A Concert Like This

The tour is in support of an album called All I Ever Wanted, and while I've been a fan of Kelly Clarkson since her days on American Idol, I can't say seeing her live has always been a top priority of mine. Nevertheless, there was I at the Agannis Arena Tuesday night with hundreds of teen and pre-teen girls (and their parents), singing along with hits like "Since U Been Gone" and "My Life Would Suck Without You." I may not have been the most enthusiastic one in the audience, but I still knew most every word.

Truth be told, I didn't go to the Kelly Clarkson show to see Kelly Clarkson. Rather, I'm an even bigger fan of her opening act, Eric Hutchinson, who I've written about previously on this blog. If you don't own Hutch's CD, Sounds Like This, then you really need to pick it up. He's got a Jason Mraz/Ben Folds/Jack Johnson/John Mayer kind of vibe, and songs like "Oh!" and the single "Rock & Roll" are jangly, upbeat, and infectious. Hutch only performed for about a half hour, but I enjoyed his set — especially the aforementioned songs and "You Don't Have to Believe Me." If only he had more time. (The other opening act, Parachute, has one song that I know and like very much, "Under Control," but I have to admit, I was a little disappointed by the band's performance of it.)

But back to the main attraction. Despite being blinded by the spotlights and feeling overheated — "If I had a better body, I'd do the show naked!" she announced early on — Kelly gave an enthusiastic performance. Backed by an 11-piece band, she sang most of her biggest hits (no "A Moment Like This," thankfully) and threw in a few well-chosen covers too — including Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight," the Black Keys' "Lies," the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," and a mash-up of Alanis Morissette's "That I Would Be Good" and Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody." She changed the tempo and arrangement of some of her songs (most notably, on "Miss Independent") and she tried real hard to add a bit of rock edge on multiple occasions.

Alright, so maybe Kelly was a little too chatty between songs, and didn't always come off as the sharpest tool in the shed. Seven years after winning Idol, it's clear she's still pretty excited to be able to do what she's doing, and even better, she's not just some stupid teen pop act who's no more than what you see in her music videos (Britney Spears, I'm talking about you). The girl's got talent and taste to spare, and she can back up her visual appeal with strong pipes, so if she wants to make some silly comments before she sings another number one song — sing, not lip-synch — I say good for her.

And speaking of which, she sounded really great. I think. I mean, the Agannis is a hockey arena and not a great concert venue, so the sound quality isn't all that good. Quieter songs like "Already Gone" and "Behind These Hazel Eyes" came off better because Kelly's voice was not overpowered by the instruments and you could actually hear her.

All told, it was a pretty good show. And the fact that we got our tickets just the day before on Craigslist and paid less than face value made it even more worth it. (Further proof that Craigslist is a great place for ticket buying/selling.) I was a bit surprised that the Agannis was only about 3/4 full — especially given that the Flight of the Conchords, of all acts, had sold out the place back in April — but oh well. I've always enjoyed Kelly Clarkson and her music, and while I can't say this was my favorite concert, I don't see any reason to stop liking her.

Listen Up

Tuesday was one of those big multimedia purchase days that I have every so often. The third season of 30 Rock was released on DVD, and David Gray, Mika, and Harry Connick Jr. all released new albums. When I was at Costco, I noticed that A.J. Jacobs had a new book out, so I grabbed that, and because I hadn't purchased it yet, I also picked up the third season of Brothers and Sisters on DVD. A mixed bag of music for sure, and maybe not your tastes, but I always enjoy new stuff from artists I like. (The David Gray album is particularly good. I'll let you know about the others when I hear more of them.)

Apparently, I'm going to have a few days like this in the next couple months because a bunch of my favorite singers and bands have new albums coming out, including Michael Bublé (October 9), Flight of the Conchords (October 20), the Swell Season (October 27), Train (October 27), Robbie Williams (November 10), Jamie Cullum (November 10), Jason Mraz (November 10), and John Mayer (November 17). There's also the Glee soundtrack (November 3), American Idol winner Kris Allen's debut (November 17), and others I'm sure I'll want when the times comes. (Hopefully, I'll be able to get a few on Jonny Ali's blog.)

Point is, I guess it's a good thing I got the 32GB iPhone after all, because I'm going to need all that memory to hold all the new music I plan to acquire between now and the end of the year. I'd better get my headphones ready now.

No Boundaries for Kris Allen Now

I predicted it yesterday and I said it as far back as the semifinals in February, and now it's come true: Kris Allen is the new American Idol! Woo hoo! What an upset! What a great surprise! This is awesome. Kris has been a consistently good singer all season — maybe not the best ever, but he's got a great sound that I like — and I'm very happy he won. Hell, even that lame winner's song, "No Boundaries," sounded good tonight. Wow ... this is really cool. Maybe now Adam Lambert will go back to obscurity, taking that screechy/yelling voice and his memories of being totally overrated with him, and we can all get on with our lives again ... till next season, at least.

I Predict an Upset

All season long, people have been genuflecting to Adam Lambert like he's the second coming or something. Most talented American Idol contestant ever? Puh-leeze. Have they totally forgotten about Carrie Underwood? Adam can't hold a candle to her — or to Kelly Clarkson. Hell, I haven't seen an Idol contestant this overrated since, well, ever. So now that the season finale is finally here, and Adam is going mano a mano with Kris Allen, I think it's time to put an end to all that hoo-hah.

You may recall that back in February, after only two weeks of semifinals, I predicted that Kris would win it all. Today, I'm standing by that prediction. Just wait for it. Tomorrow night, after all the random and unnecessary musical numbers are over and Ryan Seacrest finally gets around to announcing the winner, there will be an upset, and naive little girls will be crying all over the country (again). Tonight, all the people who voted for Danny Gokey are going to shift to Kris, and all the people like me, who agree that Adam sucks and have had it with his overly dramatic, screeching/yelling singing style, will finally pick up their phones to vote against him. I'll be voting for the first time all season, as much to support Kris as to prevent Adam from winning.

Really, I don't care that much — it's been a pretty lame season of Idol overall. Heck, it's like season six all over again. And I mean, Kris isn't really someone I'd support in a better season. But IMHO, he's the best one they've had on this year and he's had my support almost from the beginning. And, alright fine, I'd just love to see Adam lose. So who's with me? Vote for Kris!

I'm Starting with the Man in the Finals

Alright. It's still early in the season, and quite frankly, I'm not impressed with too many contestants in the so-called Top 36, but I think I'm going to go out on a limb now and predict that when all the votes are cast, Kris Allen will be our next American Idol. Don't hold me to this. It's just that of the 24 people who've sung these past two weeks, Kris, with his performance of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," was the one who impressed me the most. I'm actually glad he made it to the finals. Kris has a great voice and I really enjoy the way he feels the music when he sings. The kid's got stage presence. No, he wasn't perfect Wednesday night (the song ends better than it begins), but I think Kris will only get better from here. Will this be the year the Martin Pick actually wins? After all, it didn't work for Haley Scarnato or Elliott Yamin. Let's see how far this guy can go.

Kris-Allen-20090225.mp3 - Kris Allen

How Could They Vote for a Loser Who Doesn't Shave??

Alright, American Idol fans, I know you're out there. David Archuleta's CD hit stores today and David Cook's hits stores next week. I've already heard Archie's CD (I downloaded it for free last week) and it's as bland and unexciting as I'd expected it would be. That said, I'll bet the girls in this video just love it. The video (which I found on PopWatch) shows a group of Archie fans watching as the winner was announced back in May. Suffice it to say, they're not happy. Not in the least. But that doesn't even come close to capturing their absolutely hysterical reaction. They cry! They scream! They pout! They throw paper! They hurl insults! These girls are absolutely devastated. It's seriously one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Check it out for yourself. And for the record, if you recall, my reaction to David Cook's win was a bit more subdued, though I'll admit, I was happy.

Like the Very First Time

If this November is going to be the first time you vote in an election, then this video's for you. (If this is not going to be your first time voting in an election, don't worry — you can watch too.)

Rock On, David Cook. Rock On.

Woo hoo! There he is, ladies and gentlemen, your new American Idol. I have to admit, I was really excited when this was announced (all things considered, of course). I was never a fan of David Archuleta and I said as early as February 19 that he would never win. David Cook may not have given the better performance last night, but for most of the season it was pretty clear he was the best contestant. He may actually record an album people will like that may actually be successful. I certainly plan on buying it. So this is cool. And he won by such a large margin: 12 million votes (two of which were cast by me). It was 56% to 44%. Very impressive. Good job, David. I'm really happy for you — and very happy that we won't have to watch Archie and his goofy grin sit through painful interviews. You're the real deal, Dave Cook. Congrats to you.

Around the Watercooler

According to a recent survey of 1,435 employed adults 18 and older, when people at work talk about TV, they most often discuss American Idol. Among women, Dancing with the Stars is the second most popular show, and among men, it's Lost. Surprisingly, workers age 65 and older were more likely than any other age group to say they discuss AI more than any other show at their workplace. Now, AI and Lost I can see, but I don't think I've ever heard anyone in my office ever discuss DwtS. Ever. We talk about The Office most often around here. And there's also a large following for America's Next Top Model — which I do not watch, thank you very much. DwtS? What kinds of office workers were interviewed for this survey?

Goodbye, Superstar

I've always known American Idol was a total crock, but tonight, with the premature ouster of Carly Smithson, the show proved again that the voters clearly don't recognize talent. This video below is of Carly's performance last night of "Superstar," from Jesus Christ Superstar (it was Andrew Lloyd Webber night), and damn if it wasn't one of the top 3 of the night (another being Syesha Mercado's performance of "One Rock & Roll Too Many"). Brooke White and/or Jason Castro definitely should have been in the bottom two, and one of them should have gone home. Sigh ... Oh well. Goodbye, Carly. Best of luck to you.

I'm Loving This "Angels" Instead

Memo to David Archuleta: This is how "Angels" is supposed to be performed. Not the way you did it last night on American Idol. Granted, you had a smaller crowd to sing to than Robbie Williams does in this clip, but you damn near drained the song of any emotion and made it sound pretty limp. "Angels" is a bigger song than you could ever sing. It's a fantastic song, and a great song choice — but not for you. Just watch as Robbie sings it in front of thousands and thousands of people, and listen as they sing along with him. Look at the passionate response he gets, and the way he engages a crowd that large. You could never do that, David. I hope you're voted off this week. And if not this week, then next week. Or the week after. You shouldn't win this competition. You're overrated. You always have been. And maybe after you're voted off, you can use the time to find a personality. When you're not singing, you just stand there with your goofy grin and not much else. I don't like you, David. I want you off the show.

Sincerely,
Martin

Quick Thoughts

After the rain stopped, Monday was a really nice day.

Teflon-coated pots are excellent. One of the best inventions ever.

I wish I had given Gossip Girl more of a chance and hadn't given up on it after the first episode.

We're negotiating, and I should have a decision on the apartment on Tuesday. I'm now feeling more 65-35 as far as excitement and nervousness go.

Ben & Jerry's Crème Brûlée ice cream is so so so good.

I'm rooting for a There Will Be Blood Best Picture upset on Sunday.

There's something about seeing baseball players practicing down in Florida, smiling, happy, with the sun shining, that makes everything all right.

Are you on Facebook? Why not? Sign on and let's be friends.

Days off would be more enjoyable if there was something good on TV in the morning. At least on Saturdays there's three hours of repeats of 90210 and two of The O.C.

Which is the more annoying instrument to listen to: violin or the flute?

I don't think there's any movie in theaters right now that I haven't seen that I want to see.

My early American Idol favorites are Amanda Overmyer, a.k.a.: the rocker nurse, and Michael Johns. Kristy Lee Cook is cute, but she won't get past the top 8. And David Archuleta is overrated. And anyone who sings "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" will never win, much less make it to the top 12.

Sometimes when scrolling through the names and numbers in my cell phone I'll come across Bubby and I'll be tempted to call. I wish I could.

Next week, March 1 to be exact, marks the 11th anniversary of the day I moved to Boston. Still the best decision I've ever made.

I own way way way too many books, CDs, and DVDs.

Can't believe I still haven't finished The Year of Living Biblically.

Kupels went and raised their prices, and in so doing went from being a great deal to a total rip-off.

When I move, I think I'm going to hire a cleaning person to come regularly.

Some movies I can watch over and over and never get tired of them. The Shawshank Redemption is one of them.

Long weekends are great ... until you have to go back to work the next morning.

I Am Your BROTHER ... !

Aw jeez ... in a moment of weakness, that show can really crack me up. Check out this clip from Wednesday night's show — and then try to get the song out of your head.

She's Still My Idol

American Idol starts tonight, so I thought I'd take a moment to play a quick game of "Where Is She Now?" with my favorite contestant from last year, Haley Scarnato. Thanks to Haley Source and MySA.com (and my crack team of Interweb researchers), I've learned that Haley is now living in Nashville working on a "country pop" album that'll be out sometime in 2008. On her allegedly official MySpace page you can hear one of her recent recordings. And apparently, she's still tight with Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks, and Chris Richardson, and she's going to be in Gina Glocksen's wedding. Actually, she's friends with Blake, Jordin, Gina, and Melinda Doolittle on MySpace. And speaking of weddings, some sad news: Haley's own engagement was called off sometime last year. She posted on MySpace on December 18 that it's been off for "quite a while now." Bobby, her ex, sent a message to Haley Source on October 18 that said Haley's busy career was to blame but that "I support her 100% and wish her the best. I will still be her number 1 fan and will always be there for her. Maybe in the future when things are more secure with our careers we can take time and catch up." Awwwwww. How sweet.

Anyway, I'm still wishing Haley nothing but the best. I'm sure no contestant will ever interest me like she did. And I'd like to say that I'm not going to get as into the show this year as I've been in years past, but with my other TV options being pretty minimal, I might as well just give in now. So you know you'll find my commentary here all season long. And Haley, if you're reading this and you're ever in Boston, look me up. I think there's time for us and your career.

Geek City

As the saying goes, If You Lived Here, You'd Be Blogging Right Now. I read in the Boston Globe this morning that according to the Web site Outsidein.com, Boston is the bloggiest city in the country, with 89 posts per 100,000 residents recorded in March and April of this year. Good for us. I guess we have a lot to say. But it brings up an interesting question: what was I saying back then? Let's take a trip in the wayback machine, shall we?

Ahh, March and April. Those were the good ole days of Haley Scarnato. When Dice-K was just bad, not quite awful yet. Back then I was listening to Amy Winehouse and making fun of Best Buy (how times have changed). There were good movies and not-so-good ones. Ah yes, March and April. Those were good times. No wonder I was blogging so much. And to think, we only had one more post than the greater Philadelphia area. I wonder if they counted this one or this one. Either way, I say Ha! Take that, Philly! (And yes, that was said with all due sarcasm.)

And So, It's Come to This

I've got two words to say about the American Idol finale this week: Who cares? Alright, fine, I've got more than two words, but I write them hesitantly. After all, I really could care less about the final matchup between Jordin and Blake. Really. I mean, I predicted all the way back on March 8 — that's right, March 8!! — that Jordin was going to win the whole thing (it was pretty obvious even then), and since she's up against Blake in the final, well, there's no contest there. And can you believe she's only 17? (Ha!) I'm so uninterested in the whole thing that I actually have plans on Wednesday night, so I won't be home to watch. And when I get home, I'm turning on Lost. Now, before you jump to any conclusions, no, this is not about Haley. I mean, not entirely. I just think this has been the worst season yet for Idol, and as soon as it's over, that means summer can begin. So I say to Jordin and Blake, sing out — and then shut up.

Hmmmmm ...

Here are some questions I'm asking on this sunny, very nice Friday afternoon:

* Will anything ever take up residence where Zathmary's used to be?

* Will the weather actually be as nice as predicted this weekend, and will it stay that way until the fall? Does this mean winter is really over?

* Can Dice-K beat the Yankees on Sunday, or will he have the same lame result as his last two games, where it looks alright but he still loses? Is he really the worst starter on the team??

* If a crowded T train on the morning commute is bad, then is there much worse than having to be stuck next to a guy who reeks of cigarette smoke?

* Is there a funnier show on TV right now than 30 Rock?

* Indians didn't even like Sanjaya. So aside from the 13-year-olds, who did?

* I'm a third of the way to my WalkAmerica fundraising goal. Will you help me go all the way?

Yes. There Is a God

Goodbye and good riddance, Sanjaya! I suppose it's safe to start watching the show again. But I'm still going to try not to.

No Avoiding It

You know, I tried to avoid American Idol Tuesday night. Really I did. After last week's results show, I said I was done. So I went to Ben & Jerry's at the Pru for Free Cone Night and waited on a long, long line that stretched from the B&J's counter all the way around the perimeter of the 'court to Pizzeria Regina. Didn't mind it, either, especially when I was enjoying my free cone of Phish Food. And I loved when all the parents would show up with their smiling, happy kids and would try to convince the little ones that the line was too long to wait. But God bless the kids, who always knew better. "I don't mind," I heard one say. Kids always win, don't they? Good for them. Free ice cream is worth it.

Anyway, and then I got home and was excited to turn on the TV to watch the Sox. And not just that, but Dice-K on the mound again. But I tell you ... if Idol was an embarassment, this felt worse. Sure, the line might not be as bad as the end result, but c'mon — we (and I say we like it came out of my pocket) didn't pay $103 million for 2-1 losses and three walks in one game. Didn't pay $103 mil for wild pitches that load the bases, and runs that are walked in. What a bum this guy is. I can't believe he's 1-2. That makes him worse than a bum — he's a loser! At first I thought it was just the weather, but tonight's game was in a dome. It's not the lack of run support. This guy should be lights out. So there's really no excuse. And here come the Yankees this weekend. If Dice-K is our great hope to lead us to another World Series championship, then let me be the first to say it: we're doomed. Again.

So ... long story short, at 9:30 I decided to watch Idol after all (my DVR recorded it automatically — damn that series recording). And I have to say, Melinda Doolittle made at least part of it worth it. I just wish Blake Lewis did Ryan Adams proud. What an awful rendition of a great song. (And I won't even mention that other guy.) But I promise I won't be watching anymore. I'm so done with that show. (Until next week, I'm sure.)

Oh Well

I suppose it had to end sometime. So, allow me to say goodbye, Haley. I hope your leaving American Idol had nothing to do with me. I'll miss you and will always remember the good times we shared.

Someone please tell me what happens from here on out. I'm not sure I have much interest in watching anymore. Haley may not have been the best singer of the group, but at least she made the show fun to watch. For me, anyway. I mean, really. What's wrong with enjoying a hot girl running around half-naked while singing pop songs? Is that so bad? (yes, tongue firmly in cheek)