Tuesday, May 5, 2009

American Idol: Top 4: Rock Week

Last week Ryan said that this was Rock 'n Roll week, which I thought was going to be more late 1950's artists: Buddy Holly, Elvis, Little Richard, etc. But tonight he called it "Rock Week" which to me is way too broad a category. I think it should be split up in the future, that's all I'm sayin'.
I'm home alone watching AI tonight, after work and softball practice, before volleyball.

Adam: Whole Lotta Love: Led Zeppelin
This was amazing! The end was awesome, the band sounded great, Kara called him a "Rock God" and I completely agree. With this style of music, he doesn't seem too dramatic, unlike last week's performance.

Allison: Cry Baby: Janis Joplin
I like her new hair extensions! I agree with the judges when they say she doesn't sound original. I mean, I think she's trying to sound too much like the original which makes me think of Jenna on 30 Rock who is obsessed with playing Janis Joplin but the studio can't get the rights to use her name, so she goes by Jeana Jimplin instead. I didn't think Allison's voice sounded all that great, either. I think she's in trouble.

Danny & Kris: Renegade: by Styx
What's this? A duet? I really liked the sweet harmonies in the beginning, but it got all weird when it was time for the solo parts of the song. Their voices are quite different sounding, and I bet they had a hard time picking out a song. I also bet they didn't rehearse nearly as much as the did on their individual songs. And it showed.

Kris: Come Together: The Beatles
I remember Carly Smithson singing this last year, and even though Kris changed it up and brought out his guitar skills, I liked her version better. I feel like he was trying really hard to be hard rock, and it's just not for him. His voice sounded forced.

Danny: Dream On: Aerosmith
This was just awful for me all the way through. In the beginning I felt his lower register was really pitchy, and at the end the screaming was just painful. It seemed like he was trying to out sing Adam, which just won't ever happen. Sorry dude.

Adam & Allison: Slow Ride: Foghat
YES!!!! This I loved. What a sweet sing-off! This duet blew away the other one. I guess it's not totally fair, though. Who cares? I was highly entertained. And I don't even like that song! And I was only slightly distracted by Adam's package busting out of his pants.

I get a text message from Cameron: "I hated the duet. Allison, bye-bye."
My picks are, from the top:
ADAM
Kris
Danny
Allison


I changed the order of the last 3 about 5 times before I realized that is just doesn't matter and I want to go to bed.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

AI: 4/28/09 Top 5

So this week we've got standards from the Rat Pack era, mentoring by Jamie Foxx. I will apologize ahead of time for the quick summary, but it's late and I'm tired, and I just wasn't getting into the Idol tonight. I did see a preview for So You Think You Can Dance, which perked me up a bit.

Kris: The Way You Look Tonight
This is a lovely song, and Kris is cute with his shadow mustache. I thought he did a great job, although I wasn't blown away. Maybe it's because he performed first, which I think is always a disadvantage.

Allison: Someone To Watch Over Me
Now, I totally disagreed with the judges on this one. I thought the song was wayyy too slow, and quite predictable in the way she sang it. And I really hate how they cut the song up. It just didn't flow for me, dawg. As the judges were raving about Allison, I was trying to think of a better song choice for her. Maybe Fever? I think she's in trouble.

Cameron comes over and we eat some of his home-made eclairs. Mmmm!!!

Matt: My Funny Valentine
I think Matt is really good tonight, and this style suits him. He reminds me of a combo of Justin Timberlake and Michale Bublé. Cameron is surprised by Simon's positive comments almost as much as by Matt's enormous gums. "Why didn't I notice those gums before?"

Danny: Come Rain Or Come Shine
At first all I can think of is the movie The Other Sister, when a mentally retarded Carla (played by Juliette Lewis) sings this song to her mentally retarded boyfriend Daniel (played by Giovanni Ribisi). But I digress. Danny mentioned something about not changing up the song, but he totally did! I really enjoyed his performance, and I am back on the Danny Goeke train. Cameron finally notices Paula's dress, "Oh, that looks terrible!"

Adam: Feeling Good
Ugh, I really don't like this song, and I kind of didn't really like Adam this week. I thought he was uber-dramatic (even for him) and just a little... much. I don't know. His voice is still amazing. Cameron didn't like his crazy facial expressions or how he worked the microphone.

Top to Bottom (Hold on to your hats!):
Kris
Danny
Matt
Adam
Allison

On a side note, here's wishing my Nana a very happy 93rd birthday today!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

American Idol: Top 7. Again.

It's disco week, and I'm at the Gronau (that's Gronau with an uno) house. Present are: Joel, Lu, Ed, my dad, me. I get a few pre-show comments:

Lu: I like the girl with the red hair.
Ed: The blue hair!!!
Joel: This... is American cheese. Lucy! You didn't say it!

The show starts rather suddenly with...

Lil-- I'm Every Woman-- Chaka Khan
Lil, here's the problem. You are every woman, but you aren't your OWN woman. I feel like you try to sing like whomever sang the original version. Adding a run or two doesn't really change it up enough for me. And when it came to the modulation, you let your back-up singers do it while you waited and then added a "yeahhhhhh." (This is very hard for me to describe. Sorry.) I feel like you need to take control of your songs, not let them control you. And stop talking back to the judges.
Joel: She's a little off. She's just gotta leave.
Ray: This is the best outfit she's worn. Great body shape.
Lucy: I thought she didn't behave for that one. She didn't hit the rock.
Ed: She's beautiful.

Kris-- She Works Hard For The Money-- Donna Summer
I am REALLY starting to like this guy. I'm not sure why it's taken so long for me to warm up to him, but I have. He's just so cute. And he sounds good too!
Ray: I liked it.
Joel: I think that's his style.
Lu: He didn't hit the rock to me. I don't like the boys.
Ed: Do it again, Grandpa! (Ed is swinging on Grandpa Ray's legs.)

Danny-- September-- Earth, Wind and Fire
The first line is "Do you remember the 21st night of September?" to which Joel yells out, "That's my birthday!" He's correct. I really love Danny's voice, but I feel his overall performance is a bit lacking.
Ray: He's alright. He's like a Tony Bennett and he's already said he can't dance.
Lucy: You WILL remember, Jeannie, because you're writing it down! It's not really fine.

Allison-- Hot Stuff-- Donna Summer
Her voice is excellent, but I'm worried she is forgettable tonight. It helps that the only other girl is a disaster.
Joel: She's wearing leather leggings! I thought the arrangement was a little goofy.
Ray: Dumb song. I think she did a great job. I like the outfit.
Lu: I think she is hitting the rock. I love her. I love her hair. I love her voice. I love everything about her.
Ed: (No comment. He is taking pictures with a princess camera.)

Adam-- If I Can't Have You-- Bee Gees
Dude, I totally got chills! Is Paula shaking? This guy is a-maz-ing!!!
Joel: It's his back pocket token.
Ray: He is completely different. His voice is unbelievable!
Lu: (When asked if she liked him:) Yeah. I have to go brush my teeth.
Ed: I don't like 'Merican Idol.
Ryan Secrest: A pool of Abdul!!!

Matt-- Stayin' Alive-- Bee Gees
I feel like he's having more fun tonight, but his vocals weren't great, and it's really not fair for anyone to go after Adam.
Joel: Definitely better than Lil.
Lu: He was a little spicy to me. A little spicy.

Anoop-- Dim All The Lights-- Donna Summer
I think he is super pitchy this week. And I think he knows it.
Joel: Why do they kid themselves? I didn't like it. Boring.
Lu: Is his name really Anoop? I like that.

Top to Bottom:
Adam
Kris
Allison
Danny
Matt
Anoop
Lil

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

American Idol: Top 7

I went over to Cameron's place last night to watch a little AI. We went to this Mexican restaurant 2 blocks away for dinner first. We've eaten there before, but the experience was not good this time. The meat was bland, unseasoned. My margarita tasted like water. They forgot to bring out one of my tacos. My beans tasted funny. I just wanted to get out of there! We zoomed back to watch the show, my tummy feeling very icky.
So tonight we've got: Songs for the Silver Screen. Top 7.

Allison: "I don't want to miss a thing"
Well I missed a thing: THIS SONG. Because I was trying to get Jesus to bring me la quenta. I'm guessing she sounded great, looked the same.

Anoop: "Everything I do, I do it for you"
I tried Rhi's suggestion of watching him with my eyes closed. It actually helped! But at some point I peeked and caught a glimpse of his sport coat/jacket/vest. What is that? I think his voice sounded pretty good this week. Cameron: "I was hoping he would sing about his prerogative again."

Adam: "Born to be wild"
Oh man, he is SO GOOD! Those notes! My God! Cameron: "I'm trying to think of what music he would sing on his own?"

Matt: "Tell me have you ever really, really really ever loved a woman? (Is this really really really the title?)
I think he was really pitchy/off key. But I love a guy at a piano. Cameron: Thumbs down, "phtt".

Danny: "Endless love"
No glasses tonight, huh? I don't like how he says "Jour every breath that I take. Jour every step I make." I was bored. Cam: "It was good."

Kris: "Falling Slowly" !!!!!
I gasp in delight when I hear he's going to sing this. But WHY NO GUITAR??? Is he INSANE? Bad choice. And his voice just doesn't have the grit and emotion I want out of it. Cameron is unable to comment here as I gush about the movie ONCE until it's time for...

Lil: "The Rose"
...and my gushing turns into a long groan. Seriously? The Rose? She is way off key, and it stinks. Oh wait, that could be Cam's dog Pepper, who just tooted on me. Everything stinks!! Cameron: "All that's going through my head is Napoleon Dynamite."

Cameron's bottom 2: Matt, Lil

Jean's from top down:
ADAM!!
Anoop
Danny
Allison (I'm guessing here)
Kris
Matt
Lil

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Point!

I drive to the gym this morning and bike 15 miles. The biking has become less painful since I have gotten over my spandex anxiety. (Wearing regular gym/running shorts has been giving me major chafing problems, and even though I HATE wearing spandex in public, it seems to be for the best.) I eat ants-on-a-log for lunch, then as I get ready for work, work calls ME and asks if I want to be on-call. Perfect! So I shift gears and change into my softball coaching costume. Our first game is this afternoon vs Mahtomedi. The Zephers are always a nice team to play, and it's sunny and 50 degrees. We lose 2-3 in 9 innings (we usually only play 7). I'm impressed with our defense, but our girls are slooooowww. Not sure I can fix that in 6 weeks. We'll work on hitting it farther instead.

Since I don't get called in to work, I can actually watch American Idol! So here's my review of Season 8: The Final 8: Songs from the year contestants were born. Immediately I realize we'll be hearing mostly 80's songs. *sigh* But here we go...

Danny - 1980: Stand By Me
I don't like this song, although I think I like this new arrangement more than the original. The judges don't agree with me. Danny sings it well, I'm sure he's safe.

Did anyone else see the promo for the new show Glee? It looks awesome!!!

Kris - 1985: All She Wants To Do Is Dance
This song is retarded. And Kris, if you're going to have a guitar, I want to hear you play it. The band took over. All I want to do is turn off the trumpets.

Lil - 1984: What's Love Got To Do With It?
Paula leads off with "First of all, you look hot." This is never a good sign. Lil, you do not have Tina's legs so please stop trying to walk like her. (Simon mentioned this as well.) I think you were pitchy and boring tonight. And it seems like you get short of breath during your songs. Aren't there exercises you can do to keep this from happening?

Anoop - 1986: True Colors
Your ugly green striped sweater is ugly. I had trouble hearing the words, and don't really understand all the praise from the judges. I wish Megan was back singing this song instead.

Scott - 1985: The Search Is Over
Standing alone on the stage with your guitar made me a little nervous. But you are quite talented, and I thought your voice was better than usual tonight. Sorry the judges ripped you a new one.

Allison - 1992: I Can't Make You Love Me
Finally a song from the 90s! But what are you wearing? Did a buffalo die on your lap? Allison, you have a fantastic voice, but why does America not like you? Please try to stay out of the bottom three so we can get rid of some dead weight.

Matt - 1985: Part Time Lover
This is the Matt that I know and love. Good vocals, good performance.

Adam - 1982: Mad World
Very smart of Fox to have you perform last. You are well worth the wait. This song is super creepy, but you are sooooo good. And it looked like you were sitting on the sun.

In order of importance:
Adam
Allison
Danny
Matt
Kris
Scott
Lil
Anoop

Monday, March 16, 2009

I Been Got!

Spring is in full swing! Ok, officially not until Friday, but it sure felt like it today. I think it hit 60!

We're into the second week of softball season and, well, it's not looking good. Tryouts (or auditions, as I like to call them) are mercifully coming to a close. Today we took the outfielders outside in the parking lot to work on some pop-ups. It was a disaster! A girl would run in and the ball would fly over her head. The throws were all over the place. We lost a couple of balls in a snow bank, at least 1 went down a drain, and another hit a Student Driver car. Whoops!

Cameron and I have been on complete opposite schedules lately. He having school during the day and then working 3pm-10pm, me working mostly 7am-3pm with softball practice in the evenings. We did get to go out to dinner yesterday- juicy burgers at The 5-8 Club. So good! We saw the space shuttle Discovery launch between bites.
Cam told me not to forget to write that we also spent about 15 minutes picking up the poop in his yard. It was a 2-person job (well, it was a 2-dog job that required a 2-person pick-up). He sliced his tall man finger at work on Friday and needed a few stitches. The bleeding is controlled, but it's still pretty numb. Poor guy.

Work has been pretty hilarious lately. Over the weekend, a chubby 20-something black kid came in to be seen. Let's call him Joshua. I asked my usual, "So, what brings you here?"
Joshua: I been got!
Me: You've been shot?
Joshua: No, I been GOT!
Me: Ummm.. Whaaa???
Joshua: I. Been. Got!!! (pointing at his man-junk)
Me: You have an STD?
Joshua: I think so. My doctor called and told me to come here.
Me, searching through his electronic chart: Oh, you have Chlamydia.
Joshua: That's it! Whazzthat?
Me: It's an STD.
Joshua: You mean I'm burnt?!?
Me: What?
Joshua: I'm burnt! Is that contagious?
Me: Yeeaaahhh.

The conversation goes on, but by this point, I have uncontrollable giggles. He is laughing too. I continue to giggle through the next 3 people I triage, apologizing the entire time.

I have more to write, but I'm tired and want to go to bed. Happy St. Patty's day tomorrow!!!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Dog Days of Winter?

On the news tonight people were jumping into a lake for a good cause. I don't really understand this.

I am really looking forward to the Oscars tomorrow even though I haven't seen most of the movies.

I have been pain-free with my workouts and that makes me happy.

Cameron got a new job at a restaurant called the Porter House. He's still part-time at Stella's Fish Cafe. Steak and fish are all well and good, but I'm waiting for him to get a job at IHOC (International House of Cereal).

I don't mind a day of snow as long as a sunny day follows it up. As in today.

The high school softball season starts 2 weeks from Monday. I sense my schedule rapidly filling with practices and games...

Playing the piano alone in my empty condo makes me think of my Aunt Jan. I tend to melt into a puddle of tears before too long. Sometimes I think it's good to cry it out.