Sorry I’m a little late with my reviews this week but my normal Canadian video junkie was out of commission and I had to scramble and find a new supplier. Good thing I hit pay dirt at You Tube and was able to see the show but not in the correct order of performance. I was able to figure out who went first and last but the rest are a toss up so if you are one of my OCD fans, I apologize for the disorganization.
Anyway, it was a celebration of Canadian artists this week with Simple Plan as the mentors. They seemed like a decent group who wanted to help our contestants succeed and I think they must have given them some good advice because most of them appeared to up their game. I can’t say enough how much I’m enjoying CI and it’s very eclectic musical themes this summer. I don’t think I can look at AI again without noticing the BIG differences between them and wishing they’d get their act together.
So, without further ado, here’s the view from my trusty laptop this week with many thanks to another great Canadian poster:
Amberly Thiessen – 1, 2, 3, 4 (Feist)
I haven’t heard Brooke White sing this on the AI tour yet so this was a preview of the song for me. While not enamored with the piece, I thought this was the best performance this little lady has given so far in the competition. She looked relaxed and joyful, her voice was clear as a bright bell and she worked the stage well instead of hiding behind her guitar. I didn’t like how they dressed her and made her up to be a pop tart because I believe the “girl-next-door” vibe works for her so I hope this transformation doesn’t lose votes instead of gain them. Should NOT be in the bottom three but she did go first so ya never know. BTW, I think Zach is auditioning for Simon’s spot on the American show when he leaves…Elvira? Please. She didn’t look THAT bad.
Drew Wright – That Song (Big Wreck)
This one wants to be Canada’s answer to David Cook for sure. It was an OK performance, vocals were good when he wasn’t screaming over the band, but I felt he was concentrating too much on his playing the guitar and not enough in entertaining the audience. I’m not sure his cherub good looks are going to carry him unscathed to the Top 5 so look for him in the bottom three this week.
Theo Tams – Sweet Ones (Sarah Slean)
Other than the “lounge lizard” velvet jacket (which made him look a little cheesy), that was another great performance. The vocals (with just a hint of growl) were spot on, his musical treatment of the song was driving in places and “come hither” in others and I have to agree with the boys from Simple Plan, he makes singing and playing look effortless. If he’s not safe this week, Canada is just not as hip as I think they are. This boy is my pick for the top spot, definitely.
Mitch MacDonald - Love This Town (Joel Plaskett?)
Definitely an indie performer for sure, he does very well in his own genre but his vocal tone can be grating. Not tonight, however. It fit the song and he kept it simple so the performance was very sincere and likable. A props for choosing a song almost no one was familiar with. This could buy him another week in the competition and I’d like to see him stay after many weeks of calling for his departure. Good job.
Earl Stevenson – Little Bones (The Tragically Hip)
I guess I’m not hip because I just don’t GET this guy (and I really liked Taylor Hicks)! He sings OK but he always looks like he’s been hitting the bong before each performance. I like my Idols a tad more serious about what they’re doing and I just don’t understand WHY the judges love him to death. Canada, do me a favor? Send this boy home packing. I just can’t take him anymore.
Mookie Morris – Magic Carpet Ride (Steppenwolf)
I liked the scratching vibe that was added to this classic rock song and this boy definitely had the charisma to pull it off and draw the crowd in. I wasn’t as sold on his vocals because I thought they weren’t as good as I’ve heard him to be and I think that might hurt him with some of the more savvy voters. He needs more time to grow vocally but he’s got the performing side of it down pat.
So, the bottom dwellers for this week would have to be:
Mookie, (because he needs more work vocally and this IS a singing competition, isn’t it?)
Drew (because he tried too hard with the vocals)
and Earl, (for being just too Earl-ish this week)
with “das boot” probably going to Drew Wright because Canada doesn’t have the ***** to get rid of Earl or Mookie just yet. However, don’t be surprised if Mitch goes home because voters just might be done with him at this point. We shall soon see if I’m correct…or not…
Carry on!
J
I wondered who put Amberly’s look together too. I hope they don’t do that again! I don’t get Earl either and would neither buy his CD or go to one of his concerts. Tried to vote for Theo last night but the line was busy, busy, busy. Hopefully, that’s good news.
Alright,here goes!
Theo has a good voice,yes.He’s a great piano player yes.
An entertainer?Not at all.It’s obvious that he’s stuck in a rut.His songs verge on the monotonous.He could sing the same song every week week and other than different words and a slight twist on melody,it’s the same “hum drum”…I like Theo but soon time to go!
Amberly,although her performance did not thrill me Monday,had the “stuff” to go further,had she not kept trying soooo hard,and relaxed her body a little bit….Best of luck Amberly!
Drew.Oh Drew…Are you still on the show?Oh yeeeesss….damn!Drew reminds me of a lame 30 yr old trying to be cool like a teenager and miserably failing at it bothvocally and physically.Sorry Drew.I just never picked up on your vibe…Going home next week you say?Have a nice trip!
Mitch.Sweet,cute,wholesome Mitch.I took notice of you for the first time this week,your performing I mean.You did great.but,I can’t see you going far here.Your voice is very different,very dare i say in an Alto (Craig Sharp) way.Not Idol material.But you are talented.
This one im in aggreement with you…
Mookie young Mookie,you were the most entertaining this week….more of a show than vocals though…I like him a lot.I aggree that he lacks experience and maturity.I doubt he even knows what his strong points really are.He has time to redeem himself vocally.
Earl my friend,is where we disagree.I think Earl is the truest of the bunch,the only one who’s artistic vibe is present in his performances.When I first saw him I thought that he looked uncomfortable on stage.It took me 1 or 2 more times to see that he was hesitating to just be himself,as humble as it may be.With the right band and manager this guy’ll be turning up cd’s for the next 3 decades….unlike all of the winning “idol puppets” we’ve seen thus far….
Jake Gold,the only judge worthy of being taken seriously,as long long seen the possibilities and I have no doubts that he’ll be pointing Earl in the right directions.
Idol’s about TV ratings.Talent sells cd’s.I only see 2 recording artists in this bunch.Earl and Mookie
(maybe)
Thanks for your comments, Susanne and Dude. It seems that Amberly was ambushed by a bad outfit and by going first this week. I’m really disappointed that the voters couldn’t hear how good she is.
Dude, maybe it’s b/c I’m older but I just don’t get Earl’s appeal. Since music is subjective, I realize I’m in the minority and that’s OK. I’d like Mookie more if he had a longer time to discover his potential b/c if nurtured correctly, he’ll be killer in a few years. I’ll stand by my claim that Theo is the one to beat b/c he has the complete package — it may not work for him every time but he’s trying to bring to every week and that counts for a lot.
Carry on!
J