Music Blogs

Before I jump into the Idol goodness, because there was plenty, I want to shed a spotlight on a different kind of goodness; Camp Oochigeas.  The Idol hopefuls, Drew, Mitch, Earle, Theo and Mookie went to the camp to have a fun and meaningful experience with kids that have been affected by cancer.  I won’t get too much into it, but for more info on the camp, you can check out http://ooch.org/. 

Alright, let’s come together! 

I think it’s safe to say that the Beatles are probably one of the most popular bands…ever.  They were a band that inspired a musical revolution, a voice for a generation who would also touch and influence generations to come.  Even years after they dismantled as a band would still inspire on a large scale; athletes (right Nike?), films, stage performances, really, their influence knows no boundaries.  Above this, they were also musical trailblazers and people that inspired a desire to imagine and dream beyond borders.  When the Beatles touched down in North America for their first time in 1964, everything changed!

While performing songs from the Beatles catalogue, something changed for the Idols hopefuls too, they all performed on a new level. 

Starting the show and earning his place on top for the night was Earle, who performed the mega hit (for me) from Sgt. Peppers, “With A Little Help From My Friends”.  The judges chose this song for Earle based on the criteria that he needs something with a lot of soul, strong lyrical content and strong chorus.  Well, good choice judges.  Earle’s voice has never sounded better.  Well, at least not while on the Idol stage.  If this version were on iTunes, I would download it, seriously!  Well, if they could have taken out the back-up singers.  While all the judges stood and applauded, Zack remained seated, looking less than impressed.  Jake was busting at the seams, Sass was speechless (as speechless Sass can be), Farley felt that this performance made “it” all worth while and Zack decided in the end that less is more.  Where Earle is concerned, as I have said before, less wins the day.  When he’s controlled and focused, Earle is at his best!    

Channeling his inner Paul, hot on Earle’s heels, was Mitch.  There is an honesty to Mitch that resonates when he performs material with deep lyrical content.  When he’s singing quiet, heartfelt material, that’s when he is at his best.  So, what would fit better than, “In My Life”, a song that marks a huge turn for the Beatles, a time when they really became a voice for a generation.  Mitch chose to speed his version of the song up a bit, but then he took it to a whole new level.   Mitch’s vocals were strong yet comforting.  He then played up the calming element of his arrangement with a harp to lead the string section.  This is a song that is quite bare in its form that Mitch was able to enhance without overpowering.  It was really beautiful.    

As the number of Idol hopefuls has dwindled, we have really been able to see Drew command the spotlight.  Drew has a powerful voice and knows how to build up a song just right.  “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is hands down THE Beatles song for this hopeful.

We have watched Drew make a guitar his slave on that Idol stage and we have watched him emote like a pro, so seeing if he could rise to the challenge of this song was a must. Written by George Harrison, made immortal by Eric Clapton, covered by Jeff Healey, and now modernized by Drew Wright, he did just that!  While tonight wasn’t Drew’s best performance, it was still pretty great.  Drew did exactly what the judges wanted him to do, build a song without just shattering glass.  He had big shoes to fill and he stepped into them with his own flavour. 

Theo was given “The Long And Winding Road” as his Beatles song by the judges.  Due largely to his strong command and his natural ability to embody a melody and of course the vocal chops to back it up, this was the song for the Idol hopeful with the midas touch.  Theo tends to lose himself when he performs a song he connects with, which is the best thing a musician can possibly do on stage (without being erratic and scary).  So, for the evaluation of Theo’s performance, were all the pieces there?  Piano, check, orchestration, check, command of melody, check.  While all the elements were there, the performance did not place Theo at the top of the pack tonight for me.  What?  I’m not sure.  The best way I can put it is that there was an element of excitement that was missing from his performance.  Then again, can Theo ever not be great?  I think it’s safe to say that there hasn’t been another Idol hopeful like Theo. 

Wrapping up my evaluations is Mookie.  The Mookster performed “Come Together” and I didn’t find it totally painful!  I don’t know if I’d agree with Sass calling Mookie’s performance a, “pot of M-M-Good”, but it wasn’t bad.  I would also like to disagree with both Zack and Jake, that was not the best version of that song ever, but I have heard worse.  I know, I know, I’m a total hater, but I’m trying!  There’s just something about Mookie that just gets to me.  At least I can admit it though right?  Mookie totally looked the part though, wearing a Sgt. Pepper inspired jacked and his Beatle hair.

I think this might be the first time I’m nervous about the pending round of eliminations.  It’s pretty obvious that I want Drew, Mitch and Theo to stay.  I have also begun to appreciate Earle…so it’s only Mookie that I am ready to part with.  Wonder if my opinion in shared.  Guess I’ll have to watch and find out!