White boys are the new black men
Music trends tend to come and go with the season. The radio can be playing the twangs of country music one minute and switch to the resurgance of the jazz era another.
But, one kind of trend that never seems to go out of style is that of the white boy trying to be the new black man. Unfortunately, it's hardly ever successful (and Justin Timberlake doesn't count because no one in their right mind will ever believe he's the second coming of Marvin Gaye and Teddy Pendergrass).
Watching the past few episodes of the current season of American Idol, I’ve noticed the vocal stylings of quite a few young men who think there lurks a little soul inside of them.
In all realities, this season's top 12 has only one soul singer, one old soul and one soulless impostor.
Elliott Yamin is a true soul singer. Close your eyes and listen to his tone, his runs and his turns of phrase. You're transported back to the days of Stevie. Open your eyes and you realize he needs a good set of veneers, otoplastic surgery, a spray tan and some styish new clothes (burn those sweater-vests).
Taylor Hicks is an old soul. The man-boy looks like Michael McDowell (without the beard) and sounds like him, too. And, the man-boy feels his music, he’s not just singing to the tunes. But first, I want to see his driver’s license.
Ace Young is a soulless imposter. Looking like Jake Gyllenhall and smouldering into the camera doesn’t mean you can sing (paging Mr. Guarini… Mr. Guarini?). Selecting songs by George Michael, Daniel Beddingfield and Michael Jackson – all white soul singers – doesn’t mean that you are a soul singer. You have a good tone, but that's it. And, please, don’t do a falsetto. Your notes were so sharp, I could cut a porter house steak with them.
But, it doesn’t matter what I think.
Since the advent of music channels, a singer's image is just as important as a singer's voice. Maybe it doesn't matter if you can sing, but if you look the part. Two of this season's contestants can really sing, but don't look the part. One can't really sing, but has the image down pat.
But, who knows?
Maybe people will remember they listen to singers on the radio (or iPod), and not always on television.
Or, maybe we should switch back to black and white TV.
But, one kind of trend that never seems to go out of style is that of the white boy trying to be the new black man. Unfortunately, it's hardly ever successful (and Justin Timberlake doesn't count because no one in their right mind will ever believe he's the second coming of Marvin Gaye and Teddy Pendergrass).
Watching the past few episodes of the current season of American Idol, I’ve noticed the vocal stylings of quite a few young men who think there lurks a little soul inside of them.
In all realities, this season's top 12 has only one soul singer, one old soul and one soulless impostor.
Elliott Yamin is a true soul singer. Close your eyes and listen to his tone, his runs and his turns of phrase. You're transported back to the days of Stevie. Open your eyes and you realize he needs a good set of veneers, otoplastic surgery, a spray tan and some styish new clothes (burn those sweater-vests).
Taylor Hicks is an old soul. The man-boy looks like Michael McDowell (without the beard) and sounds like him, too. And, the man-boy feels his music, he’s not just singing to the tunes. But first, I want to see his driver’s license.
Ace Young is a soulless imposter. Looking like Jake Gyllenhall and smouldering into the camera doesn’t mean you can sing (paging Mr. Guarini… Mr. Guarini?). Selecting songs by George Michael, Daniel Beddingfield and Michael Jackson – all white soul singers – doesn’t mean that you are a soul singer. You have a good tone, but that's it. And, please, don’t do a falsetto. Your notes were so sharp, I could cut a porter house steak with them.
But, it doesn’t matter what I think.
Since the advent of music channels, a singer's image is just as important as a singer's voice. Maybe it doesn't matter if you can sing, but if you look the part. Two of this season's contestants can really sing, but don't look the part. One can't really sing, but has the image down pat.
But, who knows?
Maybe people will remember they listen to singers on the radio (or iPod), and not always on television.
Or, maybe we should switch back to black and white TV.
Authored by S at 12:00 am
6 Comments:
Ace may be a nice guy, but I didn't put him in the bottom three this week.
Just sayin'...
Uh huh ... I blame you for his "almost-demise."
Why is it the attractive people always get such a bad rap? They have to struggle through so much adversity. I say give him a break. He can't help it he's pretty.
:)
Six: There are pretty people who deserve their good reputations (and work hard), then there are others who glide through life on their looks.
Those who are not as pretty have to work harder due to the fact they have to struggle due this one setback.
Oh trust me ... I know what the "un-pretty" have to deal with.
Elliot will continue making good music I hope. I LOVE ELLIOT!!
I love Elliot too! You've uncovered my secret delight.....American Idol. You should post this over at Entertainment Weekly's board, I bet they'd post it. You got me all salivating for tonight's episode, yay!
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