Check out which Bon Jovi classics Idol Chat Editor Brandon Garcia recommends … and tell us your own requests!
Archive for the 'Request Line' CategoryRequest Line: Your life anthem … my funeral dirgeApril 23rd, 2007, 9:08 pm by bgarciaBy Brandon Garcia, Idol Chat Editor THIS WEEK’S THEME: “Life anthems” This broad theme leaves open the possibility of some cool choices since anything under the sun relating to living life will be up for grabs (that’s at least 60 percent of all pop song topics right there). Then again, American Idol contestants sometimes seem like they have to be dragged kicking and screaming from schmaltz-fest standards like “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Hilarious new term, btw. GUEST JUDGE: Unknown, possibly none WHO WILL DO WELL: Those who read my Request Line WHO WILL BOMB: Those who don’t BANNED SONGS: “Beautiful” (Christina Aguilera); “We Are The World” (Michael Jackson); the aforementioned “Wings”
“Rehab” Amy Winehouse – A very eyebrow-raising current hit that sounds like a lost Nina Simone number. And an amazing screw-you to the predictable theme. Last week we finally got a break from Goodie-Two-Shoes Melinda … let’s keep her locked up.
“Beautiful Day” (U2) – Perfect rousing showcase for Phil’s ace-in-the-hole glory notes.
“Free Your Mind” (En Vogue) — A dynamite, hard-rock-tinged attack on prejudice sung by soul divas. I would kill to hear this from LaKisha — it’s just the sort of return-with-a-vengeance comeback she needs.
“Heaven Is A Place On Earth” (Belinda Carlisle) *— It’s the musical equivalent of a great doughnut with none of the guilt. It’s ’80s sparkle outshines the teeny-bopper pallor.*This video is quite possibly the greatest ever made. It’s like Nick Jr.’s version of Eyes Wide Shut.
“Crazy” (Seal) — Blake never sounded better than when he pulled this out of his hat back in the audition rounds. A left-field pick that’ll help him keep his “cred.”
“The River” (Garth Brooks) — An earnest if simplistic Garth hit that’ll wash Chris clean from the mess he made last week. I think Chris needs to make good on his disastrous Country Week performance. Phil got to walk away with the “country singer” title when I think Chris actually fits more comfortably into that mold. Request Line: Save A Horse, Ride An IdolApril 16th, 2007, 5:04 pm by bgarciaBy Brandon Garcia, Idol Chat editor THEME: Country GUEST COACH: Martina McBride WHO WILL DO WELL: Phil Stacey, Chris Richardson WHO WILL BOMB: Blake Lewis
MARCI: Yee haw and howdy, y’all! Close your eyes and travel in time with me to next Tuesday’s American Idol. It’s Country Music night. Peer closely … Can you see it? Look closer, there they are!
MARCI: “Stand By Your Man” (Tammy Wynette) — Focus on Melinda, in her proper dark jeans and brown western-cut shirt, oh-so-sincerely beseeching the ladies to be brave with Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man.” It’s mainstream and traditional, and so is Melinda. But this song can have a wow factor if she’ll only stop being such a goodytwoshoes. Let go some, Mel. Slap the mare and let ‘er rip! BRANDON: “Ways To Be Wicked” (Lone Justice) — She’d probably be safe with any Patsy Cline song, but this forgotten gem penned by Tom Petty might give her an opportunity to shake off the soccer mom-ness.
MARCI: “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” (Willie Nelson) — See now, there’s Chris, in boots, tight jeans and sexy, fringed western jacket, peppering Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” with his infamous runs. Chris could carry this off and not tick me off (I loooove this song). After all, Willie can’t sing either, but he sure can put over a tune. BRANDON: “What Hurts The Most” (Rascal Flatts) *— It’s got a modern veneer and a cool melody repetition, plus Chris’ squeal sounds just like the Rascal Flatts dude’s. DO NOT ATTEMPT: “I Swear” (John Michael Montgomery) *The chick at the beginning of this video is hilarious.
MARCI: “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” (Shania Twain) — Oh, look, there’s Jordin, in pigtails and a yellow gingham apron dress with puffy little sleeves, giggling and simpering her way through Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like A Woman.” I figure anything with an exclamation point in the title is Jordin’s territory. It’s also upbeat and would allow her to have some fun. Jordin loves to have fun. BRANDON: “I Hope You Dance” (Lee Ann Womack) — Another country song in name only. I’m already preparing my ear drums for the money note (”Daaaaaaaance”), which Jordin will ring for all it’s worth. Please God No: “How Do I Live” (LeAnn Rimes) MARCI: “Jambalaya” — There’s Blake, in chinos and guayabera, scatting and beatboxing “Jambalaya.” It’s syncopated, fun, and he can make this his if he just uses a little control in the arrangement. BRANDON: “When You Come Back Down” (Nickel Creek) — The last thing Blake needs is some bar jam, so he better rein it in with something simple and breathy. Then again, I’d pay money to see Blake in polka dot chaps and a red cowboy hat.
MARCI: “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” (Willie Nelson) — Sanjayjay with his hair slicked back, those big eyes all but disappearing under a 10-gallon Stetson as he peers coyly into the camera for his sweet and sassy rendition of Willie Nelson’s “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys.” I don’t know why I chose that for him. The comedy factor, I think. I’m evil but can’t help myself where Sanjaya is concerned; think of me as Nero, fiddling while Rome burns. BRANDON: “The Bluest Eyes In Texas” (Restless Heart) * — This is a do-or-die moment for Jaya Baby. Something too over the top (e.g. “Chattahoochee“) could finally exceed America’s fondness for the absurd. Something too timid might get lost in the shuffle. I’m opting for the latter. Hairstyle Request: Rough and ragged. More peach-fuzz mustache. *No clue who the band in this video is.
MARCI: “All Jacked Up” (Gretchen Wilson) — See LaKisha, dressed in tight jeans and skimpy saloon corset (I’M BLIND, I’M BLIND!) hopefully belting her way through Gretchen Wilson’s “All Jacked Up”. Oh yeah, if LaKiki will just … Do … Her … Thang. This song is meant for cuttin’ loose and beltin’ out. Please, LaKisha, wear something sensible, don’t run all over the stage, and wail like we know you can wail! Ya know you want to. BRANDON GARCIA: “Walking In Memphis” (Marc Cohn/Lonestar [NOT their anemic arrangement]) — I read in an interview that LaKisha was looking to perform “I Will Always Love You” (originally by Dolly Parton) a capella at some point. This week would be the perfect opportunity, and even though that would be a windfall from God, I just can’t bear to recommend it. Might Try: “Heartland” (George Strait). Or not.
MARCI: “Daddy Sang Bass” (Johnny Cash) — And last and definitely least, Phil, in his farewell performance. See the white cowboy shirt, the cat’s eye bolo tie shimmering under the lights as he croons in his endearingly sincere way, “Daddy Sang Bass.” This Johnny Cash hit actually would play to Phil’s range. Could be a great choice, if he can keep the key. BRANDON: “My Maria” (Brooks & Dunn) — Phil definitely needs something joyous to sing after giving us two weeks worth of obituary performances. He’s shown some capability for falsetto, plus this tune is chockful of his cherished big notes. And it’s a good opportunity to hide his Bram Stoker skull. ————————- MARCI: Yes, boys and girls, we are approaching Country Music night on American Idol. I, for one, will mosey on home from work on Tuesday, rustle up some grub and rest my achin’ puppies just in time to be transported to the music-lovers’ Land of Ahs. ————————– Thanks again to Marci for joining the Request Line. Tune in Wednesday morning for the Idol Chat judges’ review of Tuesday night’s performances. Request Line: Epa! Epa! Andále!April 9th, 2007, 10:43 pm by bgarciaBy Brandon Garcia, Idol Chat Editor THEME: Latin week GUEST COACH: Jennifer Lopez HOW IT’LL GO: Jenny From The Block herself giving vocal tips? Right. Dance-themed nights always produce glorious, horrible trainwreck performance. Can’t wait.
“Heaven” (Los Lonely Boys) — The most white-bread song by a Latin band in the world i.e. perfect for Phil. Big, loud chorus.
“Como La Flor” (Selena) — Boots. Cowboy hat. Fringed leather jacket. Cleavage and legs, legs, legs. Could be a shining moment, though she’d probably do as well with one of Selena’s few horrid English ballads.
“Girl From Ipanema” (Stan Getz & Astrud Gilberto) — PLEASE no Ricky Martin. Hardcore Latin choice might be considered admirable. He could do something interesting with the rhythm, or it could be death-knell boring. “Escape” (Enrique Iglesias) — Very much in Chris’ boy-band vein. Attention to melody might make the song blossom.
English version of “Ojos Asi” (Shakira) —Dramatic, offbeat pick might give Melinda back her breathing room as frontrunner. Rapid-fire tempo would be a piece of cake.
“Cuts Both Ways” (Gloria Estefan) — The one exception to my Gloria Estefan ban. This tender ballad would go against the up-tempo theme, but could show some much-desired vulnerability in her personality. Or could be just invisible. “Wherever, Whenever” (Shakira) — A major-key crossover hit with more hooks than a tackle box. Still would seem exotic coming from Jordin.
“La Isla Bonita” (Madonna) — I’ll leave it at that. Request Line: Top 10 SpoilersMarch 26th, 2007, 9:18 pm by bgarciaBy Brandon Garcia, Idol Chat editor Over the past week, the rumor mill has stated that tomorrow night’s theme would be 1) inspirational music (Thank God this didn’t come to pass); 2) Pop music (well that narrows it down); 3) and now the latest, Music Gwen Stefani Likes. No joke. The latest development would have left me empty-handed as far as song requests go, but I also came across these spoilers, courtesy of mjsbigblog.com. These aren’t confirmed, but that guy found out something like 20 out of the Top 24 before anybody else. Blake Lewis - “Love Song” (The Cure) — I’ve been saying he should do a Morrissey songs for weeks, but this could be even better. Pointlessly Predicted Score: 8.5 Chris Richardson - “Don’t Speak” (No Doubt) — Chris apparently wants to be voted off. It’s never a good idea to do a guest coach’s song. Still, out of all her catalogue, he chooses what’s probably her lamest track. Pointlessly Predicted Score: 4 Chris Sligh - “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” (The Police) — Constantine ruined this song a couple of years ago … will Chris S. do the same? As rad as Police songs are, no contestant has ever walked away unscathed trying to perform them on Idol. Chris has the voice but always loses it on the big choruses — like this song has. Pointlessly Predicted Score: 6 Gina Glocksen - A Pretenders ballad — … which is probably “I’ll Stand By You.” I always thought the Pretenders version was too long, which bodes well for Gina’s 1.5-minute version. Very melodic, fairly simple song. Gina should be back in form. Pointlessly Predicted Score: 7.5 Haley Scarnato - “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper — And so ends the torture that is Haley. She obviously didn’t understand the last thing we wanted was more of her beauty queen trifle. A great song she’ll never be able to handle. Worse, I don’t think this rendition will call for her to wear hotpants. Either way, she’s toast. Pointlessly Predicted Score: 3 Jordin Sparks - “Hey Baby” by No Doubt — Hmm. Very ballsy move. Could turn out either way. If it works, it’ll really work. If it tanks, well … she better hope next week is Disney Week. Pointlessly Predicted Score: Tough to call. Either a 3 or an 8. Lakisha Jones - a Donna Summers song; and Melinda Doolittle - a Donna Summers song — No surprise that Season 6’s top two contenders, paradoxically the most talented and the most boring, have chosen from the done-to-death Donna Summers songbook. If it’s true, I hope they both end up in the Bottom 2 on Wednesday, just for being so stubbornly unadventurous. Phil Stacey - “Every Breath You Take” by The Police — Ah, more Police. I think it’s going to be a good move for Phil, who would’ve been the Billboard star of 1985 on the strength of his pure radio-friendly sound. This song has of those dreaded lower notes, though … still, hopefully he’ll nail the big parts and make us forget. I’m not ready for Phil to be dispensed with this week. Pointlessly Predicted Score: 7 Sanjaya Malakar - “Bathwater” by No Doubt — Definitely the night’s riskiest song choice, and moves like this make me admire contestants … even Sanjaya. It would be the coolest thing in the world to see him nail this song and be the best of the night, the ultimate comeback story. But in reality … Pointlessly Predicted Score: 1 Request Line: The Brits are invading! The Brits are invading!March 18th, 2007, 9:43 pm by bgarciaBy Brandon Garcia, Idol Chat Editor With most of the Top 11 still black and blue from the pummeling that was Diana Ross Week, the American Idol producers are revealing themselves to be quite the sadists judging by the upcoming item on their dry-erase theme calendar: British Invasion Week. Just picture the scene as the producers broke it to the contestants, huddled tightly, anxiously on a single sofa. “British. Invasion,” says Fox Exec No 1. The group gasps and recoils inward like a sea anemone. The very prospect of having to rein in their Beyoncé-isms and Justin-antics sends Stephanie Edwards and Chris Richardson into a terrified, wet-shoulder embrace. LaKisha immediately starts planning her argument on why she should be allowed to perform Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man,” even when it’s not technically British Invasion. Blake, Chris Sligh and Gina look at one another. They shrug cooly, hopefully, knowing they’re closer to home territory. Melinda summons her “Gayles,” who materialize a là I Dream of Jeannie with best bets for song selections and hair and makeup tips. Phil and Haley chit-chat with one another, oblivious to all that’s going on around them, excited at the possibilities of paving early Beatles songs with highways worth of vocal runs. A producer promptly explains they’ve been misinformed — securing the rights to a Beatles songs costs the equivalent of five H2s, and that they may as well forget about it. Haley wipes a single tear and goes to sit with Sanjaya, intent on doing all she can to sabotage the only contestant who threatens her inclusion in the Top 10, and therefore on the Idol tour. She lays his head on her shoulder, her silver toungue whispering discouragements disguised as sympathy into his ear. “You’re not just rock, ‘Jaya. You’re soul. There was no soul in Britain at that time. It’s just tough luck. They’re out to get you, you know that. They don’t think you can win. It’s just a rough week; you’ll make it through. Just play it safe.” And so goes the week before the Brits invade Idol. Look for Lulu and someone else I can’t remember as the week’s guest coaches. British Invasion has always lain just beyond my throw-out-by date as far as music goes. Research yielded a lot of stuff I’d heard before but never bothered to really listen to, and another load of music trivia that will never serve a purpose other than this column. Like, there was apparently a second British Invasion in the 80s, but I think it’s a safe bet to assume they’re doing the first wave in the 1960s for tonight’s show. Whatever. I think it’s going to be an interesting two hours in the way that Queen Night was last year — off-the-wall choices, some good, some thrillingly awful. I’m hoping for a balanced mix. Here are my recommendations for the Top 11:
“Wild Thing” (The Troggs) - With this pep rally staple, Gina could throw control and subtlety to the wind and Simon wouldn’t be able to call her on it. Gina needs to take a cue from her Idol doppelganger, Nikki “Hated By All” McKibbin from Season 1, and embrace the karaoke-esque tunes. “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” “Black Velvet,” “I’m The Only One” — these were all disastrous for Nikki but would be good choices for Gina, whose screaming is far more in tune.
“House of the Rising Sun” (The Animals) - By now, we all know Melinda is good enough to have been recording alongside Aretha in the 60s — but how would she measure up next to Janis? She’d never in a million years pick this song, but it’s exactly the 180-degree-turn she needs to convince me she’s not going to wind up like Fantasia, whose throwback soul voice was electrifying on the show but sticks out like a sore thumb in the hip-hop style she sings. Melinda definitely has the gruff vocals to take on this hard-rock classic, and the very thought of her howling and writhing like a heroin-ravaged Monterrey Pop queen exhilarates me. Fat chance it’ll happen, but a boy can dream.
“Long Cool Woman In A Cool Black Dress” (The Hollies) - Like her rival Melinda, LaKisha has used up all her gospel/soul freebies for the season — it’s time for something different. This bluesy, low-key, glory-noteless rocker from The Hollies would be a perfect way to prove she’s not just Patti LaBelle’s even less attractive kid sister. Of course, just like Melinda, it’ll be a cold day in hell when LaKisha forgoes the chance to blow through “Son of a Preacher Man” over trying something riskier.
“She’s Not There” (The Zombies) [Malcolm McLaren's remix "About Her" from Kill Bill, Vol. 2] - Don’t listen to Simon, Blake. The last thing you need to do is give tepid performances of these ancient songs in their original styles. Keep it up with these electronica arrangements — just don’t do them yourself. This languid remix Quentin Tarantino fans will recognize is just the ticket to coming off cool and modern on a night none of your opponents will.
“Love Is All Around” (The Troggs) [Version by Wet Wet Wet from Four Weddings and a Funeral] - Another rough week for Chris as far as potential song choices go. Chris R. is probably the most un-rock contestant in the crowd. This straightforward pop arrangement would offer Chris a way out of having to reveal those limitations.
“Don’t Sleep In The Subway” (Petula Clark) - Jabba the Sligh is never going to be rock ‘n’ roll’s next sex symbol, so he might as well shoot for being the next Meat Loaf. Petula Clark’s schizophrenic “Don’t Sleep in the Subway” shapeshifts from bubblegum to Beach Boys and back again, giving Chris an opportunity to ditch his über-serious onstage persona and give us some sorely needed humor and theatricality.
“Time of the Season” (The Zombies) - Stephanie’s falling way behind main the superior Melinda and LaKisha. She needs a bold, sexy move to distinguish herself, and what better way than to embrace the theme and nail this funky, psychedelic tune from The Zombies?
“I (Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (The Rolling Stones) - Ay, Haley. You’re awful when you’re singing ballads. You’re a little bit less awful when you go uptempo — may as well sing the only song the teenyboppers will have know tomorrow.
“The Crying Game” (Dave Berry) (Boy George’s version of the song from the film of the same name) - OK, Jordin, so you were last week’s celebrated debutante. That means you’re a woman now and SONGS FROM CARTOONS ARE OFF-LIMITS. How about trying something more sensuous? A cool, erotic rendition of this song might leave people seeing thinking you’re the next Sadé instead of just the next Brandy.
“Mellow Yellow” (Donovan) - Well, Sanjaya, you’ve definitely reserved your status as one of the most hated contestants ever. But at least this week, you’re still a competitor — you still need to give it your best shot. Remind the tweens why they love you a simple with a Donnie Osmond-style turn on the GAP commercial song.
“Always Something There To Remind Me” (Sandie Shaw) [80s version by Naked Eyes] - Phil was unjustly thrust into the Bottom 3 last week, probably because he’s starting to get a little lost among the contestants. His version of John Waite’s “Missing You” was a success because the song is one of those instantly recognizable pop ditties and because Phil’s voice fits the 80s melodic mold to a T. Time to hit up that cache of ammo again. Naked Eyes’ version of this song amplifies all the radio-friendly hooks of this song and plays up the glory notes Phil does so well with. Request Line: Stop! In The Name Of All That’s HolyMarch 10th, 2007, 10:57 pm by bgarciaBy Brandon Garcia, Idol Chat Editor “Hmm,” says Fox Executive No. 1. “What sort of theme weeks would boost ratings and convince naysayers that our American Idol contestants can actually tackle relevant music?” Fox Executive No. 2 scratches his head. “Eureka!” No. 2 screams, waving his hands in the air. “DIANA ROSS WEEK!!!” “My God, you’re right!” cries No. 1. ”Diana Ross — the biggest influence on the sound of 2007. How did I not think of her?” It kills me that Fox execs Nos. 1 and 2 get paid hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to come up with fantastic ideas like “Diana Ross Week,” during which the Top 12 will face the monumental task of performing a 30-year-old Supremes antique to prove they can be the pop star of tomorrow. Each year, I wish upon a star that American Idol would ditch its obsession with 60s soul, disco and Elvis Presley. Why can’t we have 80s Week or Alternative Rock Week or Woodstock Week? Why make the contestants blander than they already are? ‘Tis a mystery, folks. In any case, here’s what the Top 12 ought to sing on Diana Ross Night should they plan to make it to the Top 11.
“Muscles“ - So it’s basically a song about wanting a dude with big biceps. Not the weightiest of tunes, but it’s got character and it’s not one of Diana Ross’ more overplayed songs. Melinda could blow through it with ease and still not seem like she’s playing it safe. How hilarious would it be if the dancers in this video were included with the cost of securing this song?
“Upside Down” - Stephanie needs to drop the sweet-girl crap, and this sleazy Vegas-at-5 a.m. number just might do the trick. The melody would be easy for a first-grader to follow, so it shouldn’t give her any trouble. Reminder, Stephanie: Do not try to Beyoncé this one up.
“Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)” - OK, imagine this lovelorn song with some distorted guitars and Gina’s screaming and you’ll see what I’m getting at — sort of a neo-Gothic Amy Lee-style ballad. Might work with some imagination in the arrangement. If not, Gina’s screwed.
“Stop! In The Name of Love” - This theme week was practically catered to LaKisha’s dated diva tastes, so may as well make the most of it. She’ll never have to worry about sounding “karaoke,” and in all likelihood she’d put more brashness in this song than Diana Ross did. She can even throw in her trademark crazy Broadway mama antics.
“Where Did Our Love Go?” (version combined with “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell) - I’m stretching here, I know, but “Tainted Love” in its long form (not the video above) was mixed with “Where Did Our Love Go” in the same ’80s minimalist style. Might give Blake a chance to not embarrass himself this week. Would anyone else but me pay to see Blake try to rave in that toga/miniskirt the Soft Cell singer wears in the video? Now we know why they never had another hit song.
“Baby Love” - Easy song should be well within his limited range and a nice match for his relaxed, Stevie Wonder-lite vocal stylings. A fitting-yet-sickening nod to his status as the youngest boy on the show that should allow him to squeak through to next week.
“Back In My Arms Again” - Should play well to the Tiger Beat crowd, and he might be able to work in some annoying Timberlake vocal tics to please them even more. Hopefully he can keep the whiny factor to a minimum.
“Love Hangover” - If there’s one thing this guy needs, it’s some good ol’ sex appeal. So far, he’s come off more as an optimistic eunuch than a true-blue heart-throb. This drug-addled anthem to disco living could knock off his goodie-two-shoes for good.
“Endless Love” - For some reason, Haley thinks she’s in the Miss San Antonio Pageant rather than on American Idol. The least-talented of the Top 12 has shown she’s not willing to reach beyond flowery pop songs and maple syrup ballads, so just let her take this adult-contemporary favorite and ruin it so we can boot her back down I-10.
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” - So far he’s avoided standards that have been done to death on Idol, instead opting for first-rate covers of stuff you’d hear at a nondenominational Christian church. I’m curious to see how he’ll measure up playing the Idol game for real. Shouldn’t have any problem pumping some joyful soul into this song where so many others have failed.
“You Keep Me Hangin’ On” (Kim Wilde version) - I much prefer the Jordin who does hook-laden ’80s pop like last week’s Pat Benatar cover than the Jordin who does Christina Aguilera. This synth-driven version is the perfect next step in that direction.
“You Can’t Hurry Love” (Phil Collins version) - It’s going to be a rough week for Phil either way. He did well with John Waite’s pop-friendly “Missing You,” and the ’80s version of this simple tune should allow him to avoid the low notes that will eventually get him sent home. ————————– Will they take my advice? Come back to Idol Chat Wednesday morning to find out what our judges thought of their takes on Diana Ross and the Supremes. |
This week we welcome The Monitor’s managing editor, Marci Caltabiano-Ponce, a woman with wit and a major Idol fan.
