Okay so I promised some thoughts on Glee -- and here they are! The sophomore season has had plenty of high points but the season has not been perfect, so let me put in my two cents to the producers on what they can fix (love that I think I can actually change things).
A positive -- The season has continued to create poignant story lines. Kurt's bullying, Kurt's Dad's illness and the joining of Kurt and Finn's families have created socially significant, touching scenes with amazing acting skills by Kurt, his Dad and several other cast members.
A negative -- Too many of these great storylines are interrupted by specials (Rocky Horror and Glee Christmas) or guest stars (more on those later). I want to keep following the stories, not get sidetracked for the "special effects."
A positive -- As always there are some great song choices that inspire my love for song and singing. Love the new boys choir and their a cappella arrangements -- Teenage Dream and Hey Soul Sister were spectacular. Plus New Directions covers of Florence and the Machine and Paramore and Cee Lo were fresh and fun.
A negative -- The "is Rachel the next Barbra Streisand" (or should I say "is Lea Michele the next Barbra?") agenda was too obvious. Papa, Can You Hear Me? by Kurt's Dad's bedside? I loved Rachel and Kurt's Barbra / Judy duet - loved it - but there just felt like too much Barbra (and maybe too much Lea). Plus the back and forth with Mr Schuester and Emma was just ridiculous (and still is). He's married, he's separated, she is engaged, he is divorced, she is dating, she is married! Whatevs.
Which brings me to my next positive -- The show has finally incorporated ALL of the Glee members and added new characters that have staying power! Brittany has actually overshadowed Coach Sue with her one liners this season. Mike Chang speaks! Santana is a racy vixen and her duet with Mercedes was amazing. New stud Sam has a great voice and has added a spark to Quinn's character (and her voice!). I can't stand "I've Had the Time of My Life," but Quinn and Sam made it sweet and fun. Coach Beast brought me to tears with her gift to Artie this week.
But the winner for best new character? Darren Criss as Blaine is the best addition to any cast. He won me over with his voice (and the a cappella arrangements) plus I'm happy to see Kurt happy and this crooner is a charming performer. So likeable, and so talented. He is finally some competition for Lea Michele! Now where is that duet?
And now a negative -- NO MORE GUEST STARS. The choices are disruptive to the storylines and overshadow the real reason we watch the show -- the actors on the show. We didn't need to see Britney for Brittany to become lovable and show off her dance chops and what was Carol Burnett showcasing? Love Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth from last season because they played characters that were integrated into the storyline. Yes, Gwyneth was funny and her Cee Lo performance was amazing and the Spanish teacher moments were great. But did we need the closing song and dance of her and Lea from Chicago or even the Umbrella mash-up? Did we need an all Gwyneth Glee episode? I don't think so. I heard the big post-Superbowl episode will feature Katie Couric, BORING!!
So, in summary to Glee creator Ryan Murphy -- more bringing tears to my eyes, less Veteran's Day specials or Easter mash-ups, more unpredictable song choices, less Barbra, more of all of the cast members, and definitely no Hollywood stars touting their new project (look Gwyneth can sing go see her as a Country star!). Oh and PLEASE -- MORE Darren Criss and a Blaine / Rachel duet this Spring! Thank you, your pop cultre obsessor.
Remember Ryan, I'm not afraid of calling you out for your mistakes, so don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
The music is ringing in my ears...
I am surrounded by awesome music right now. Songs to make me laugh, make me cry, definitely make me sing and as my dance party friends know, songs to make me dance.
Before I share all of my new beloved tunage ideas, let me say that I have decided what the best new invention for iTunes would be. Gift cards for specifically selected music. It would bring back album and singles sales for sure. Right now I do not want to give out iTunes gift cards because they seem impersonal. But I also hesitate from buying CDs (one of my favorite gifts in the past) because so many people don't buy cd's anymore, just digital downloads. However, if I could actually code an iTunes card with my specific gifts of music? GENIUS! Someone call Steve Jobs stat.
Tomorrow I am definitely doing a Glee blog. This season has been very interesting -- so touching in so many ways, yet I have my criticisms too, so get ready! One of the reasons I love the show is that it reminds me of how much great music there is out there -- old, new, mashed up and redone.
Okay, so let me tell you what music is playing in my ears these days. I know Keith Urban is missing but I still haven't been able to fully absorb as I have been blinded by his overwhelming love for Nicole. Did you watch Oprah?
Sugarland Incredible Machine -- You know I got the new CD right away. It has the beautiful vocals of Miss Jennifer Nettles, but this album has a much bigger sound. She said they were inspired by 80s movie songs and performing in large arenas Bon Jovi style. Great for playing it loud while cleaning the apartment or driving down a long stretch of highway, but I am missing the quieter moments of heartbreak the last album gave me.
Little Big Town The Reason Why -- RUN and get this (or download it) IMMEDIATELY. If I could create my gift of iTunes to the whole world, it would be this album. Amazing 4 part harmonies, part country, part rock, all inspiring. And one the the biggest heartbreak songs ever -- "Shut Up Train" a middle of the night cry out to stop that loud train of heartbreak from interrupting a night of peace. Amazing.
Zac Brown Band You Get What You Give -- I really love Zac Brown's voice. It can sing with a smile, with anger and with love. Underlying the melodic country are hints of Jimmy Buffett, bluegrass style, jam band sessions but the mix of it all keeps my attention. I love listening to this as an album -- it would be a great soundtrack to a summer barbecue. And the song "Colder Weather" is so touching and gutwrenching - incredible lyrics.
Eminem Recovery -- He blows me away, just blows me away with the clever writing, catchy tunes and honest lyrics. Amazing album.
Katy Perry Teenage Dream -- Fun, fun, fun. And then the girls gets ANGRY. This slightly dirty, pop confection makes me groove.
Taylor Swift Speak Now -- I know I have said this a million times, the girl can't sing live, but her albums are addictive pop country pleasure. I don't think this is her best album and I'm getting sick of hearing who each song is about (really John Mayer hit on her? Slight exaggeration for dramas sake?) Not looking forward to hearing any songs about Jake Gyllenhaal because I am can't believe he is dating her, but I will still be singing "Mine" at my dance parties.
Speaking of dance parties, let me share Just dance" playlist, specially created by me. It is awesome for passing the time on the treadmill or while laughing with your friends as you dance in unison in front of a mirror because you think you have turned into a fly girl (NOT). Try it out!
Undo It by Carrie Underwood -- excellent revenge song with a rocking beat (Thank you to writer Kara DioGuardi)
F**k You by Cee Lo -- best jam song of the year
What's My Name by Rihanna -- hey na na!
Never Again by Kelly Clarkson -- old anger song that still keeps me moving
In My Head by Jason DeRulo -- I should be over this song, but I can still listen to it
Raise Your Glass by P!nk -- this is in bold because it is THE BEST DANCE PARTY SONG EVER. A rousing chorus that inspires jumping up and down for all the underdogs.
Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland -- Cute country reggae catchy ditty. That's right, I said ditty.
Love the Way You Lie by Eminem and Rihanna -- Yup, I know you all just started singing the chorus. SO sad, but so good.
Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good) by Sugarland -- A gem from their first album that puts a twang in my step.
Forget You by Cee Lo -- Yup, need both versions because I can't get enough of this song.
Bad Romance by Lady Gaga -- Sometimes I'm sick of it, so I keep it at the end. But after rediscovering it at karaoke, well, a girl needs to practice.
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere by Alan Jackson -- I know most of you are laughing, but this is a fantastic happy hour / dance party / cool down ditty. Yup, I said ditty again.
Alright folks - I hope this has inspired lots of music purchases -- share the tunage this holiday season! More tomorrow...
And even if you can't dance as fly as I can, don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
no BEP
Before I share all of my new beloved tunage ideas, let me say that I have decided what the best new invention for iTunes would be. Gift cards for specifically selected music. It would bring back album and singles sales for sure. Right now I do not want to give out iTunes gift cards because they seem impersonal. But I also hesitate from buying CDs (one of my favorite gifts in the past) because so many people don't buy cd's anymore, just digital downloads. However, if I could actually code an iTunes card with my specific gifts of music? GENIUS! Someone call Steve Jobs stat.
Tomorrow I am definitely doing a Glee blog. This season has been very interesting -- so touching in so many ways, yet I have my criticisms too, so get ready! One of the reasons I love the show is that it reminds me of how much great music there is out there -- old, new, mashed up and redone.
Okay, so let me tell you what music is playing in my ears these days. I know Keith Urban is missing but I still haven't been able to fully absorb as I have been blinded by his overwhelming love for Nicole. Did you watch Oprah?
Sugarland Incredible Machine -- You know I got the new CD right away. It has the beautiful vocals of Miss Jennifer Nettles, but this album has a much bigger sound. She said they were inspired by 80s movie songs and performing in large arenas Bon Jovi style. Great for playing it loud while cleaning the apartment or driving down a long stretch of highway, but I am missing the quieter moments of heartbreak the last album gave me.
Little Big Town The Reason Why -- RUN and get this (or download it) IMMEDIATELY. If I could create my gift of iTunes to the whole world, it would be this album. Amazing 4 part harmonies, part country, part rock, all inspiring. And one the the biggest heartbreak songs ever -- "Shut Up Train" a middle of the night cry out to stop that loud train of heartbreak from interrupting a night of peace. Amazing.
Zac Brown Band You Get What You Give -- I really love Zac Brown's voice. It can sing with a smile, with anger and with love. Underlying the melodic country are hints of Jimmy Buffett, bluegrass style, jam band sessions but the mix of it all keeps my attention. I love listening to this as an album -- it would be a great soundtrack to a summer barbecue. And the song "Colder Weather" is so touching and gutwrenching - incredible lyrics.
Eminem Recovery -- He blows me away, just blows me away with the clever writing, catchy tunes and honest lyrics. Amazing album.
Katy Perry Teenage Dream -- Fun, fun, fun. And then the girls gets ANGRY. This slightly dirty, pop confection makes me groove.
Taylor Swift Speak Now -- I know I have said this a million times, the girl can't sing live, but her albums are addictive pop country pleasure. I don't think this is her best album and I'm getting sick of hearing who each song is about (really John Mayer hit on her? Slight exaggeration for dramas sake?) Not looking forward to hearing any songs about Jake Gyllenhaal because I am can't believe he is dating her, but I will still be singing "Mine" at my dance parties.
Speaking of dance parties, let me share Just dance" playlist, specially created by me. It is awesome for passing the time on the treadmill or while laughing with your friends as you dance in unison in front of a mirror because you think you have turned into a fly girl (NOT). Try it out!
Undo It by Carrie Underwood -- excellent revenge song with a rocking beat (Thank you to writer Kara DioGuardi)
F**k You by Cee Lo -- best jam song of the year
What's My Name by Rihanna -- hey na na!
Never Again by Kelly Clarkson -- old anger song that still keeps me moving
In My Head by Jason DeRulo -- I should be over this song, but I can still listen to it
Raise Your Glass by P!nk -- this is in bold because it is THE BEST DANCE PARTY SONG EVER. A rousing chorus that inspires jumping up and down for all the underdogs.
Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland -- Cute country reggae catchy ditty. That's right, I said ditty.
Love the Way You Lie by Eminem and Rihanna -- Yup, I know you all just started singing the chorus. SO sad, but so good.
Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good) by Sugarland -- A gem from their first album that puts a twang in my step.
Forget You by Cee Lo -- Yup, need both versions because I can't get enough of this song.
Bad Romance by Lady Gaga -- Sometimes I'm sick of it, so I keep it at the end. But after rediscovering it at karaoke, well, a girl needs to practice.
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere by Alan Jackson -- I know most of you are laughing, but this is a fantastic happy hour / dance party / cool down ditty. Yup, I said ditty again.
Alright folks - I hope this has inspired lots of music purchases -- share the tunage this holiday season! More tomorrow...
And even if you can't dance as fly as I can, don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
no BEP
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