Music Blogs

This week’s Idol was all about how hard Canadian’s rock.  We’re not a nation known for hip hop, we’re not breeding boy bands or girl dance troops.  We are the home and native land to some great rockers and that’s just how Canadian acts are perceived; as great live performers who know how to rock and I couldn’t agree more!  Let’s rhyme off some Canadian bands that have achieved international success; The Tragically Hip, Billy Talent, Three Days Grace, Finger Eleven, Alexisonfire, Nickleback (love them or hate them) to name a few.  Then there are the singer/songwriters, folk singers…I mean, we’ve got it locked down.    

This week, Montreal rockers Simple Plan hosted the Idol workshop and weigh in on the Idol’s strengths and offer up some insights. 

Drew was the Canadian rocker of the night, hands down.  If tonight’s Idol show was intended to support the statement that Canadian’s know how to rock, then Drew was exhibit #1!   He picked a great Canadian rock song, Big Wreck’s “That Song”, stepped up to the mic and was able to deliver Ian Thornley’s vocals in a becoming manner, got the big light show to amp up the energy and at the end, made all the girl’s scream.  On the rock star check list, that’s a check, check, check.  Oh, and as a bonus, the “grown ups” didn’t like it.  That’s the reaction you want when you’re all about the rock ‘n roll!! 

Another rocker element, the ability to indirectly tell you where to stick it.  Tonight, I feel that Earle did just that to me.  Tonight, in a twisted turn of events, one of my favourite performances was from...EARLE!  I know, weird right?  I’ve definitely passed unfavourable judgment of Earle a few times, but tonight, I got a much better understanding of who he is.  I’m not saying that he will or should be the next Idol, but that I have a newfound appreciation and it was all because of the performance.  Earle took on national treasure; The Hip.  Front man Gord Downie’s phrasing, vocal timbre and all around being would be the hardest to channel out of any Canadian front man I can think of.  But Earle’s quirky energy was channeled so effectively that he achieved it successfully and made his performance of “Little Bones” a stand-out!  Post performance and judging, Earle also made me laugh, hard with the statement;  “I like Grandma’s”….AMAZING!

Not so much a typical rocker, but staying true to his roots is Theo.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Theo belongs on the Piano.  Even this week’s workshop leader’s Simple Plan agree with me.  When Theo performs on the piano, there is a beneficial symbiosis.  I think the only other time I’ve seen this is with Coldplay’s Chris Martin.  Now I’m not saying that Theo is of that caliber, but in time, just might be.  Who knew?   

Performing Canadian singer/ songwriter Sarah Sleen’s “Sweet One’s”, Theo was totally in his element.  Behind the piano, he made his performance his own, adding a sweet, enticing, manliness to the otherwise upbeat flirtation that Sarah infused into to her song.   

In terms of a “performance” Mookie really brought it tonight, that much I can admit.  From the lights, wardrobe, stage choreography to the DJ on the turntables, it was a full on show.  However, if you strip away all the shiny elements of his performance and listen to the vocal performance, Mookie has one of the most irritating rocker mumbles I’ve ever heard.  I guess Mookie is better than bland though.      

Hello intro to the less rocker performances of the evening.

Words to live by if you want to be a rocker or performer of any sort, if you aren’t completely into it, no one else will be either.  In the words of Simple Plan, you need to look like you enjoy what you are doing and that you are totally immersed and connected to the song that you choose.  At the beginning of the Idol competition, Mitch was all over this!  Lately, not so much.  So, surprise surprise, tonight Mitch stood completely immobile, guitar in hand, again tonight for what I think is the fourth or fifth week in a row.  I know, you’re probably thinking how is that any different from Theo sitting behind his piano?  Here’s why; Theo has a way of emitting energy while seated at his piano stool or much like tonight will kick the stool away, stand and give it a la Jerry Lee Lewis!  Mitch looks scared to move!  But at least Mitch can sing and has a level of charm that keeps you interested.    

The Idol next door, Amberly, kicked off tonight’s show with what may be one of the hottest Canadian songs of 2008; Feist’s “1, 2, 3, 4"  

Unfortunately she didn’t kick the night off with any heat or rocker sizzle.  In fact, the other hopefuls left her in their rocker dust.  She sang the song, but didn’t have the Feist charisma to really make it work for her.  It was alright, but it just wasn’t great.  Amberly just isn’t a rocker, that was proven with her choice in song and her overall performance.  Apparently no one told her how to fake it till you make it!      

Next Idol, Montreal rocker's Simple Plan hit the stage!

If you're looking for another serving of Canadian rock in the meantime, then look no further.  I leave you with Canadian Home Grown