Canadian Idol - Top 22 Week

I am really enjoying this season of Canadian Idol. Overall the talent is very good. I have 5 favorites so far: Keith MacPherson, Craig Sharpe, Brandon Jones, Chris Labelle and Nancy Silverman.

I really enjoy Keith, but I can't quite put my finger on why yet. I think Craig has a beautiful voice for someone so young. Brandon is a hoot and so is Chris. I think Nancy is the most talented out of the girls. She seems more real than most female Idol contestents. A reason I have a problem with a lot of female Idol contestents is due to false sincerity. It's like they get all dolled up: perfect hair, perfect makeup, perfect outfit and then warble on some tired old ballad with a smile as fake as a $3 bill. Nancy just gets out there, is herself and has a good time. She's entertaining in the process.

I really want Keith, Craig and Nancy to make the Top 10. My favorite has won CI three years running now; it would be a shame to end that streak.

Related Tags: Canadian Idol, Keith MacPherson, Craig Sharpe, Nancy Silverman

PSB on Tour!!!! (and other ramblings)

The Pet Shop Boys recently announced their North American tour. There are no dates in Vegas, which makes me sad. There are, however, two dates in Los Angeles in November. I will definitely be there! I'm very excited about this tour, considering how great Fundamental is. As for older stuff, I do not care what they play, but my "must haves" are:

West End Girls
It's A Sin (my all-time favorite PSB song, every other song is a close second)
Opportunities
Always on My Mind
Go West
Se a Vida E

I could go on...:) Any song where Neil plays the guitar such as Se A Vida E is ok in my book.

In other news, there is a lot of rumor and speculation going around about Clay Aiken's new CD. The latest is that it will be out sometime in September. I hope so, because I've been chafing for a new CD for nearly two years now. Kalan Porter's new CD is supposed to be out in August, which would be great. His debut CD 219 Days came out the end of 2004 so it's about time for a new one from him.

I received my live CD of the Depeche Mode Las Vegas concert recently and it's been so great reliving the show. Both David and Martin were in great voice that night. Personal favorites were every Violator song they did: Personal Jesus, Enjoy the Silence and World In My Eyes. Martin did a great, nearly accoustic version of Shake the Disease that is just beautiful.

Lastly, GO ENGLAND! Here's hoping the World Cup is successful for you.

Related Tags: Pet Shop Boys, Clay Aiken, Kalan Porter, Depeche Mode, World Cup

Casanova in Hell

The Pet Shop Boys have hit a grand slam, in my opinion, with their new album Fundamental. One track, in particular, speaks volumes. It is track 9 entitled Casanova in Hell.

Now, this song is a ballad telling the story of Casanova, the legendary lover. It is said, that later in life, he became impotent. It was through shame that he wrote about his sexual exploits. Regardless if that is true or not, this song is beauty on Earth.

I have always been impressed with Neil Tennant's lyrics but for some reason the lyrics of Casanova in Hell are just brilliant. He uses a lot of words that end in -tion and the use of rhymes make this song sublime.

The vocal itself is full of emotion, in particular angst and longing. Neil has always conveyed that emotion very well and this song is no exception. His vocal has a bell like quality that is just breathtakingly beautiful. It really is to die for.

While all the tracks on Fundamental are great in their own way, Casanova in Hell is definitely my favorite. It reminds me yet again of the amazingly beautiful voice Neil has and one I've enjoyed for 21 years. As Neil is going to be 52 this year, one might say his time is coming to an end. Years ago, when asked if they were going to ever split up, Chris said "I see no reason to not continue" (paraphrasing. I don't have the exact quote in front of me). I hope they continue to live by that axiom because the music world will be dead to an extent, should Neil's voice and Chris' musical talent ever be silenced.

Technorati tags: Pet Shop Boys

1 down....19 to go!

I finished a one-week class yesterday. It may not seem like much, but I'm one class closer to getting my degree!

There isn't much going on at the moment. All my medical tests came back normal, which made me happy. I still have some things to look into.

Canadian Idol and Canada's Next Top Model started this last week. I'm enjoying them very much so far.

I've been blasting Fundamental by PSB for two weeks now. I'm gearing up for a "formal" review of the album, once I've recovered a bit. ;)


Joke of the Day: How do you squash a frog on the Information Superhighway? Give him a blog.

Related Tags: Pet Shop Boys

Clay has a new look....

Clay appeared on the American Idol finale tonight. It was very funny with the kid from the auditions getting an "award" for best impersonation. Then for him to sing Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" badly, and then for Clay to come out of the middle of the set, sporting this interesting new look, was pretty cool. Here's a pic:



It will be fun to see what his new CD will bring.

Related Tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol

Some random musings...

I bought a car! Finally, it's nice to be independent again. I got a red 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, 4 door. It's very cute. I wanted another Cavalier (I had a 97 Cavalier) but the Cobalt has replaced the Cavalier.

It also means, I'm even more broke than I was. But at least now I have the means to go somewhere!

I also got my hair cut yesterday. It's very short at the moment.

I'm going to take Sherlock, my dog, to the groomer on Saturday. In this heat, he needs to have his fur a lot shorter.

My CD of Fundamental is on its way to me! I'm so excited! I'll be in PSB heaven for awhile when it gets here. :)

Related Tags: Chevrolet Cobalt, Pet Shop Boys

Low Level Flight - Ryan Malcolm's New Band

Ryan Malcolm, the first winner of Canadian Idol, has formed a new band called Low Level Flight. You can check the band out here: LLF Official Site

Here are a couple of promo photos of Ryan. He's really come a long way since CI!







Related Tags: Ryan Malcolm, Low Level Flight, Canadian Idol