Sweet Dreams
Hey Soul Mates,
we were here last year, too. I'm going to put in my two cents about the American Music Awards. It was an entertaining show again this year for all the wrong reasons. The absolutely stunning (though thick) Mariah Carey opened the show. She really sang, but she nearly killed herself losing balance in her high heels. Girl, leave the dancing to Ciara. Things went downhill from there. Most of the performances were either bad or country. My appreciation for the musicianship of the country performers was elevated by the wretched pop performances.
Sad, horse-toothed Hilary Duff lip-synched her way through a "brand new song." Yawn. She practically tripped over her backing dancers and was clearly not singing. But she was preceded by the new brunette version of Linsday Lohan who did sing. Awfully. Her voice was weaker than diner coffee and the sound engineers did her no favors. Her movement was awkward and she kept her eyes closed for most of her routine. A clear sign that she was scared to death. It was like watching a kitten drown. Compelling, guilt-inducing and ultimately unbearable. As her song came to a close, I breathed a sigh of relief... until she launched into an inexplicable cover of Stevie Nick's Edge of Seventeen. What the hell?! And it went on and on and on. I thought I'd never see a performer more out-of-place or stroke inducing than Ashlee Simpson. My apologies Ms. Simpson, but you just got your crown stoled!! I still love Ms. Lohan as an actress, but this should be the swansong of her singing career. And go back to red hair.
Cedric the Entertainer was alright at the MC. Babyface introduced some hilarious clips that highlighted past broadcasts. The show need more of these. Or maybe less, because it punctuated the fact that last night's show was lacking in anything interesting going on or any compelling performances.
The highlights of the night? The ladies of the 80's. Cyndi Lauper did a wonderful acoustic version of Time After Time. But the show-stopper was Eurythmics. They came blasting out of the gates with Missionary Man, which segued into Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This). They flat out rocked and Ms. Annie Lennox ruled the stage. She sang with more gusto than any of the macho country or hip-hop acts. Her vocals were authoritative and soulful. Of course, you have to credit Dave Stewart, the duo's multi-instrumentalist for keeping their signature sound intact. Their singles in the 80's are classics in my experience. I remember going to the record store and plunking down $1.99 for their 45s. And Eurythmic's lp Be Yourself Tonight is still a powerhouse. I really hope they tour behind their new greatest hits lp. They showed what a band should do on live TV. The only other "band" performance last night was All-American Rejects who gamely made their way through a song. We need more bands!
Of course, it's a sad state of affairs that the show had to be rescued by two 20 year old acts (even the Rolling Stones were boring via satellite). But they both made convincing arguments for their consideration for the Rock Hall. Ms. Lauper may only be nominated, but Eurythmics belong in the Rock Hall. Good God, y'all. I'm going to play them in the car today.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Love, Power, Peace and pumpkin pie.
we were here last year, too. I'm going to put in my two cents about the American Music Awards. It was an entertaining show again this year for all the wrong reasons. The absolutely stunning (though thick) Mariah Carey opened the show. She really sang, but she nearly killed herself losing balance in her high heels. Girl, leave the dancing to Ciara. Things went downhill from there. Most of the performances were either bad or country. My appreciation for the musicianship of the country performers was elevated by the wretched pop performances.
Sad, horse-toothed Hilary Duff lip-synched her way through a "brand new song." Yawn. She practically tripped over her backing dancers and was clearly not singing. But she was preceded by the new brunette version of Linsday Lohan who did sing. Awfully. Her voice was weaker than diner coffee and the sound engineers did her no favors. Her movement was awkward and she kept her eyes closed for most of her routine. A clear sign that she was scared to death. It was like watching a kitten drown. Compelling, guilt-inducing and ultimately unbearable. As her song came to a close, I breathed a sigh of relief... until she launched into an inexplicable cover of Stevie Nick's Edge of Seventeen. What the hell?! And it went on and on and on. I thought I'd never see a performer more out-of-place or stroke inducing than Ashlee Simpson. My apologies Ms. Simpson, but you just got your crown stoled!! I still love Ms. Lohan as an actress, but this should be the swansong of her singing career. And go back to red hair.
Cedric the Entertainer was alright at the MC. Babyface introduced some hilarious clips that highlighted past broadcasts. The show need more of these. Or maybe less, because it punctuated the fact that last night's show was lacking in anything interesting going on or any compelling performances.
The highlights of the night? The ladies of the 80's. Cyndi Lauper did a wonderful acoustic version of Time After Time. But the show-stopper was Eurythmics. They came blasting out of the gates with Missionary Man, which segued into Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This). They flat out rocked and Ms. Annie Lennox ruled the stage. She sang with more gusto than any of the macho country or hip-hop acts. Her vocals were authoritative and soulful. Of course, you have to credit Dave Stewart, the duo's multi-instrumentalist for keeping their signature sound intact. Their singles in the 80's are classics in my experience. I remember going to the record store and plunking down $1.99 for their 45s. And Eurythmic's lp Be Yourself Tonight is still a powerhouse. I really hope they tour behind their new greatest hits lp. They showed what a band should do on live TV. The only other "band" performance last night was All-American Rejects who gamely made their way through a song. We need more bands!
Of course, it's a sad state of affairs that the show had to be rescued by two 20 year old acts (even the Rolling Stones were boring via satellite). But they both made convincing arguments for their consideration for the Rock Hall. Ms. Lauper may only be nominated, but Eurythmics belong in the Rock Hall. Good God, y'all. I'm going to play them in the car today.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Love, Power, Peace and pumpkin pie.
posted by Norman K at 7:57 AM
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