Steel Kaleidoscopes

Quote of the Day

"We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh."

— Agnes Repplier, American Essayist

American Idol: Rat Pack

At least Jamie Foxx found a way to distance himself from his Miley Cyrus comments. Play nice and show you adore young singers. Here's the order of how the five finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all next month:

1. Adam Lambert
Who on this show has ever hit a note like the one he hit and held last night? No one. Another landmark performance with "Feeling Good," and opening stair descent showcased his star power. If you're judging this solely on the vocal, it's a lock.
Odds of winning: 1-1

2. Allison Iraheta
Thought this was her best performance to date. Delivered "Someone to Watch Over Me" with passion and emotion. Song choice suited her style well. Hard to believe the Birthday Girl is only 17. Simon's comments were off-base and plain wrong.
Odds of winning: 20-1

3. Danny Gokey
Another one who stepped up with a strong vocal, perhaps his best. Started out predictable and boring with "Come Rain or Come Shine," but his uptempo transition turned it into something special. Well done, and about time.
Odds of winning: 25-1

4. Kris Allen
Crisp buttery, flowing vocal with "The Way You Look Tonight." Perfect example of less is more. Thoughtful, reflective performance that has become his trademark. Can he step it up to get to the final? Tough to tell. Looked tired last night.
Odds of winning: 20-1

5. Matt Giraud (bye, bye)
Simon's praise was simply saving face for making the decision to bring him back. His version of "My Funny Valentine" was just OK. Thought it was off-key in spots and kind of boring. Strong note at end saved it, but someone has to go.
Odds of winning: 50-1

Day's End

 

  

It's been said the best sunsets can be seen in Key West, and it's difficult to debate.

(Photos courtesy of Melanie in Boston.)

July in April

Bright yellow rays splashing on our face and arms.

A day at the amusement park, with perhaps a snow cone to cool us off.

A July-feel afternoon on the golf course, the fairways lush and the greens firm, not yet scorched from the perpetual summer sun.

An evening on the outdoor deck, swirling a glass of 1997 Barolo and listening for crickets, wondering if they got the hint.

Good music blasting from the Bose in the back yard, prepping the gardens for a summer that's here.

For a weekend, at least.

Lyrics of the Day

"I've got a friend I've never seen. He hides his head inside a dream."

— Neil Young, 1970

American Idol: Disco

Can we just please get down to the Top 5? Last week's save was ridiculous but producers wanted to use it before losing it. Silly. Here's the order of how the seven finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all next month:

1. Adam Lambert
Powerful use of dynamics and showed superb control and restraint with the Bee Gees' "If I Can't Have You." Emotional performance that honored original while making it fresh 30 years later. Terrific.
Odds of winning: 1-1

2. Allison Iraheta
Sultry, sexy opening few verses set her up for success, even though tempo switch was uneven at times. "Hot Stuff" was perhaps her best performance as it fit her style well. Old lady hairstyle seemed out of place.
Odds of winning: 17-1

3. Kris Allen
Thought the arrangement was over-calculated and mystifying. "She Works Hard for the Money" was a strange choice, but he did the Jason Mraz thing that got him here. Judges were generous with comments for a ho-hum performance.
Odds of winning: 17-1

4. Anoop Desai (bottom 3)
When he sang the opening ("Dim All the Lights") expectations were high but, as Simon pointed out, uptempo transition sullied effort. Thought this was pitchy and predictable. Pink and gray look was cool.
Odds of winning: 30-1

5. Matt Giraud (bye, bye)
Made the most of judges' generosity to keep him in Hollywood another week. "Stayin' Alive" was an appropriate choice and he sounded better than last week. Thought this was choppy in parts. He's no Blake Lewis.
Odds of winning: 50-1

6. Danny Gokey
He's getting tired sounding. Transitioning to more Taylor Hicks than Elvis Costello. The bad dance moves made it difficult to listen and "September" was hokey song choice for him. Awkward and clumsy indeed.
Odds of winning: 30-1

 7. Lil Rounds (bye, bye)
She's angry and must be wondering what has happened to her. "I'm Every Woman" is not a song to showcase vocals and she used the crowd banter as a crutch. The background singers were better. It's over.
Odds of winning: 50-1

One...

 

One of the running cliches in life is that there's always someone looking for a solo ticket at a Phish concert, holding up their index finger.

Usually they are wearing a fur hat on a hot summer day, but this picture is close enough.

Now that Phish has reunited,the cliche will continue to build.

"One..."

Quote of the Day

"What is the definition of a good wine? It should start and end with a smile."

— William Sokolin, New York wine merchant

Hell Toupee

One of the most intriguing local Boston bands of the late '80s/early '90s was Hell Toupee.

Their unique funky sound was high-energy and rattled legendary clubs like the Rath and the Channel.

The band featured Billy Wig on bass and vocal, Chip on guitar and Gold on drums.

Thanks to the power of YouTube and some decently preserved recordings from a February '92 gig, Hell Toupee is getting its groove on once again with these three videos:

Gobble Spew

Oobadooba (Groovelocity)

Satan is a Sissy

The Noise is even picking up some chatter again.

The Continuing Saga of Dave

It was nearing 11, and Dave Tomlinson doubted he would make Letterman.

The musical guest was Siouxie without the Banshees and Dave was curious whether or not synthetic pop had any staying power.

He was open to suggestions on how to stay awake, but caffeine seemed out of vogue at this hour.

Controversy had been following Dave lately, and his comments on the Alex Trebek message board had fueled some of the anger directed his way.

Succumbing to a craving for a Fluffernutter sandwich and a medium-size glass of chocolate milk, Dave made his way into the kitchen.