Ok, let me start with a disclaimer: I do not subscribe weekly to watching American Idol.  I do enjoy the comedic try-outs from time to time, however, I am subject to seeing it on occasion primarily due to my wife's infatuation with it.  Luckily, she watches via DVR and forwards through the judges banter, self-promotion, and sub-par performances.  From the episodes I have seen, I have become a fan of Kris Allen and Danny Gokey. 

     One thing that has become heir apparent, Adam Lambert is the AI Kool aid. 

     I heard a clip of his version of Born to be WIld on KROQ, and was not impressed. Quite frankly, I felt he butchered the song with that arrangement, however heralded as amazing and genius. Genius? Really? Based on what I.Q. scale? This week again, he is being marketed by all the judges as, "you will be in the finals" and "you are already a star" and "flawless performance". Even the critic of all critics, Simon Cowel says, "Fantastic"?!  Were they listening to something different? Did Paula hand out whatever substance it is she is on prior to the taping? 

    Seriously, I can make my own judgment on what I think is good music.  Does the guy have range? Yes. Can he sing? Yes. But is he the best thing since sliced bread? All that and a bag of chips? The complete package? Don't even go there.  Does his musical arrangements work every time? I am inclined to say an emphatic, "NO" to all those. This is a classic case of 'them' telling you who or what to like.  

   Do you have a brain? Do you have the ability to reason? To discern the good from the bad?  Jim Jones wants you to drink kool aid, and so does AI.  Are you drinking it? In one case it cost you your life, in the other, the cost of your own ability to listen and appreciate the music.

    What are you drinking? You be the judge.  Is it Kool Aid? Or the Best Music Live?


by Erik Thureson