Extended Play

The flurry of recent news stories on "American Idol" contestant David Hernandez and his past as a male stripper fail to make one important comparison: Diablo Cody.

She also worked as a stripper before becoming an Oscar-winning screenwriter for "Juno" last month. Essentially, the entertainment industry does not care. Neither do I. If the guy can sing everyone else's tail off, he deserves to make it into the top 12.

Personally, I usually wait until they've narrowed the contestants down to 10 before I start investing time in the show. I might make an exception now.

I wonder how this revelation with sit with the core of "Idol" voters in the Bible Belt though.

What are your thoughts?

Posted by George Paul at 4:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It looks like my crystal ball was on the fritz. I only had a 50% success rate (6/12) - including Record of the Year and Alternative Album - on my Grammy predictions last Friday.

I was surprised that Herbie Hancock won Album of the Year (a very left field choice) and glad that Springsteen picked up three more awards (although none were in the general categories). I'll have to seek out his winning instrumental, "Once Upon a Time in the West," from the tribute album "We All Love Ennio Morricone." Indie label Saddle Creek won its first Grammy for Best Packaging (Bright Eyes' "Cassadega"). Very cool.

What was up with Tom Hanks' over-the-top introduction of the awkward Beatles tribute? It featured the Cirque du Soleil collaboration, "Love" and the selections from the film "Across the Universe." Both were ho-hum. "Love" won a couple Grammys; sadly Paul McCartney didn't for his stellar solo CD.

As for the performances, enough with Alicia Keys already. The opening "duet" with Sinatra was slilted at best. Her next segment was even worse.

An orchestra added nothing to Foo Fighters' "Pretender," from their overrated album. The band's Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins could've cleaned themselves up a bit for the performance.

A still sexy Tina Turner looked ravishing at 68 and overshadowed Beyonce on the medley of Turner hits. Tina: come back out of retirement and do some theater shows!

The "Stomp!" percussive treatment on Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" was weird, but at least it was a change of pace.

Watching Morris Day & the Time again was fun - that is, until "Jungle Love" was ruined by a mash-up with Rihanna's "Umbrella." Kanye West and Daft Punk was exciting; West's tribute to his mother, unusually moving. Didn't know he could actually sing with passion.

Rock 'n' roll legends Jerry Lee Lewis (one writer compared him to a Southern judge) and Little Richard were sluggish and definitely looked their age. John Fogerty was great though as the glue that held the segment together.

Posted by George Paul at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was over at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood on Wednesday night to catch Canadian dub rock band Bedouin Soundclash and was pleasantly surprised by the opening act, Beat Union.

The young four-piece from Birmingham, England had a rousing sound and vigorous delivery along the lines of The Jam and Clash, with a touch of the Specials thrown in. Their debut CD "Disconnected" was produced by Goldfinger's John Feldmann (Good Charlotte, The Used) and is due out April 22.

Beat Union will play the Van Warped Tour this summer. It stops at Pomona Fairplex again, so I'll definitely be writing more on these promising lads.

Posted by George Paul at 4:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Am I the only one who's sick to death of hearing about Miley Cyrus and her alter ego, Hannah Montana?

First there was the TV series, then the CDs and the tour. Now we have the 3D concert film at theaters - Extended for a second week! By popular demand! Yeah, right. You think Disney didn't have that planned all along? (There's a feature film in the works, heaven help us all)

For fans of actual good music, I suggest checking out U2 3D instead.

Shot at various South American stops on the "Vertigo" world tour, it is stunning. For the first time in ages, fans actually get a close up view of ALL the band members, not just Bono and Edge (I especially enjoyed seeing the full layout of Larry Mullen Jr.'s drum kit). The sound is crisp and the open/closing graphics are marvelous.

"Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" - the song about Bono's dying father - still brings a tear to my eye, having seen it performed live several times as well as CD.

My only quibbles revolve around the truncated set, some of the missing bells & whistles from the earlier "Vertigo" tour legs and the fact that they should have recorded this months earlier (Bono looks a bit haggard at times).

The U2 film is currently showing at Edwards' Ontario IMAX Theater in front of The Mills.

Posted by George Paul at 3:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Although last year's IEMA hosts were hilarious, Martin Brown provided his own sardonic British sense of humor between sets last Thursday at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. The event producer/organizer said nobody else wanted to take it on, so he did. And a fine job at that.

I thought it was interesting that most bands got up to 10 minutes to perform onstage.

The attendance should have been larger, considering the better location and reasonable price.

Brown plans to move back to Europe permanently, but will still oversee the SoCal awards shows remotely via the internet. Having done the OC event for many years, he's got it down to a science now.

Volodja Balzalorsky, the Best International winner, is a violinist and professor of music in Europe. I believe Brown said he was from Slovenia. Other entries came from the U.K., Australia, Puerto Rico.

Young violinist Antonio Pontarelli was originally scheduled to perform live since he won last year, but couldn't make it because he had late college classes at USC.

Teenage native America flute player Evren Ozan won again for Best Out of County and seemed to win over some females in the audience with the soothing instrumental tune, "Jacaranda."

I didn't realize when I wrote the IEMA wrap up that Groove Session, the hippie-centric jam band who got a standing ovation, hailed from Ontario.

After longtime Riverside ska band The Skeletones presented an award, Brown said "maybe The Skeletones can perform next year." I think it would be a good idea to have them or another IE music institution, Voodoo Glow Skulls, as a "special guest." Maybe it would draw more people.

Was anyone there? What did you think?

Posted by George Paul at 4:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sunday marks the 40th anniversary of the Man in Black's infamous concert at the Folsom Prison cafeteria. The highly successful album, featuring “Dark as a Dungeon,” “Orange Blossom Special,” “The Long Black Veil,” “Jackson” (with wife June Carter), “Green Green Grass of Home” and of course “Folsom Prison Blues,” is one of the classic live releases of all time. I still dig the way Cash inserts humor into several tunes. Definitely worth checking out if you haven't heard it before.

Posted by George Paul at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last week, I was in a soft rock mode preparing for my interview with Kenny Loggins (he plays Lewis Family Playhouse in a couple weeks).

Then Dan Fogelberg died. I have to admit I've always been a sucker for "Another Auld Lang Syne" this time of year and I have his Essential CD. I put "Another" on a Xmas/NY Eve mix CD one time. I remember when Fogelberg's "Longer" stayed on the Billboard Top 40 for what seemed like an eternity
(I used to make charts during Kasey Casem's Sunday countdown show).

Posted by George Paul at 12:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

...The Clark Brothers!!
Exactly who I hoped would win. The male country/bluegrass trio seem genuine. Now let's see how the "American Idol" management/record company decides to market them. Shouldn't be too hard with a hunk of a lead singer who will make all the gals swoon.

As for the Fox-TV finale: so-so, with previous bands all jamming on different songs, including an Xmas medley. Too bad it wasn't live like "Idol" is. The special music guests were the horrid LIkes of You, who got kicked off early and...the judges.

Sheila E. did a weird version of her hit "Glamorous Life" and John Rzeznik & the Goo Goo Dolls, an ok "Broadway" (one of my all-time faves from them).

Posted by George Paul at 12:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This week, teen metal band Light of Doom was finally sent packing.

The remaining three bands did two songs chosen for them and one they picked.

Denver & the Mile High Orchestra put the swing into Ides of March and Earth, Wind & Fire covers. Both were good, as was their original.

The Clarks' reworked "Amazed" by Lonestar was just that, "This Little Light of Mine" smoked.

Six Wire put a twang into Steely Dan's "Reelin' in the Years."

I think The Clarks should make it into the finals with Six Wire for an all-country/bluegrass faceoff.

What do you think?

Posted by George Paul at 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The RnR Hall of Fame inductees were announced today: Madonna, John Mellencamp, Leonard Cohen, The Ventures and Dave Clark Five.

While the former Johnny Cougar has been eligible for a few years, it appears Maddie made it on the first try (artists become eligible 25 years after their first album). Some will question why a dance/pop artist like Madonna is being inducted, but the Hall has actually included various genres (jazz, R&B) in the past.

I think Mellencamp and Cohen are definitely deserving, but Madonna could have waited a bit, considering how many acts have yet to get in. As for the Ventures and Dave Clark Five, I had to consult a reference book to remember what hits they had beyond "Glad All Over" (DC5) and "Walk Don't Run" (Ventures). Turns out DC5 had 17 hits and the Ventures had six!

Now that we've entered the early-to-mid '80s as an eligibility period, there's going to be a lot of resistance to adding acts who came to prominence during the much maligned New Wave era, but I think Depeche Mode should get in there soon. Don't think they're "rock" enough? Try listening to "I Feel You" and "Personal Jesus" again.

Billy Idol and Def Leppard are also worthy in my opinion.

And what's up with only inducting 5 acts now instead of the 7-8 in the early days of the Hall?

Who do you think deserves to get in? Is the "rock" designation important?

Posted by George Paul at 3:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This week, the contestants tackled a Queen song, followed by one of their own. Thankfully, Dot Dot Dot is gone.

Six Wire's take on "Fat Bottomed Girls" was fun and fit them well. "Go On," passionate and hit-worthy.

Denver & the Mile High Orchestra did "Sleeping on the Sidewalk" (I had to look up the obscure number from Queen's "News of the World") and was rousing as usual. "Big White House" - just ok.

I agree with the judges that Light of Doom's "We Will Rock You" was weak. The novelty is already wearing off on these kids. The original, "A Matter of Time," was only marginally better.

The Clark Brothers expanded from a trio to a quintet (bass/drums) and benefitted from a fleshed out sound. "These Are the Days" found them kicking up the energy level several notches. Their original "Homestead" was feisty and pure country

Is anyone watching yet? Agree or disagree?

Posted by George Paul at 9:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Grammy Award nominations are out now. While looking over the massive list (31 fields; 110 categories), I wasn't too surprised to see Kanye West grab the lion's share of noms for his “Graduation” CD, considering it was so well received. Same goes for Amy Winehouse's “Back to Black” album.

Big questions: will Winehouse be let back into America after her drug problems in the U.K.? Will West throw a fit if he doesn't win everything?

Album of the Year is a mixed bag, with West and Winehouse the most deserving; Vince Gill and Herbie Hancock a little safe and Foo Fighters squeaking by with “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace – hardly a career best effort. Bruce Springsteen's excellent “Magic” should have been in there; instead, he's relegated to the Rock Album category again. Arcade Fire would've added some cred (the Canadians get a lone Alternative Rock Album nod). What happened to the so-called blue ribbon panel?

With the exception of Amy Winehouse's “Rehab,” the Record of the Year crop - Beyonce's “Irreplaceable,” Foo Fighter's “The Pretender,” Rihanna feat. Jay-Z's “Umbrella” and Justin Timberlake's “What Goes Around, Comes Around” - doesn't represent the best the year (eligibility period is 10/1/06-9/30/07) had to offer.

Song of the Year, given to the songwriter, is a bit better. “Before He Cheats” (Carrie Underwood), “Hey There Delilah” (Plain White T's), “Rehab” (Winehouse), “Like a Star” (Corinne Bailey Rae) and “Umbrella” (Rihanna feat. Jay-Z). I'll hazard an early guess that Underwood nails this one.

The Best New Artist group is dominated by females for a change. Winehouse and Feist were expected; the inclusion of pop/punk band and Warped Tour fave Paramore (led by Hayley Williams) is impressive, young country sensation Taylor Swift makes sense, while I had to say, 'who?' after seeing Nigerian jazz/soul singer Ledisi on the list.

Paul McCartney's “Memory Almost Full” is one of the former Beatle's best CDs in years. I was pleased to see him snag noms for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance.

Yes, Springsteen is part of the old guard too, but he deserved his Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance and Rock Song (“Radio Nowhere”), Best Rock Instrumental (“Once Upon a Time in the West,” from 'We All Love Ennio Morricone') nominations.

All of the Best Alternative Music Album nominees – Lily Allen, Arcade Fire, Bjork, The Shins, White Stripes - are strong. Arcade Fire deserves it though.

Best Hard Rock Performance got it right with Foo Fighters, Ozzy Osbourne, Tool, Queens of the Stone Age and Evanescence.

Best Country Album - Vince Gill, Dierks Bentley, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, George Strait (yawn) - too predictable and male-centric. What? No female country artists released a great CD?

Anomalies in the country categories: The Eagles' “How Long” is in for Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals. No Sugarland whatsoever? Shameful.

Perennial nominee U2 got in Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group for its John Lennon cover “Instant Karma.” Ditto Green Day on “Working Class Hero.” I hope Nickelback doesn't win it. Daughtry just might. White Stripes are doubtful.

Another strong group is in the Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album category with Tom Waits, Patty Griffin, Steve Earle, Ry Cooder and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

Intriguingly, The Beatles' catalog goes head to head in Best Compilation Soundtrack for “Love” and “Across the Universe.”

Producer of the year, non-classical, includes the worthy Timbaland, Mark Ronson (Winehouse, Allen), Mike Elizondo (Maroon 5, Rilo Kiley), along with Howard Benson (Daughtry) and Joe Chiccarelli (Shins).

The 50th Annual Grammy Awards are televised at 8 p.m. Feb. 10 on CBS.

Posted by George Paul at 2:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In tonight's round of "Next Great American Band," I was sad to see the excellent Tres Bien voted off. I could easily see them as an opening act for Hot Hot Heat or The Hives.

It was Rod Stewart week and a couple of the remaining groups did intriguing versions. Country/bluegrass trio The Clark Brothers' "You're in My Heart" brought judge Sheila E. to tears.

Sixwire totally rocked out on "Hot Legs." All the judges criticized their bass solo. While I'm not a fan of them either, the original song does have one.

Denver & the Mile High Orchestra's swinging "Baby Jane" was perfct for them.

I don't know why the insipid Dot Dot Dot, who recall a second rate Orgy, is still around; same goes for teenage metal band Light of Doom.

Posted by George Paul at 9:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I haven't read Ebony Magazine's December cover story on Michael Jackson, but last Sunday's piece in London's Daily Telegraph about the 25th anniversary of “Thriller” was both illuminating and hilarious.

Several principals involved in recording the album and making the lavish title track video (Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton, John Landis, Rick Baker) discuss their experiences.

Among the notable quotes: Jones suggesting “Beat It” have a similar thrust as The Knack's “My Sharona” and cold-calling Eddie Van Halen; Vincent Price feeling short-changed over making just $1,000; Landis being summoned to Jackson's trailer at 3:30 a.m. - to meet Jackie Onassis; crew members watching Jackson wither when someone flashes a photo.

Posted by George Paul at 5:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of the death of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence. I was a big fan of the band, whose biggest and best album, 'Kick,' dominated radio during my freshman year in college. Sadly, I only got to see the original incarnation twice: first during the '92 tour for the middling 'Welcome to Wherever You Are' (at Santa Monica Airport's Barker Hangar of all places) and in '97 for the solid 'Elegantly Wasted.' A short time later, he commited suicide. I must admit I was upset at the time.

New recruit JD Fortune, discovered on the reality series "INXS: Rock Star," has a smoldering sensuality and is an able substitute. 'Switch,' their 2005 CD together, definitely deserved more attention than it got (check out "Devil's Party" and "Pretty Vegas").

Here are my picks for INXS Mark I's top tracks:
1.The One Thing
2. Don't Change
3. I Send a Message
4. Original Sin
5. This Time
6. What You Need
7. Listen Like Thieves
8. Never tear Us Apart
9. Devil Inside
10. Suicide Blonde

Posted by George Paul at 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So the Chili Peppers have filed suit against the Showtime network over the title of the series "Californication" (a RHCP album) and character nicknamed Dani California (a big RHCP hit).

When I first read those titles were being used, I figured the band granted permission. Guess not.

Posted by George Paul at 4:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Did anyone watch the AMAs on Sunday night?

I thought most of the performances were boring. Fergie was given way too much time. Those female mannequins onstage with will.i.am were too risque for the 8 o'clock hour. That gal from the Pussycat Dolls is overrated. Maroon 5 was bland beyong belief.

Surprisingly, a jolt of energy finally came from Jonas Brothers, of all people. When those teenage girls ran through Nokia Theatre to provide an instant crowd and three panels of broken glass signaled the brothers' arrival, I said, 'now that's an entrance.' One of them even recovered well from stumbling on the glass.

When Sugarland started singing, I figured it was a new song since I didn't recognize it (I interviewed them for Stagecoach Fest last May). Then Beyonce came along to ruin the countryfied version of her tune. Doesn't this woman know how to tone it down? Giving her a lifetime achievement award just shows how meaningless the AMAs are (and people complain about the Grammys).

It was cool to see Duran Duran get two songs: the sleek new single from "Red Carpet Massacre" and a classic voted on by cell phone users or something ("Hungry Like the Wolf"). Singer Simon LeBon really went out his way to shake Slash's hand as the Velvet Revolver guitarist took the stage to present an award with Scott Weiland. Slash seemed to say, 'sorry man, I've got to do this right now.'

Host Jimmy Kimmel wasn't the least bit funny. The writer's strike didn't help.

Posted by George Paul at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After the next round of Fox's "Next Great American Band," there are still several truly awful contenders left:

Rocket - So what if they're an all girl band! The singer is too nasally and bland. The originals are uninspired.
The Muggs - Yes, they can jam. But judge Dicko was right: they need another singer.
Franklin Bridge - A mess. Of course they sound like much of what gets played on Power 106 these days, so they'll probably be around a bit.
Dot Dot Dot - They've got the glam rock look down, but little else.
Cliff Wagner & Old #7 - Jokey bluegrass. Enough said.

It was Elton John/Bernie Taupin night and none of the covers really made me think, 'that was interesting.'

Still, these acts brought it:

Tres Bien - A winning cross between The Hives and The Beatles.
Six Wire - Solid country music.
Clark Brothers - Another mesmerizing performance. Yes, it was revealed one of them played fiddle on an awards show with Carrie Underwood. Doesnt mean he and his brothers have a record deal yet.
Light of Doom - The teenage metalheads are fun to watch.
Denver & the Mile High Club - Swingin right along.

Anybody out there watching? Thoughts?

Posted by George Paul at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I just finished watching the second episode of the "Next Great American Band." Have to say, I find it much more enjoyable than "American Idol" (it comes from the same creators/producers, follows the same format, similar set, etc.). They get right down to business.

For the most part, the judges dole out constructive criticism. John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls talks about song structures and hooks (none of that "it's too pitchy" stuff). Sheila E. is sort of a rah rah gal like Paula Abdul, but again, has better things to say. The unfortunately nicknamed Aussie/music biz vet Dicko serves as the hardliner, much like Simon Cowell. I tend to agree with a lot of what he has to say.

Fox has it airing Fridays from 8-10pm, which is an unfortunate time slot.

Among the dozen acts tonight, I think these three stood out:

THE CLARK BROTHERS - sprited alt-country sibling trio
TRES BIEN - fun BritPop dudes
SIX WIRE - very professional country outfit

Has anybody seen the show? Who are your favorites?

Posted by George Paul at 10:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's been a few weeks now since the LA County Fair and its End of Summer Concert Series finished. I definitely think the horseracing grandstand should be refurbished, repainted or something. This event supposedly has the largest attendance of any county fair in California (organizers say in the country; I find that hard to believe), but the caliber of acts is sorely lacking compared to OC.

The ticket prices are a bit outrageous as well. Fair admission isn't included. What's up with that? At least if you shell out close to $100 for a fair concert in OC, you can attend the fair for free. A band like Earth Wind & Fire charged the same amount as Bob Dylan would. That's just wrong.

Did anyone attend the fair shows this year?

Posted by George Paul at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)