that perfectly masters retro and dance.
Besides, we have to mention Miley Cyrus. She majored pop-punk in her first album but suddenly changed to dance in the second one. She is counted as a trend-follower.
Occasionally, comparing to the substitution, what came after 60s’ rock was dance/disco as well. Following this tendency, pop music would dominate the mainstream market after Lady Gaga. No wonder Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber become so attractive…
In 1970s, youths started to search for more fun with the end of wars. Therefore, a fast-beat style of music occurred. Nobody knows it was a pub film Saturday Night Fever ignited the heat of disco music or it was disco music got this film famous, but one thing surely that the people at that period were connected with flared trousers and disco pub.
In 1980s, with the emergence of MTV network, more and more people started to put their attention on visual sensation. At a result, artists such as Cyndi Lauper and Prince, who combined excellent vocals and fantastic outfits, achieved great success. Of course, we ought not to forget Michael Jackson’s unparallel Thriller in 1983 and Modonna’s flirting Like a Vrigin in 1984. In this decade, visual sensation went ahead which also served as the beginning of the later so-call Pop music.
In 1990s, no one would forget Backstreet Boys from the US and Spice Girls from the UK. This was also the golden age of “Pop” music. Young fans franticly chased those handsome boys and girls who singing love song excessively. In this age, Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync made people fascinating boybands that can dance, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera then made people know the shortcut of female artists getting famous was following the part of “Mickey Mouse Club—being sweet like sugar—the few clothes the better”.
Came to the millennium, people started to realize dancing “pretty-face” could not satisfy their hormone. After then, a phrase began to disseminate from corner to corner, it was “pop-punk”. Take a look at the highest reportage from magazine and the highest cover from radio, they all belonged to those kids holding instruments making cool looks. “BoyBands” like Good Charlotte and Simple Plan completely replaced those aged “boyGroups” like Backstreet Boys. People found out that singing with guitars was cooler than singing with dancing. Of course, we never should forget who “popul-ize” pop-punk: Avril Lavigne. 2001, her debut album Let Go surprised people that female singers undressed themselves worth nothing, singing with screaming was the real hot. Thus, more and more similar female singers, such as Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, Kelly Clarkson and Ashlee Simpson, showed up and gained sufficient fame and fortune.
Actually, we can sum up from now that since the emergence of MTV, music was no longer a mirror that reflected a period. People listening to music were not about to express their emotion or escape the world, all their purpose was “being entertained”. These can explain why one of the Michael Jackson’s hottest songs Thriller was nothing but fantastic music video, why “material girl” was another name for Madonna, why dancing handsome boys such as Backstreet Boys could be so famous that even housewives could recognize…
From the music genres, we can classify that rock ‘n’ roll in the 60s, disco in the 70s, pop in the 80s and teen-pop in the 90s could represent a period of year. With the coming of 2010, we can begin to label 2000-2010 which is pop-punk/pop-rock, represented by Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan, Busted, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and Jonas Brothers.
Then, what is the next genre that blows the world? How about saying Lady Gaga?
All I could say is dance music pop again! Heavy beat and songs made by synthesis effect processor re-permeated everyone’s life. Ke$ha and Pixie Lott all once were blamed to follow Lady Gaga. Although there were Justin Timberlake and Usher, who combined hip-hop, dance and R&B, that used to dominate the music industry, no one was like our Lady Gaga that can receive numerous compliments as a rookie. Dance music is so prevalent that some pop-rock bands like McFly add dance-music feature to the new single, then what should we say new artist like Adam Lambert showed up with dance music. Of course, there has Katy Perry that perfectly masters retro and dance.
Besides, we have to mention Miley Cyrus. She majored pop-punk in her first album but suddenly changed to dance in the second one. She is counted as a trend-follower.
Occasionally, comparing to the substitution, what came after 60s’ rock was dance/disco as well. Following this tendency, pop music would dominate the mainstream market after Lady Gaga. No wonder Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber become so attractive…
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Adam Lambert: A Glam Rocker in the World of Reality Show
(The Chinese version of this article was published in Lingnan Music, Issue 297)
As the runner-up in American Idol Season 8, Adam Lambert drew enough attention from the audiences, also applause. Depended on his outstanding appearance and incredible vocal, Lambert was undefeatable in the show, and only lost to college student Kris Allen from Arkansas with a few controversial votes. Although he could not crown the title at last, Lambert already acquired sufficient attention and support, which facilitate his future development in the road of music industry.
Debut album For Your Entertainment debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in December 2009, selling 198,000 copies in the United States. Ironically, champion Kris Allen’s self-titled album only debuted at No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard, selling 80,000 copies. These data seems to imply that Adam Lambert, this controversial idol’s future could be bright.
Adam Lambert was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in January 29th, 1982, and moved to San Diego with his parents later. Lambert vocal ability was disclosed at his early age. Lambert performed on the stage as a stage actor in the first time when he was 10. At the age of 19, he already had the experience of touring outside America. Abundant stage experience cultivated his confident personality and venturous creativity. Lambert used to say on Idol that performing was his interest. “From the early age I was pretty clear that I wanted to be a performer. I like to print on customs, getting attention. I think I found my calling early on. I am glad I stuck with it.” July 17th, 2008, Lambert attended the American Idol Season 8 audition in San Francisco, then his glamorous music journey started.
Adam Lambert: Originality
The stage of American Idol achieved his success. His extraordinary range in voice was the weapon he has in American Idol. However, it is never enough to barely have a good voice, therefore, his originality and creativity in song arrangement became another factor boosting him to the Final. In the audition, Judge Randy Jackson called it “theatrical”, saying he was not showing emotion. In spite of that, Lambert’s dramatic vocal sent him to the Top 36 safely. After that, it all depended on the audiences.
As a professional stage actor, Lambert’s sense of stage was transparent. His confidence was exuded explicitly. Singing (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction in the semi-finals, Lambert’s charismas was known thoroughly by the public. Fashionable dress-up, confident movement and unrivalled high-pitch immediately pull audiences to him. Although Judge Simon Cowell has some negative comments on his over-fashionable outfits, other judges all surprised by Lambert’s unparalleled singing ability. Obviously, Lambert already became the “American idol” in people’s minds from that round.
Each round, Lambert used his incredible vocal and glamorous stage performance wined over every applause and compliments. The truth was, Lambert was always the audiences’ most favor—before Top 4 week, Lambert has never been into bottom 3. What’s more, Lambert’s understanding in music made him stand out the contestants. No matter it was Michael Jackson’s Blake or White, Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire, Yvonne Elliman’s If I Can’t Have You and Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love, Lambert could all find a way to mash up his own style into these songs. Just as he said in “Hollywood week”: “I get a song and I want to change it.” One of the mentors, country music icon Randy Travis use words like “Speechless”, “unique” after heard Lambert singing Ring of Fire. Judge Cowell appraised Lambert as one of the most original contestants in the history of American Idol.
Adam Lambert: Controversy
Tight leather jeans and black nail polish seem to imply that Lambert is a gay. The photo of him kissing a man while he was competing also spurred the discussion. This is also the reason most critics believe why Lambert could not win American Idol: it seems that American still cannot accept a gay being their “American idol”. After the show, Lambert admitted his identity of being a gay at Rolling Stone. In Barbara Walters’s talk show, Lambert expressed that it didn’t matter who he slept with, what matter was him being a singer.
However, the controversy Lambert brought did not stop. One day before he officially released his debut album, he was invited to perform on American Music Awards singing his first single For Your Entertainment. The performance that full of filtering and sexual behaviors, such as kissing a male keyboard player, was watched clearly by the Americans. After that, ABC network received over 1,500 complaints, so they have to cancel Lambert’s next performance on Good Morning America on ABC. Although Lambert was still invited by other television networks to perform, his overacting performance already became a controversial topic. Lambert later admitted in Ellen DeGeneres Show that he was going too far that night, but he also said he just wanted to bring more energy and express the meaning of the song better.
Adam Lambert: Future
Although going through so many things, Lambert still one of the most promising new artist in America. As a rookie, he sang the theme song Time For Miracle for Hollywood blockbuster 2012. In his debut album For Your Entertainment, well-known producers and singers such as Lady Gaga, Max Martin, Redone and P!nk involved for the album production. Apparently, it is meaningless to argue whether Lambert is the champion of American Idol, because comparing to both the quality of producers and the sales of album, Lambert has exceed Allen at the very beginning.
Besides, he has numerous supporters and fans in China. No many new artists could have a Chinese website, but Lambert did is the exception. Up to December 16th, 2009, adamlambert.com.cn has over 5,000 members. Furthermore, Lambert expressed his wish in an interview that he wanted to come to China. Adam Lambert, this glam rocker from reality show has already become a worldwide superstar.
As the runner-up in American Idol Season 8, Adam Lambert drew enough attention from the audiences, also applause. Depended on his outstanding appearance and incredible vocal, Lambert was undefeatable in the show, and only lost to college student Kris Allen from Arkansas with a few controversial votes. Although he could not crown the title at last, Lambert already acquired sufficient attention and support, which facilitate his future development in the road of music industry.
Debut album For Your Entertainment debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in December 2009, selling 198,000 copies in the United States. Ironically, champion Kris Allen’s self-titled album only debuted at No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard, selling 80,000 copies. These data seems to imply that Adam Lambert, this controversial idol’s future could be bright.
Adam Lambert was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in January 29th, 1982, and moved to San Diego with his parents later. Lambert vocal ability was disclosed at his early age. Lambert performed on the stage as a stage actor in the first time when he was 10. At the age of 19, he already had the experience of touring outside America. Abundant stage experience cultivated his confident personality and venturous creativity. Lambert used to say on Idol that performing was his interest. “From the early age I was pretty clear that I wanted to be a performer. I like to print on customs, getting attention. I think I found my calling early on. I am glad I stuck with it.” July 17th, 2008, Lambert attended the American Idol Season 8 audition in San Francisco, then his glamorous music journey started.
Adam Lambert: Originality
The stage of American Idol achieved his success. His extraordinary range in voice was the weapon he has in American Idol. However, it is never enough to barely have a good voice, therefore, his originality and creativity in song arrangement became another factor boosting him to the Final. In the audition, Judge Randy Jackson called it “theatrical”, saying he was not showing emotion. In spite of that, Lambert’s dramatic vocal sent him to the Top 36 safely. After that, it all depended on the audiences.
As a professional stage actor, Lambert’s sense of stage was transparent. His confidence was exuded explicitly. Singing (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction in the semi-finals, Lambert’s charismas was known thoroughly by the public. Fashionable dress-up, confident movement and unrivalled high-pitch immediately pull audiences to him. Although Judge Simon Cowell has some negative comments on his over-fashionable outfits, other judges all surprised by Lambert’s unparalleled singing ability. Obviously, Lambert already became the “American idol” in people’s minds from that round.
Each round, Lambert used his incredible vocal and glamorous stage performance wined over every applause and compliments. The truth was, Lambert was always the audiences’ most favor—before Top 4 week, Lambert has never been into bottom 3. What’s more, Lambert’s understanding in music made him stand out the contestants. No matter it was Michael Jackson’s Blake or White, Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire, Yvonne Elliman’s If I Can’t Have You and Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love, Lambert could all find a way to mash up his own style into these songs. Just as he said in “Hollywood week”: “I get a song and I want to change it.” One of the mentors, country music icon Randy Travis use words like “Speechless”, “unique” after heard Lambert singing Ring of Fire. Judge Cowell appraised Lambert as one of the most original contestants in the history of American Idol.
Adam Lambert: Controversy
Tight leather jeans and black nail polish seem to imply that Lambert is a gay. The photo of him kissing a man while he was competing also spurred the discussion. This is also the reason most critics believe why Lambert could not win American Idol: it seems that American still cannot accept a gay being their “American idol”. After the show, Lambert admitted his identity of being a gay at Rolling Stone. In Barbara Walters’s talk show, Lambert expressed that it didn’t matter who he slept with, what matter was him being a singer.
However, the controversy Lambert brought did not stop. One day before he officially released his debut album, he was invited to perform on American Music Awards singing his first single For Your Entertainment. The performance that full of filtering and sexual behaviors, such as kissing a male keyboard player, was watched clearly by the Americans. After that, ABC network received over 1,500 complaints, so they have to cancel Lambert’s next performance on Good Morning America on ABC. Although Lambert was still invited by other television networks to perform, his overacting performance already became a controversial topic. Lambert later admitted in Ellen DeGeneres Show that he was going too far that night, but he also said he just wanted to bring more energy and express the meaning of the song better.
Adam Lambert: Future
Although going through so many things, Lambert still one of the most promising new artist in America. As a rookie, he sang the theme song Time For Miracle for Hollywood blockbuster 2012. In his debut album For Your Entertainment, well-known producers and singers such as Lady Gaga, Max Martin, Redone and P!nk involved for the album production. Apparently, it is meaningless to argue whether Lambert is the champion of American Idol, because comparing to both the quality of producers and the sales of album, Lambert has exceed Allen at the very beginning.
Besides, he has numerous supporters and fans in China. No many new artists could have a Chinese website, but Lambert did is the exception. Up to December 16th, 2009, adamlambert.com.cn has over 5,000 members. Furthermore, Lambert expressed his wish in an interview that he wanted to come to China. Adam Lambert, this glam rocker from reality show has already become a worldwide superstar.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
From Pop to Opera
Talking about opera artists, what come to our mind could be having a big body like Pavarotti, or singing with a straight body and communicating with audience only by gesture and eye connection. The reason why bel canto cannot be prevalent among the mass is because their high-required singing skill and non-amiable stage performance. However, there has one thing that has to agree that the artists who can sing bel canto are all excellent singers. No one would deny. Then what if these songs are sung by pop singers?
There has a reality show I saw on the Internet called Popstar to Operaster, produced by ITV, Britain. This is the one that meet the above question. Most opera listeners are in the middle-age or above, but this show is to train popstars, who the young people love the most, into opera singers. Understandably, if the target audience is failed to set, none of the audience from these two generation will be catered (young people still think opera is old-fashion; aged people would believe the pop singers destroy opera). Then the ratings would not be optimistic.
However, when the show aired, the reaction of audiences is not so negative. There have approximate 4 million views per episode in the first season, which is rating 15%. The reason why I say it is not bad is because Popstar to Operastar is only a sheer singing reality show, which the target audience is not wide. Comparing to other similar reality show (The X Factor/Britain’s Got Talent), the contestants in this show are all from entertainment industry, who are celebrities already. So it is lacking in the concept of “changing ordinary people into stars”. It is normal that missing this concept, audiences who love succeeding-overnight drama would not watch the show. Concerning these reasons, 0.15 is not a low number for the prime time TV show.
Obviously, production team is disappointed about this statistic, an insider said they originally believed this show would have over 7 million viewers like Soapstar Superstar, but, he said: “it just proves that people weren’t fussed about it (Popstar to Operaster)”. In spite of that, they are optimistic to the future development. He thought the low rating was because the contestants are not famous enough. Champion Darius is only a contestant from Pop Idol 2002, other contestant like Danny Jones from McFly and Vannessa White from The Saturdays are just second-tier stars.
Nevertheless, from the purpose of music communication, this show is significant. Pop singers singing opera can more or less encourage young people to accept opera and bel canto and makes opera more than an entertainment for mid-age people. Meanwhile, the information about opera will be disseminated via the show, so it provides a good platform to educate audiences to learn opera. Actually, mixing bel canto and pop is not a new production, Il Divo, who has sung the theme song of World Cup 2006, is the bel canto group labeled “Pop”. If this show could be more creative in both content and contestants, to attract more audiences is not impossible.
There has a reality show I saw on the Internet called Popstar to Operaster, produced by ITV, Britain. This is the one that meet the above question. Most opera listeners are in the middle-age or above, but this show is to train popstars, who the young people love the most, into opera singers. Understandably, if the target audience is failed to set, none of the audience from these two generation will be catered (young people still think opera is old-fashion; aged people would believe the pop singers destroy opera). Then the ratings would not be optimistic.
However, when the show aired, the reaction of audiences is not so negative. There have approximate 4 million views per episode in the first season, which is rating 15%. The reason why I say it is not bad is because Popstar to Operastar is only a sheer singing reality show, which the target audience is not wide. Comparing to other similar reality show (The X Factor/Britain’s Got Talent), the contestants in this show are all from entertainment industry, who are celebrities already. So it is lacking in the concept of “changing ordinary people into stars”. It is normal that missing this concept, audiences who love succeeding-overnight drama would not watch the show. Concerning these reasons, 0.15 is not a low number for the prime time TV show.
Obviously, production team is disappointed about this statistic, an insider said they originally believed this show would have over 7 million viewers like Soapstar Superstar, but, he said: “it just proves that people weren’t fussed about it (Popstar to Operaster)”. In spite of that, they are optimistic to the future development. He thought the low rating was because the contestants are not famous enough. Champion Darius is only a contestant from Pop Idol 2002, other contestant like Danny Jones from McFly and Vannessa White from The Saturdays are just second-tier stars.
Nevertheless, from the purpose of music communication, this show is significant. Pop singers singing opera can more or less encourage young people to accept opera and bel canto and makes opera more than an entertainment for mid-age people. Meanwhile, the information about opera will be disseminated via the show, so it provides a good platform to educate audiences to learn opera. Actually, mixing bel canto and pop is not a new production, Il Divo, who has sung the theme song of World Cup 2006, is the bel canto group labeled “Pop”. If this show could be more creative in both content and contestants, to attract more audiences is not impossible.
The End of American Idol
After finished the Finale of American Idol Season 9, there has only one word I could think about to describe it, it was “sucks”. Although I seriously and thoroughly watched Idol for only four seasons, in this short period, no other season was as boring as Season 9 was. There has Blake Lewis using beatbox rearranging every songs in Season 6; there has David Cook rocking down the house till the Final in Season 7; there has Adam Lambert who was considered to be the most talented contestant in the history of American Idol glamorously performing every week in Season 8. However, what about Season 9? Humble paint sales clerk Lee DeWyze or outgoing "mama sox" Crystal Bowersox? Doubtlessly, there were all talented singers, but on the stage of American Idol where entertainment tops everything, they were so “boring”. Oh, yes, there has one I remember the most, Mr. Tim Urban, a pretty boy who only CAN sing got into Top 7.
Although it was the dullest season, the significance was wider. It was all because our lovely judge Simon Cowell was about to leave the show (he went back to UK preparing to move the other talent-show The X Factor to America). Thus, we could see that the Finale already become a farewell party.
To estimate, the total minute of the video clips about Simon Cowell was approximate 15, which contained other judges’ words to Cowell and some classic moments Cowell had in American Idol. Besides, Paula Abdul was back to the stage waving goodbye to Cowell and sat on his lap watching the next performance. (Although Abdul said she and Cowell were only partnership, then who knows.)
Other than that, all winners of American Idol were invited (no David Cook from Season 7) to sing for Cowell with other former contestants. Checking that moment out! Abdul was crying and Cowell said he has never been so sensitive…
But…did we forget our Season 9 Champion Lee DeWyze? It was like the only season in the Finale that audiences could completely ignore the winner because of the leaving of Simon Cowell.
Although FOX claimed there would have Season 10, the time for this show was obviously done. In the Finale, Cowell’s importance to the show was emphasized repeatedly; and stated that American Idol would not be the same without Mr. Cowell, though Cowell expressed kindly on the stage that him leaving did not mean anything, because the judges were the audiences. Furthermore, Cowell will bring the American version of The X Factor, which is also a singing competition show. It will doubtlessly create a huge impact to American Idol no matter which network buys it because the new show will be fresh and attractive. When the rating decreased, American Idol has to confront to the termination.
So, this farewell was not only for Simon Cowell but also for American Idol. All we could say is “Simon, so long; Lee, good luck”.
Although it was the dullest season, the significance was wider. It was all because our lovely judge Simon Cowell was about to leave the show (he went back to UK preparing to move the other talent-show The X Factor to America). Thus, we could see that the Finale already become a farewell party.
To estimate, the total minute of the video clips about Simon Cowell was approximate 15, which contained other judges’ words to Cowell and some classic moments Cowell had in American Idol. Besides, Paula Abdul was back to the stage waving goodbye to Cowell and sat on his lap watching the next performance. (Although Abdul said she and Cowell were only partnership, then who knows.)
Other than that, all winners of American Idol were invited (no David Cook from Season 7) to sing for Cowell with other former contestants. Checking that moment out! Abdul was crying and Cowell said he has never been so sensitive…
But…did we forget our Season 9 Champion Lee DeWyze? It was like the only season in the Finale that audiences could completely ignore the winner because of the leaving of Simon Cowell.
Although FOX claimed there would have Season 10, the time for this show was obviously done. In the Finale, Cowell’s importance to the show was emphasized repeatedly; and stated that American Idol would not be the same without Mr. Cowell, though Cowell expressed kindly on the stage that him leaving did not mean anything, because the judges were the audiences. Furthermore, Cowell will bring the American version of The X Factor, which is also a singing competition show. It will doubtlessly create a huge impact to American Idol no matter which network buys it because the new show will be fresh and attractive. When the rating decreased, American Idol has to confront to the termination.
So, this farewell was not only for Simon Cowell but also for American Idol. All we could say is “Simon, so long; Lee, good luck”.
American Idol—For Your Entertainment
I started watching American Idol in 2007, when Season 6 aired. In this case, I could be defined as a rookie for this show. However, even though I only watched 4 seasons, I already feel that this show, American Idol, is more than a singing competition.
Within my limited understanding and knowledge towards reality television, American Idol is the one so far I think the most entertaining, especially in Season 9, this phenomenon seems to grow stronger.
One significant difference in this season is that there has a new judge joined the judging panel. She is Ellen DeGeneres, who is a famous talk show host. She came here as a substitution to Paula Abdul, who always sat in the judging panel since Season 1. This change altered the chemistry among the judging panel. Firstly, as a talk show host, DeGeneres has absolute teasing-ability. Her teasing jokes could usually pull audience’s attention from the contestants to her. The most impressive one I remember was her likening contestant Alex Lambert as an unripe banana. Surely, this metaphor means Lambert has great potential, but the other meaning is DeGeneres’s lesbian identity. The reason why I have this statement is because every time DeGeneres mentioned “banana”, Randy Jackson who sitting next to her laughed knowingly. Adding the fact that host Ryan Seacrest raised the issue of DeGeneres mentioning banana now and then, DeGeneres using banana as a metaphor seemed obviously to be a hint of her being a lesbian.
Secondly, in one episode of the semi-finals, DeGeneres sat on Simon Cowell’s lap at the beginning of the show. When Seacrest introduced the show’s rule, DeGeneres was still touching Cowell flirtingly. Based on these things, we can see that American Idol has changed from an entertaining singing competition to an entertaining singing-competition show. No matter whom they are, contestants or judges, only if they can entertain audiences, can they be put on air. There has a fresh memory from the last season, Abdul took out some crayons and gave them to Cowell in Kodak Theatre, saying that it was for child, and it was on air. This has never happened before. It seems that anecdote among judges could also be the tricks to attract audience.
Of course, little teasing among judges could not show how entertaining American Idol now is than before. Inviting a great amount of superstars performing on the stage is the only real deal. None of the season before can invite three superstars performing in the first week of the final: David Cook, Ke$ha, Orianthi. In the first week of the semi-finals on Season 8, the guest performers were Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson. Same week on Season 7, the guest performers were Katharine McPhee and David Foster. Furthermore, the number of guest performers has increased season by season: only 15 performances were in the final of Season 7, 6 of them were performed included former contestants in American Idol; 26 performances were in the final of Season 8, 11 of them were performed included former contestants; 29 performances so far were in the final of Season 9, 8 of them were performed included former contestants. According to the data above, we can see that American Idol put more effort on inviting stars outside the show to perform on the stage. Particularly in Season 9, more artists outside the show were invited than before.
People think it was DeGeneres who caused this situation. They believe as a host in a famous talk show, DeGeneres has great relationship with a lot of celebrities since most of them were on her talk show before.
I think this really could be a reason. Why did the producers select Ellen DeGeneres to replace Paula Abdul? She does not have strong music background, to some extent, she does not even have a connection with music. The only reasons I can think of are her eloquence and vast friendship with celebrities. Just to know, the number of viewers of American Idol decrease every year, when Cowell leaves the show next season, the ratings could drop to the nadir. In this case, the show needs someone like DeGeneres to keep the audience. The way to keep them is to make use of her relationship with celebrities. Try to imagine, if more celebrities perform in the show, even though there has no judge like Simon Cowell or contestant like Adam Lambert, audience would still choose to watch American Idol because it has so many celebrities.
Indeed, American Idol was not always a sheer singing competition,entertaining factors were always the elements of the show. The producers now just make it more entertaining. Just like the name of Adam Lambert’s debut album, the show is only “for your entertainment” in prime time.
How about the contestants? After all, there have 8 American idols already; who cares who the next American idol is.
Within my limited understanding and knowledge towards reality television, American Idol is the one so far I think the most entertaining, especially in Season 9, this phenomenon seems to grow stronger.
One significant difference in this season is that there has a new judge joined the judging panel. She is Ellen DeGeneres, who is a famous talk show host. She came here as a substitution to Paula Abdul, who always sat in the judging panel since Season 1. This change altered the chemistry among the judging panel. Firstly, as a talk show host, DeGeneres has absolute teasing-ability. Her teasing jokes could usually pull audience’s attention from the contestants to her. The most impressive one I remember was her likening contestant Alex Lambert as an unripe banana. Surely, this metaphor means Lambert has great potential, but the other meaning is DeGeneres’s lesbian identity. The reason why I have this statement is because every time DeGeneres mentioned “banana”, Randy Jackson who sitting next to her laughed knowingly. Adding the fact that host Ryan Seacrest raised the issue of DeGeneres mentioning banana now and then, DeGeneres using banana as a metaphor seemed obviously to be a hint of her being a lesbian.
Secondly, in one episode of the semi-finals, DeGeneres sat on Simon Cowell’s lap at the beginning of the show. When Seacrest introduced the show’s rule, DeGeneres was still touching Cowell flirtingly. Based on these things, we can see that American Idol has changed from an entertaining singing competition to an entertaining singing-competition show. No matter whom they are, contestants or judges, only if they can entertain audiences, can they be put on air. There has a fresh memory from the last season, Abdul took out some crayons and gave them to Cowell in Kodak Theatre, saying that it was for child, and it was on air. This has never happened before. It seems that anecdote among judges could also be the tricks to attract audience.
Of course, little teasing among judges could not show how entertaining American Idol now is than before. Inviting a great amount of superstars performing on the stage is the only real deal. None of the season before can invite three superstars performing in the first week of the final: David Cook, Ke$ha, Orianthi. In the first week of the semi-finals on Season 8, the guest performers were Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson. Same week on Season 7, the guest performers were Katharine McPhee and David Foster. Furthermore, the number of guest performers has increased season by season: only 15 performances were in the final of Season 7, 6 of them were performed included former contestants in American Idol; 26 performances were in the final of Season 8, 11 of them were performed included former contestants; 29 performances so far were in the final of Season 9, 8 of them were performed included former contestants. According to the data above, we can see that American Idol put more effort on inviting stars outside the show to perform on the stage. Particularly in Season 9, more artists outside the show were invited than before.
People think it was DeGeneres who caused this situation. They believe as a host in a famous talk show, DeGeneres has great relationship with a lot of celebrities since most of them were on her talk show before.
I think this really could be a reason. Why did the producers select Ellen DeGeneres to replace Paula Abdul? She does not have strong music background, to some extent, she does not even have a connection with music. The only reasons I can think of are her eloquence and vast friendship with celebrities. Just to know, the number of viewers of American Idol decrease every year, when Cowell leaves the show next season, the ratings could drop to the nadir. In this case, the show needs someone like DeGeneres to keep the audience. The way to keep them is to make use of her relationship with celebrities. Try to imagine, if more celebrities perform in the show, even though there has no judge like Simon Cowell or contestant like Adam Lambert, audience would still choose to watch American Idol because it has so many celebrities.
Indeed, American Idol was not always a sheer singing competition,entertaining factors were always the elements of the show. The producers now just make it more entertaining. Just like the name of Adam Lambert’s debut album, the show is only “for your entertainment” in prime time.
How about the contestants? After all, there have 8 American idols already; who cares who the next American idol is.
Deleting Exclamatory Mark Supplements Exclamation
The debut album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out released 3 years ago introduced a band from Las Vegas Panic! At The Disco (PATD) to the public. With the hit single I Write Sins Not Tradgedies surprised people on MTV Awards, more and more underground bands found a new way to reach success. If you knew PATD, you must have heard the way of this band getting famous: after posting message on Pete Wentz’s livejournal, PATD got the chance to send demo to this bass guitar player from Fall Out Boy. After listened to a few songs of PATD, Wentz signed these four guys, who did not have any performing experience, under his company Decaydance Record without hesitation. Taking this turning point, Panic! At The Disco started their journey of glory. They were on the cover of Rolling Stone earlier than Fall Out Boy!
After years of silence, group members determined to delete the exclamatory mark from the band name into Panic At The Disco and released their second album Pretty Odd this year (2008). Compared to their first album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, this album was more about classic Brit-rock, which the former dance-punk style has nowhere to be found.
Since their debut album has received so many accomplishments, their second album has to face the comparison. As an Indie-rock band from Las Vegas, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out is defined as an emo record; meanwhile, electric element has been added to the album. This marriage made the album stand out to other similar bands; also, this was very smart. At that time, emo-rock represented by Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance was prevalent in the record industry. It was too popular even parents have to oppose their children to listen to this genre of music (It was reported that a teenage girl committed suicide because she listened to emo music frequently before she died). As the rookie at that time, it was normal to build a relationship to emo (lyrics and arrangement). However, they knew they would never be outstanding if they only follow the trend; therefore, they put electric-dance style into the songs. Based on their success, audiences and fans already define PATD as a dance-emo band. Thus, when Pretty Odd came out, the people who waited from the dance-emo felt disappointed about PATD, thinking that they were making a poor album.
But if we listened to Pretty Odd carefully, we could find that they have actually improved. Even though it was odd, it was pretty. If we said the debut album was dramatic in order to draw attention from the public, then their second one represented their seriousness in treating music. This could understand why they took out the exclamatory mark from the band name.
Although the major part of Pretty Odd was recorded in Las Vegas, the orchestra part was recorded in London, UK. The cover of the album was eerie as usual, but compared to the first one, this one was more retrospective. Opening song was no longer using the Intro format like A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out did; We’re So Starving was a song describing the status quo: “We’re so sorry we’ve been gone/we were busy writing song for you/…/you don’t have to worry/cause we’re still the same”. One thing ambivalently that it was explicit PATD changed their style, then why they still promised to the fans they didn’t change. Perhaps what they meant was their passion of making music. In total, this 1-minute-and-half length song was still same as an Intro. It not only introduced the whole album, but also put sound of approval into the song, sounded assertive, but it was also the spirit of youths, wasn’t it?
Nine In the Afternoon was the first single from Pretty Odd. Most people understood briefly in what direction was PATD about to change after heard this song, so this song is very "pretty-odd", which was very classic-pop. Reducing distorted sound from the guitar and increasing the use of orchestra, this song sounded fresh and innocent. If not knowing PATD, people would believe they were listening to a ballad band. Furthermore, the lyrics were no longer full of satiric and ironical attitude, on the contrary, they were more positive and sunny. Distorted guitar was utilized at the beginning of the song She’s a Handsome Woman, which made people believe PATD put their last album’s song in it, but after then, it was a retro-pop song from arrangement to chord.
Personally, their second single That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed) was my favorite one. The setting of the MV was based on Russian Matryoshka with beautiful pastoral scene, which was completely different from the former MVs. Therefore, this song contained to feeling of Brit-pop no matter watching MV or listening to it. Brendon’s voice sound comfortable. “Things have changed for me/and that’s okay…”. These kinds of lyrics even made people fall into a cozy classic-pop environment. Besides, most of the songs utilized retro Element, such as a effect of phonograph in I Have Friends In Holy Spaces seemed to take us back to those period, having orchestra at the beginning of Do You Know What I’m Seeing? matched perfectly to the feeling of the album cover, also, harmonica played a crucial role in this song. Other than that, songs like Behind the Sea and Pas De Cheval fully expressed the idea of getting retro. Northern Downpour and Folkin’ Around have a taste of country-folk which provide a fresh experience.
The whole album was better than the former one in both sound arrangement and the depth of lyrics. There still have something that worthy for applause. Although it was a shock to those who love dance-emo, Pretty Odd debuted No. 2 on both UK Chart and the U.S. Billboard. That was the reason why Pete Wentz has said Pretty Odd was the most exciting album in the year.
After years of silence, group members determined to delete the exclamatory mark from the band name into Panic At The Disco and released their second album Pretty Odd this year (2008). Compared to their first album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, this album was more about classic Brit-rock, which the former dance-punk style has nowhere to be found.
Since their debut album has received so many accomplishments, their second album has to face the comparison. As an Indie-rock band from Las Vegas, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out is defined as an emo record; meanwhile, electric element has been added to the album. This marriage made the album stand out to other similar bands; also, this was very smart. At that time, emo-rock represented by Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance was prevalent in the record industry. It was too popular even parents have to oppose their children to listen to this genre of music (It was reported that a teenage girl committed suicide because she listened to emo music frequently before she died). As the rookie at that time, it was normal to build a relationship to emo (lyrics and arrangement). However, they knew they would never be outstanding if they only follow the trend; therefore, they put electric-dance style into the songs. Based on their success, audiences and fans already define PATD as a dance-emo band. Thus, when Pretty Odd came out, the people who waited from the dance-emo felt disappointed about PATD, thinking that they were making a poor album.
But if we listened to Pretty Odd carefully, we could find that they have actually improved. Even though it was odd, it was pretty. If we said the debut album was dramatic in order to draw attention from the public, then their second one represented their seriousness in treating music. This could understand why they took out the exclamatory mark from the band name.
Although the major part of Pretty Odd was recorded in Las Vegas, the orchestra part was recorded in London, UK. The cover of the album was eerie as usual, but compared to the first one, this one was more retrospective. Opening song was no longer using the Intro format like A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out did; We’re So Starving was a song describing the status quo: “We’re so sorry we’ve been gone/we were busy writing song for you/…/you don’t have to worry/cause we’re still the same”. One thing ambivalently that it was explicit PATD changed their style, then why they still promised to the fans they didn’t change. Perhaps what they meant was their passion of making music. In total, this 1-minute-and-half length song was still same as an Intro. It not only introduced the whole album, but also put sound of approval into the song, sounded assertive, but it was also the spirit of youths, wasn’t it?
Nine In the Afternoon was the first single from Pretty Odd. Most people understood briefly in what direction was PATD about to change after heard this song, so this song is very "pretty-odd", which was very classic-pop. Reducing distorted sound from the guitar and increasing the use of orchestra, this song sounded fresh and innocent. If not knowing PATD, people would believe they were listening to a ballad band. Furthermore, the lyrics were no longer full of satiric and ironical attitude, on the contrary, they were more positive and sunny. Distorted guitar was utilized at the beginning of the song She’s a Handsome Woman, which made people believe PATD put their last album’s song in it, but after then, it was a retro-pop song from arrangement to chord.
Personally, their second single That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed) was my favorite one. The setting of the MV was based on Russian Matryoshka with beautiful pastoral scene, which was completely different from the former MVs. Therefore, this song contained to feeling of Brit-pop no matter watching MV or listening to it. Brendon’s voice sound comfortable. “Things have changed for me/and that’s okay…”. These kinds of lyrics even made people fall into a cozy classic-pop environment. Besides, most of the songs utilized retro Element, such as a effect of phonograph in I Have Friends In Holy Spaces seemed to take us back to those period, having orchestra at the beginning of Do You Know What I’m Seeing? matched perfectly to the feeling of the album cover, also, harmonica played a crucial role in this song. Other than that, songs like Behind the Sea and Pas De Cheval fully expressed the idea of getting retro. Northern Downpour and Folkin’ Around have a taste of country-folk which provide a fresh experience.
The whole album was better than the former one in both sound arrangement and the depth of lyrics. There still have something that worthy for applause. Although it was a shock to those who love dance-emo, Pretty Odd debuted No. 2 on both UK Chart and the U.S. Billboard. That was the reason why Pete Wentz has said Pretty Odd was the most exciting album in the year.
Audio Is No Longer a Day Dream
Since bravely changed the classic of Bon Jovi You Give Love a Bad Name, the name of Seattle guy Blake Lewis was disseminated to every corner in America, everyone was eager to know what kind of the future was waiting for this guy who can perfectly connect beatbox and rock ‘n’ roll.
Blake Lewis has never let down others. In the audition of American Idol Season 6, judge Simon Cowell gave a positive comment to this young man. “brave and willing to take risk” is the most phrase Cowell said during Lewis’s journey in American Idol. In the week of 6 to 4, a brave and fantastic arrangement of You Give Love a Bad Name was thought to be “one of the most original performances in American Idol”. Although Lewis was beat by Jordin Sparks in the Final, You Give Love a Bad Name was charted No.18 in the Billboard on May, 2007. He should be proud of this achievement as a rookie in music industry.
In his debut album Audio Daydream, Lewis would not let down his fans as well. Ryan “Alias” Tedder, the apprentice of well-known producer Timbarland, produced most of the songs for this album. This album was majorly in the style of electric hip-hop and R&B, and the format of Intro/Outro matched the most popular CD arrangement. Furthermore, Silence Is Golden…(Intro) and …I Choose Noise (Outro) reflected the whole concept Lewis made the album.
First single Break Anotha was a typical Blake-style. The beginning of the song was Lewis’s beatbox, this proved he did not drop his merit in American Idol which made this song recognizable. Electric synthesizer played a vital role in this song. This also made this song feel like a party song. Although this song was lacking in “wow” moments, it was still sufficient and perfect for those who love dance music to dance with it.
The second song in the album Gots To Get Her (Inspired By Puttin’ On The Ritz) delivered a Spanish atmosphere to the listeners at the intro. Just as the name of the song stated, this song mainly borrowed the idea of Fred Astaire’s Puttin’ On The Ritz, but Lewis’s rearrangement made the song fresh and exciting. What’s more, Lewis’s beatbox in the bridge boosted the song to another climax. We can say that this song was the most outstanding one in the whole album.
As the only song cooperated with rap singer Lupe Fiasco, Know My Name brought the listeners a little bit feeling of street. It was also exciting to have rap and beatbox mashing up in a song and this was the one. Besides, the use of artificially high tone by Lewis made this song come up as a style of urban R&B. This kind of singing method reminded us another beatboxer-singer Justin Timberlake, who was also the template that people compared Lewis to. The last 15-second beatbox was also the exciting moment of this song which fully showed up the beatbox skills Lewis has.
Of course, there have some slow-tempo songs in the album, such as How Many Words, Without You, 1000 Miles, End of the World and I Got U. How Many Words was I think the best among them. Although Lewis used beatbox to open the song, the whole song teemed with special psychedelic atmosphere, like pulling people into a world of visional. The beatbox was not redundant in this song; it appropriately added a feeling of sadness. His artificial voice also matched the song properly. 1000 Miles was a typical slow song. The arrangement was as the title that feels like taking people far away. Although the lyrics were a little bit conventional (talking about misunderstanding in love and pain of being apart), there still have echo you could find in Lewis’s voice if listening carefully.
The most interesting part in this album was BShoty Grabs Mic. 1-minute long sheer beatbox was the first appearance in the history of American Idol-produced albums. For Lewis, this was the only and the perfect opportunity to display his multiple beatbox talent. This 1 minute reminded us the wonderful performance in the Finale of Season 6 between Lewis and Doug E Fresh.
In total, this album was a brand-new attempt to the winner of American Idol. Fans were worry at the beginning that Lewis would give up beatboxing, but it seemed meaningless. Like Lewis said on an interview he put on his Myspace, he would keep being a beatboxer. Furthermore, Lewis made an obvious improvement in vocal in this album, but using artificial voice in the high-pitch range brought Lewis’s narrow vocal range out of the table. Fortunately, Lewis smartly avoided the high notes and abundantly used of electricity improved the quality of this album.
Blake Lewis has never let down others. In the audition of American Idol Season 6, judge Simon Cowell gave a positive comment to this young man. “brave and willing to take risk” is the most phrase Cowell said during Lewis’s journey in American Idol. In the week of 6 to 4, a brave and fantastic arrangement of You Give Love a Bad Name was thought to be “one of the most original performances in American Idol”. Although Lewis was beat by Jordin Sparks in the Final, You Give Love a Bad Name was charted No.18 in the Billboard on May, 2007. He should be proud of this achievement as a rookie in music industry.
In his debut album Audio Daydream, Lewis would not let down his fans as well. Ryan “Alias” Tedder, the apprentice of well-known producer Timbarland, produced most of the songs for this album. This album was majorly in the style of electric hip-hop and R&B, and the format of Intro/Outro matched the most popular CD arrangement. Furthermore, Silence Is Golden…(Intro) and …I Choose Noise (Outro) reflected the whole concept Lewis made the album.
First single Break Anotha was a typical Blake-style. The beginning of the song was Lewis’s beatbox, this proved he did not drop his merit in American Idol which made this song recognizable. Electric synthesizer played a vital role in this song. This also made this song feel like a party song. Although this song was lacking in “wow” moments, it was still sufficient and perfect for those who love dance music to dance with it.
The second song in the album Gots To Get Her (Inspired By Puttin’ On The Ritz) delivered a Spanish atmosphere to the listeners at the intro. Just as the name of the song stated, this song mainly borrowed the idea of Fred Astaire’s Puttin’ On The Ritz, but Lewis’s rearrangement made the song fresh and exciting. What’s more, Lewis’s beatbox in the bridge boosted the song to another climax. We can say that this song was the most outstanding one in the whole album.
As the only song cooperated with rap singer Lupe Fiasco, Know My Name brought the listeners a little bit feeling of street. It was also exciting to have rap and beatbox mashing up in a song and this was the one. Besides, the use of artificially high tone by Lewis made this song come up as a style of urban R&B. This kind of singing method reminded us another beatboxer-singer Justin Timberlake, who was also the template that people compared Lewis to. The last 15-second beatbox was also the exciting moment of this song which fully showed up the beatbox skills Lewis has.
Of course, there have some slow-tempo songs in the album, such as How Many Words, Without You, 1000 Miles, End of the World and I Got U. How Many Words was I think the best among them. Although Lewis used beatbox to open the song, the whole song teemed with special psychedelic atmosphere, like pulling people into a world of visional. The beatbox was not redundant in this song; it appropriately added a feeling of sadness. His artificial voice also matched the song properly. 1000 Miles was a typical slow song. The arrangement was as the title that feels like taking people far away. Although the lyrics were a little bit conventional (talking about misunderstanding in love and pain of being apart), there still have echo you could find in Lewis’s voice if listening carefully.
The most interesting part in this album was BShoty Grabs Mic. 1-minute long sheer beatbox was the first appearance in the history of American Idol-produced albums. For Lewis, this was the only and the perfect opportunity to display his multiple beatbox talent. This 1 minute reminded us the wonderful performance in the Finale of Season 6 between Lewis and Doug E Fresh.
In total, this album was a brand-new attempt to the winner of American Idol. Fans were worry at the beginning that Lewis would give up beatboxing, but it seemed meaningless. Like Lewis said on an interview he put on his Myspace, he would keep being a beatboxer. Furthermore, Lewis made an obvious improvement in vocal in this album, but using artificial voice in the high-pitch range brought Lewis’s narrow vocal range out of the table. Fortunately, Lewis smartly avoided the high notes and abundantly used of electricity improved the quality of this album.
What Is At the Other Side of the Picture?
Staring at the cover of this CD, my heart can not help being convulsed. He half-turned his face, with his eyes slightly closed under the shadow. The lamp bulb in front of his face sent out faint light, unthreateningly and helplessly.
Perhaps the sudden falling from the spotlight to the outside of people’s horizon was painful, so the heart of Gareth Gates might be gray. Cool-color of the album cover seemed to reflect the bottom of his heart: no longer glorious and back to the ordinary life.
Compared to the achievement of the previous album, this album Picture of the Other Side was no doubt an unsuccessful production. To top the charts is like the air which a pop singer could not neglect. Missing the charts or no hit singles could mean fading out from the public, which also meant, no attention. From Pop Idol till now, Gates has walked a long way, sometimes joyful and sometimes painful. Maybe he was tired of these. The picture of the other side, what on earth did the other side of the picture showed us, happiness or sorrow? The name of the album was like a unsolvable puzzle. Written down the question, and let us searching for the answers in the album, again and again…until it has been answered.
The process of listening to this album was strange for me. The style is indescribable and the feeling is ineffable: like curling up the body in a small room, let the thoughts jumping out abruptly and disorderly, and rebound from the wall repeatedly. This was like a talk to the heart, untouchable but feeling something.
Title-same single Picture of the Other Side portrayed a dream or a mysterious world. “We remember the world that’s in our mind”, is the world in our memory like a wonderland? “We come and the stars shine in our eyes/…/We come and the birds fly over head/Got lost between the blue skies…/And we can fly” This dreamlike world was a great consolation to the heart, was this the picture of the other side? Perfect surface seemed to hide grief that was unspeakable, but who knows?
His vocal seemed to become mature. The first single Changes told us an ordinary relationship, but he used muffled sound to create a love that was desolate but warm. Nothing much was decorated to the song which seems simple and sincere, like running away from the mundane world and back to the place that naïve and beautiful like a child: the sky in the memory perhaps is the bluest. Gates talked about things in the past through this song. My heart was hurt when it came to a heart-break. After memory, Gates use this line: “It’s not my fate to live a life without you in” to take my mind back to the right track. Love grew in changes, is life the same? Gates told us nothing.
I don’t know why the songs in this album have such different melody. 19 Minutes used sorrowful melody made me feel forlorn, a feeling of crying: 19 minutes you hung up the phone, but I have 19 hours that can’t fall asleep, can you see my bleeding heart? You look what you’ve done to me and what you’ve made me like. After hearing this song, we knew what hurt the most was not loosing the one we love but being hurt by the one we love. Gates sang out a pain that was incurable. In what way did Gates use to make this song that touching: the leaving of lover made me only having shadow to be with, even though all the lights in the room were on, I could still feel my shadow creeping around me. The broken heart awaked abruptly by the up-lift melody: lover’s return stopped the bleeding; I would not mind you used to hurt me because you already gave me the happiness. This boy is faithful to the girl, a love that was unbreakable, mighty and sacred.
In the dictionary, “afterglow” has two meanings: 1) the glow after sunset; 2) the pleasant remembrance of the past. Which meaning did Gates want to tell in his Afterglow? Ambiguous lyrics brought us too many possibilities, but I was more willing to believe he brought us the good remembrance, because to Gates, the journey of Pop Idol was whole lot of perfect: “Not to hold onto what I see/I keep chasing the afterglow”.
After Talking Minds, the album came to an end. My mind was suddenly hollow, like cleaning up by something. Gates gave me too many questions, comparing to the previous albums, this one lost all the smell of business, and only have Gates’s conversation from the heart. What was “the picture of the other side”? Was that a bittersweet memory, or a pure side of the heart?
Perhaps there would never have the answer. In the cover, he stood still, thinking about something…
Perhaps the sudden falling from the spotlight to the outside of people’s horizon was painful, so the heart of Gareth Gates might be gray. Cool-color of the album cover seemed to reflect the bottom of his heart: no longer glorious and back to the ordinary life.
Compared to the achievement of the previous album, this album Picture of the Other Side was no doubt an unsuccessful production. To top the charts is like the air which a pop singer could not neglect. Missing the charts or no hit singles could mean fading out from the public, which also meant, no attention. From Pop Idol till now, Gates has walked a long way, sometimes joyful and sometimes painful. Maybe he was tired of these. The picture of the other side, what on earth did the other side of the picture showed us, happiness or sorrow? The name of the album was like a unsolvable puzzle. Written down the question, and let us searching for the answers in the album, again and again…until it has been answered.
The process of listening to this album was strange for me. The style is indescribable and the feeling is ineffable: like curling up the body in a small room, let the thoughts jumping out abruptly and disorderly, and rebound from the wall repeatedly. This was like a talk to the heart, untouchable but feeling something.
Title-same single Picture of the Other Side portrayed a dream or a mysterious world. “We remember the world that’s in our mind”, is the world in our memory like a wonderland? “We come and the stars shine in our eyes/…/We come and the birds fly over head/Got lost between the blue skies…/And we can fly” This dreamlike world was a great consolation to the heart, was this the picture of the other side? Perfect surface seemed to hide grief that was unspeakable, but who knows?
His vocal seemed to become mature. The first single Changes told us an ordinary relationship, but he used muffled sound to create a love that was desolate but warm. Nothing much was decorated to the song which seems simple and sincere, like running away from the mundane world and back to the place that naïve and beautiful like a child: the sky in the memory perhaps is the bluest. Gates talked about things in the past through this song. My heart was hurt when it came to a heart-break. After memory, Gates use this line: “It’s not my fate to live a life without you in” to take my mind back to the right track. Love grew in changes, is life the same? Gates told us nothing.
I don’t know why the songs in this album have such different melody. 19 Minutes used sorrowful melody made me feel forlorn, a feeling of crying: 19 minutes you hung up the phone, but I have 19 hours that can’t fall asleep, can you see my bleeding heart? You look what you’ve done to me and what you’ve made me like. After hearing this song, we knew what hurt the most was not loosing the one we love but being hurt by the one we love. Gates sang out a pain that was incurable. In what way did Gates use to make this song that touching: the leaving of lover made me only having shadow to be with, even though all the lights in the room were on, I could still feel my shadow creeping around me. The broken heart awaked abruptly by the up-lift melody: lover’s return stopped the bleeding; I would not mind you used to hurt me because you already gave me the happiness. This boy is faithful to the girl, a love that was unbreakable, mighty and sacred.
In the dictionary, “afterglow” has two meanings: 1) the glow after sunset; 2) the pleasant remembrance of the past. Which meaning did Gates want to tell in his Afterglow? Ambiguous lyrics brought us too many possibilities, but I was more willing to believe he brought us the good remembrance, because to Gates, the journey of Pop Idol was whole lot of perfect: “Not to hold onto what I see/I keep chasing the afterglow”.
After Talking Minds, the album came to an end. My mind was suddenly hollow, like cleaning up by something. Gates gave me too many questions, comparing to the previous albums, this one lost all the smell of business, and only have Gates’s conversation from the heart. What was “the picture of the other side”? Was that a bittersweet memory, or a pure side of the heart?
Perhaps there would never have the answer. In the cover, he stood still, thinking about something…
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Meeting Duncan, Seeing the Future
（The Chinese version of this article was published in Hit Music, Issue 254）
It was on a normal night several years ago when I first heard of Duncan James. Through a music magazine called Hit Music, I recognized the boy-band Blue and their album Guilty. Later on, I found this album in a CD store and bought it without hesitation, then I put it on my CD player and listened to it thoroughly on that normal night. Guilty is the hit single of this album, so I tasted this song very careful and repeatedly, then I was suddenly fascinated by a lazy voice and the touching words: “I found everything I need/I never wanted anymore than I can see/I only want you to believe”. I stared at the cover of the album while I was listening and tried to figure out who was the host of such an appealing voice… that was the first time I heard the sound from Duncan, furthermore, that was the first time I was completely captivated by a voice. Perhaps I just had heard so many voices that had been shaped sharply, too shrill, and Duncan’s voice was opposite, a mature male voice, magnetically.
After that, I knew the boys’ names: Lee Ryan, a handsome boy with high-pitched vocals; Simon Webbe, a gorgeous man with chocolate skin who is skilled in rap vocals, and I also, or finally, knew that the magnetic and lazy voice came from Duncan James, a fair-haired boy. Afterwards, I bought their former albums, All Rise and One Love, and treated them like there were no other copies anymore. Besides Lee’s unparalleled high-pitched vocals, Duncan’s voice could still unchangeably attach my heart. No matter in Best in Me, where the lyrical chorus was, or in Right Here Waiting, where the passionate beat came from, Duncan could both display his lazy voice appropriately and beautifully. This not only made me be more and more addicted to Duncan’s charisma, but also made me want only Duncan’s voice in one song—because his magnetic and lazy voice always makes me feel warm and comfortable. I began to selfishly wish Blue could disband, and Duncan could develop his solo career successfully, though I love Blue.
Perhaps it was the destiny of boy bands, or perhaps it was my selfish thought admitted by God. In 2004, the members of Blue began their solo careers separately. As Lee being watched broadly, I was already anticipating Duncan's, who used to be named Duncan Blue by magazines, solo album. Especially after having heard his single I Believe My Heart, I gained confidence on his album. Right after Lee and Simon, Duncan finally released his solo album in June this year (2006). Waiting was doubtlessly suffering, even though Duncan's new album was released at Taiwan first, it was not until September that I saw the album Future Past in music store in mainland China. As a fan of Duncan, however, I still feel lucky because even Lee's album hasn't been recommended to China.
I had seen the cover of Future Past on the Internet before I brought it, but I still felt excited while I was really holding it on my hand—Duncan could finally be displayed on an album cover all on his own! Different from Lee's and Simon's, Duncan showed great amiable appearance on the cover—only by watching the cover of the album could I feel intimacy. I listened to this album briefly as soon as I got back home, and I found that this album was completely over the R&B style from Blue, instead, it was filled by a number of slow-beat dulcet songs. But because of that, the perfect bass tone from Duncan could be adequately expressed, which made Duncan more mature. Maybe it was always Lee and Anthony that sang the high-pitched part when Duncan was in Blue, his ability in singing in high pitch used to be ignored by me until this album in which Duncan showed his capability in singing high note smoothly in several songs. Compared to Lee's, Duncan's voice sounded more dramatic. The first single Sooner or Later gives summer a fresh breeze. Brisk melody expresses the feeling of walking out of the pain from a broken-heart: “Welcome to the club of broken hearts/where a thousand lonely souls have passed”. At this moment, Duncan sings the lyrics affectionately as if he is to console those who have been hurt from love, making people feel touched. “Sooner or later/you're gonna wake up/and find what you're looking for/like a diamond/wished up on the shore…” these are the inspiring words which teach people to get rid of the pain and keep searching for new love. Particularly, this song reminds me the pain I have suffered, and perhaps if I had heard this song at that time, I could recover from depression faster.
Coming to the second song Suffer, Duncan uses his symbolic hoarse and lazy sound telling us a mistaken love which two people still sincerely keep the belief of love. Boy and girl both say that they will overcome the difficulties together: “Though it's love we both want/it's a love we don't need/let's sit here in silence/let our hearts bleed/it's hard to be strong/when you’re feeling so weak/don't suffer alone/suffer with me”. After receiving the last note of this song to my ears, I suddenly feel the power of love. Meanwhile, I already turn my anticipation of this album to a dolorous journey inside my heart.
I Come Alive is one of the few fast songs on this album. The dramatic high pitch and exciting melody boost the quality of the album a lot and, importantly, it mitigate my sorrowful feeling. However, the following songs like Can't Stop a River and What Are We Waiting For? pull me to the pool of sadness once again. This time, Duncan's lazy tone is gone, instead, a firm and persistent attitude is delivered. Maybe singing for a whole album all by himself raises his responsibility so that he has to make himself sound stronger. Especially the song What Are We Waiting For?, Duncan's resolute voice and the weepy lyrics he is singing with rare high pitch make me fall in love again to him. Comparing to the active style from Blue, Duncan provides a journey full of tears. Letter to God makes me cry: a touching ballad of asking lover for forgiveness. The use of falsetto from Duncan expresses this song in a more painful way.
When the last song from this album was finished, I thought a lot. Trying to consider what Duncan wanted to express, it was just like the title of the album “Future Past”—anticipating the future and memorizing the past. No matter it was Blue or solo career where Duncan is in, what he gave is always the same old warmness. I could imagine that in the future whenever I feel down, I will recover soon after listening Duncan's amiable voice. I believed Duncan's songs could make me stronger and more mature, maybe because when I meet Duncan, I see the future.
It was on a normal night several years ago when I first heard of Duncan James. Through a music magazine called Hit Music, I recognized the boy-band Blue and their album Guilty. Later on, I found this album in a CD store and bought it without hesitation, then I put it on my CD player and listened to it thoroughly on that normal night. Guilty is the hit single of this album, so I tasted this song very careful and repeatedly, then I was suddenly fascinated by a lazy voice and the touching words: “I found everything I need/I never wanted anymore than I can see/I only want you to believe”. I stared at the cover of the album while I was listening and tried to figure out who was the host of such an appealing voice… that was the first time I heard the sound from Duncan, furthermore, that was the first time I was completely captivated by a voice. Perhaps I just had heard so many voices that had been shaped sharply, too shrill, and Duncan’s voice was opposite, a mature male voice, magnetically.
After that, I knew the boys’ names: Lee Ryan, a handsome boy with high-pitched vocals; Simon Webbe, a gorgeous man with chocolate skin who is skilled in rap vocals, and I also, or finally, knew that the magnetic and lazy voice came from Duncan James, a fair-haired boy. Afterwards, I bought their former albums, All Rise and One Love, and treated them like there were no other copies anymore. Besides Lee’s unparalleled high-pitched vocals, Duncan’s voice could still unchangeably attach my heart. No matter in Best in Me, where the lyrical chorus was, or in Right Here Waiting, where the passionate beat came from, Duncan could both display his lazy voice appropriately and beautifully. This not only made me be more and more addicted to Duncan’s charisma, but also made me want only Duncan’s voice in one song—because his magnetic and lazy voice always makes me feel warm and comfortable. I began to selfishly wish Blue could disband, and Duncan could develop his solo career successfully, though I love Blue.
Perhaps it was the destiny of boy bands, or perhaps it was my selfish thought admitted by God. In 2004, the members of Blue began their solo careers separately. As Lee being watched broadly, I was already anticipating Duncan's, who used to be named Duncan Blue by magazines, solo album. Especially after having heard his single I Believe My Heart, I gained confidence on his album. Right after Lee and Simon, Duncan finally released his solo album in June this year (2006). Waiting was doubtlessly suffering, even though Duncan's new album was released at Taiwan first, it was not until September that I saw the album Future Past in music store in mainland China. As a fan of Duncan, however, I still feel lucky because even Lee's album hasn't been recommended to China.
I had seen the cover of Future Past on the Internet before I brought it, but I still felt excited while I was really holding it on my hand—Duncan could finally be displayed on an album cover all on his own! Different from Lee's and Simon's, Duncan showed great amiable appearance on the cover—only by watching the cover of the album could I feel intimacy. I listened to this album briefly as soon as I got back home, and I found that this album was completely over the R&B style from Blue, instead, it was filled by a number of slow-beat dulcet songs. But because of that, the perfect bass tone from Duncan could be adequately expressed, which made Duncan more mature. Maybe it was always Lee and Anthony that sang the high-pitched part when Duncan was in Blue, his ability in singing in high pitch used to be ignored by me until this album in which Duncan showed his capability in singing high note smoothly in several songs. Compared to Lee's, Duncan's voice sounded more dramatic. The first single Sooner or Later gives summer a fresh breeze. Brisk melody expresses the feeling of walking out of the pain from a broken-heart: “Welcome to the club of broken hearts/where a thousand lonely souls have passed”. At this moment, Duncan sings the lyrics affectionately as if he is to console those who have been hurt from love, making people feel touched. “Sooner or later/you're gonna wake up/and find what you're looking for/like a diamond/wished up on the shore…” these are the inspiring words which teach people to get rid of the pain and keep searching for new love. Particularly, this song reminds me the pain I have suffered, and perhaps if I had heard this song at that time, I could recover from depression faster.
Coming to the second song Suffer, Duncan uses his symbolic hoarse and lazy sound telling us a mistaken love which two people still sincerely keep the belief of love. Boy and girl both say that they will overcome the difficulties together: “Though it's love we both want/it's a love we don't need/let's sit here in silence/let our hearts bleed/it's hard to be strong/when you’re feeling so weak/don't suffer alone/suffer with me”. After receiving the last note of this song to my ears, I suddenly feel the power of love. Meanwhile, I already turn my anticipation of this album to a dolorous journey inside my heart.
I Come Alive is one of the few fast songs on this album. The dramatic high pitch and exciting melody boost the quality of the album a lot and, importantly, it mitigate my sorrowful feeling. However, the following songs like Can't Stop a River and What Are We Waiting For? pull me to the pool of sadness once again. This time, Duncan's lazy tone is gone, instead, a firm and persistent attitude is delivered. Maybe singing for a whole album all by himself raises his responsibility so that he has to make himself sound stronger. Especially the song What Are We Waiting For?, Duncan's resolute voice and the weepy lyrics he is singing with rare high pitch make me fall in love again to him. Comparing to the active style from Blue, Duncan provides a journey full of tears. Letter to God makes me cry: a touching ballad of asking lover for forgiveness. The use of falsetto from Duncan expresses this song in a more painful way.
When the last song from this album was finished, I thought a lot. Trying to consider what Duncan wanted to express, it was just like the title of the album “Future Past”—anticipating the future and memorizing the past. No matter it was Blue or solo career where Duncan is in, what he gave is always the same old warmness. I could imagine that in the future whenever I feel down, I will recover soon after listening Duncan's amiable voice. I believed Duncan's songs could make me stronger and more mature, maybe because when I meet Duncan, I see the future.
A new home of writing exciting music stuff
It's glad to have a new blog only for writing something I love IN ENGLISH，I think the first step is to transfer all my previous work to this new address.
Hope to have something fresh and new!
Hope to have something fresh and new!
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