So the past few days I've been pondering the curious case of "selling out."
I've decided no one knows what the term means and therefore, the saying must be completely irrelevant.
When word broke that Slash was doing American Idol, everyone in Metal world shared a collective gasp and went into "sky is falling" mode. Oh my Glam! Could it be! An original Gunner doing a crap show like American Idol? Blasphemy.
The crap show, by the way, is about the highest rated program on television, so clearly Slash made a horrible decision. I mean, how dare he promote his new solo record on a platform that would reach 100 million people? What a moron.
Apparently it's worse if you actually watch Idol and are a music fan. I mean, clearly, if you do that = sell out. How dare Americans (and people all over the world for that matter) want some happy, music entertainment in the evening? How dare millions of people think (know) Adam Lambert can sing just as well as or better than Axl Rose? I mean, it would be far better for young Adam to toil in obscurity than be discovered on American Idol because that show is selling out.
Liking modern Metal is a sure sign of selling out - but only if those bands are on a major label and don't list Motley Crue as their first and main influence. It's ok to like Dirty Penny because they dream to be Motley but they are certainly not. It's ok to like Black Tide because Iron Maiden are their heroes. It's ok to like Freakshow because that band features members of classic Glam bands. Pay attention now: it is not ok to like Avenged Sevenfold or Slipknot because the lyrics are not 100% melodic. It is not ok to like bands that have beaten the digital age and sold enough units to go platinum. It is not ok to get in the pit and rock to one of these new bands because this support is somehow hurting Styx and Queensryche and therefore = sell out.
Let's see. I'm pretty sure if you shop at Hot Topic (or Torrid) you are a giant sell out because it's not ok to like band T-shirts that are not officially vintage. You also can't go to Hot Topic to buy Manic Panic for your hair, but it's ok if you find the dye at any other store. I cannot emphasize how much of a travesty it would be to support a chain that Fortune magazine called one of the best places in America to work. I mean, I know I would hate to have the title VP of Music for Hot Topic. Hell, if I ever landed that job I'd probably just slit my wrists. Talk about selling out.
See a theme here? I'm not sure selling out exists anymore. Does success = selling out? I don't think so. How can we begrudge anyone happiness or success? When I start writing for Rolling Stone, I hope I'm called a sell out. I'd wear that "insult" like a badge of honor.
So, the other day a few of you happened to mention that Atreyu suck. They are playing this coming weekend (!) at Rock on the Range. I have some of their stuff; I don't hate or like them enough to really have an opinion one way or the other BUT...they did make an awesome cover of "You Give Love a Band Name." The song is featured on the limited edition version of the 2004 release, The Curse and soundtrack to Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Yeah, Atreyu does Bon Jovi...screamo style.
Before you freak out, flip cars, riot in the streets - just read. This modernized, screamo version of "You Give Love a Bad Name" is great for Bon Jovi and Glam. Why? Because it gives our music modern relevance. Sure, Bon Jovi doesn't need any more cash. Hell, Jon's great-great grandkids will be living off the "Bad Medicine" residuals, and yet...it's important these sort of covers exist.
Atreyu definitely put their own spin on "You Give Love a Bad Name" but the most crucial parts of the song are left intact. You know, the guitar solos and the big, harmonic chorus. What does this mean? It means Atreyu must be Bon Jovi fans and appreciate the song structure by the New Jersey Glam gods.
Click and listen. I'm sure all the comments will be negative, but whatever. It's 2009 and it's time some new bands bring back Glam any way they can. I hope Atreyu play this song next weekend. I guarantee every single person in the crowd will sing along. Every.single.one.of.us.
Shinedown just released their new video for "The Sound of Madness." The song is from the album of the same name. As you can tell, the tune is epic. If you don't own The Sound of Madness, go buy a copy. It's an amazing album.
In a world of Guitar Hero for Xbox, Playstation and whatever the hell else, I wonder if actual musicianship is dying.
If you think about it, Guitar Hero is mostly a rehash of old songs. That is, the best arena rock songs ever created. In many ways, the game platform has saved the music industry - and the legacy bands we love. But what about the new acts?
The other day, I was listening to "Classic Vinyl" on my satellite radio. That station plays all the big ones from Aerosmith, to The Who, to the Beatles. You get the idea.
In 20 years, will we have "Classic MP3?"
I mean, seriously.
Will Hinder and Daughtry still be around? Will they last like Motley Crue and Van Halen? We all know music is very different these days - both in form and formula. By that I mean the three chords are the same, but the way they are arranged is much different than in 1996, 1986, 1976 and so on. That's evolution. For a very long time, the formula of pushing music was the same: band formed, got drunk a lot, played clubs, got some exposure, did some drugs, got an album deal, toured, toured, toured and eventually made it - or not.
Now a band has about 12.34 seconds to make it with a label and "buying" public before getting dropped. Is that even enough time to create an anthem for the ages? Um, no.
So, I'm sitting here, desperately seeking Susan and trying to think of a recent anthem-like song that doesn't suck. I think "Life is Beautiful" sort of stuck and was definitely a hit for Sixx: AM - but it wasn't a broad, in-your-face-because-you-heard-it-so-much-you-want-to-scream-song.
Like, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." Now, that is an anthem. People of all ages still know every word of that bloody tune. It's played out and everyone is sick of it and yet people still squeal when it comes on the radio. It's just that good.
Do we even have bands that can create those quality songs anymore? I keep looking for the band, and no, Nickelback isn't it - even if they don't completely suck or whatever.
I have to believe there's a new version of the Glimmer Twins stirring somewhere in the world right now. Seriously, put down that bottle of Jack and pick up your guitar: write!
If we don't start producing some modern classic (like that?) bands soon, we're screwed. ZZ Top can't tour forever and neither can Def Leppard.
Soon, our favorite bands will be calling it a day for good and there really won't be a fifth farewell tour to look forward to during July and August. Then what? Silence? Memories? Respinning "Youth Gone Wild" for the 19 millionth time?
At this point, I'm putting all my faith in Avenged Sevenfold. Thank Glam for "Unholy Confessions" and deathbats.
Looks like Bang Camaro might be playing Rocklahoma. I mean, it's hard to tell because the festival hasn't put an official release listing all the bands in ages...but the side stage lineup was announced yesterday and Bang Camaro is on it.
Why are Bang Camaro on a side stage?
Let me rephrase: why are any national bands on side stages when the main stage talent is so sparse/random/weak?
Bang Camaro is a national band. Modern? Yes. Famous? Yes. Could they sell tickets? Yes. Move them to the main stage.
Let's review.
Tracii's L.A. Guns are on a side stage. Tracii personally told me this was his choice because he didn't want to play in the midday sun. I respect that as playing Oklahoma in the middle of July is sort of like signing up to walk barefoot on hot coals while already having a sunburn on 100% of your body. Yeah, it ain't fun. Actually, fun and being outside in Oklahoma during July don't really go together period, but whatever. I hope it rains again and the mud people come back. Ah, that would be great. Mud and stink for days. Or not.
Big Cock - also side stage. They are main stage worthy. David Henzerling is my friend, he rocks harder than you and, oh yeah, Robert Mason can sing his ass off. Move them to the main stage.
Dirty Looks - side stage. Seriously? This is a band that has never played Rocklahoma. Die hard Glam fanatics have been asking for this band for ages. Dirty Looks trump Stryper. Move Dirty Looks to the main stage.
Who else is on a side stage that would have previously been main stage caliber? Let's see: D'Molls, Baton Rouge, Faster Pussycat, Britny Fox and about a dozen more.
Damn, son - I don't get it. Here I am, lucky enough to go to Rocklahoma for free but choose to pay to support both the festival and the bands and to keep my bias in check - but somethin' gotta give. By the time it's all said and done, I will have dropped about two grand on the third installment of Rocklahoma. That's money that could have gone to Hawaii, some really fancy Glam stage clothes...or therapy. Perhaps all three.
So, here I am, looking at a credit card bill for two grand in one hand and a bizarre festival lineup in the other. Apparently you can do some weird upgrade experience at Rocklahoma this year meaning you can pay more money and sit on the stage and get access to a fancy lounge. Rock Gone Wild is doing this, but the lounge access is included in your platinum ticket. Let me reiterate that I already paid for a Rocklahoma V.I.P. ticket which is apparently now worthless in the standard "I'm a very important person" sort of fashion. Shame, really, as I was looking forward to being a V.I.P. again.
I dunno. Are there good bands slated for Rockalhoma 09? Hell yes, chiefly Kix, Big Cock, RATT, Lillian Axe and Baton Rouge - in that order. That's five bands...divided by two grand...eh, screw it.
At this point, it is what it is: I will go to Rocklahoma and have fun with my husband Eric, Christian and Kari; won't drink any watered down beer and will attempt to stay out of the sun as much as possible. I won't think of how I could have used that two grand for front row at Aerosmith or even American Idols Live to see Adam Lambert. No, I will go to America's biggest Glam festival, wearing a Bring Back Glam! T-shirt and review the show. Every day I will reiterate that most of the side stage bands should be rocking the main stage and I'll provide photographic evidence of both bands and crowd size.
Slash, Keri Kelli (!), Chris Chaney and Tommy Clufetos will perform on tonight's results show. No Doubt and Daughtry will also get a shot at the spotlight and we'll learn which American Idol hopeful is sent packing.
It better not be Adam Lambert. That's all I'm saying.
Tonight's results show airs at 9 pm ET on Fox. Be sure to check out my live blog from last night's show. You'll find links to the performances. It's all good fun.
There's more Glam coming later today...after I ditch a splitting headache. Check back, my dear readers!
I've been waiting for someone to post clips of tonight's broadcast of American Idol on YouTube but so far...no luck.
Slash and Keri Kelli performed with the remaining Idols Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen. Since Keri was along for the ride, it made perfect sense that the motley group performed Alice Cooper's "School's Out." Once again, Adam and Allison prove they actually have the ability to perform rock. Kris held his own and Danny just seemed out of place. Actually, Danny was standing far too close to Keri for my liking, but that's another entry...
The hour long broadcast had about a million stall techniques and nearly as many special performers. Paula Abdul sang and danced (seriously), No Doubt tried to rock out but sort of sucked and Daughtry was just alright. No one tunes into the American Idol on Wednesday night for the special guests - people just want to know who is going home.
Tonight, I had two main concerns: that Adam remain safe to advance to the final three and that Danny go home. One of those dreams came true.
A record number of votes for a non-finale show were cast and you and I both know why: because Adam was sent to the bottom two as a ratings ploy last week, and people were (are?) fired up. So, it stands to reason that Adam was declared safe tonight and we get two songs from him next week.
The final three usesd to always do three songs but apparently an extra judge means not enough time. Boo.
So, who else is safe? Kris Allen, a bit of a shocker...and Danny.
Seriously, America?
Allison is 17 and has an amazing voice and sure, she's raw, but she's learning and really does have a bright future in the world of rock. I wish her luck.
Whenever the media of Slash and friends comes down, I'll post up here. Slash on American Idol was definitely a highlight of my week - and I'm proud to admit that to all of you.
Apparently there was a bit of a mishap on the way to rock night on American Idol.
Yep, the American Idol stage manager took quite a tumble, falling off the big staircase Adam Lambert used as a prop during his “Feeling Good” performance last week. It seems there was another stage mishap as well and dress rehearsal was canned. Could be interesting. Show starts soon!
Yay! for broadcast intro packages - great clips of Slash to start the show makes the Glam mistress very happy. Yeah, the Idols rehearsed at the Roxy on the Sunset Strip. Glam? Uh, yeah.
Adam is up first...and he's singing "Whole Lotta Love."
Does Adam sound like Robert Plant? Yeah, he does. He looks like a rockstar, too, all leather and chains...and yeah – there’s a soaring note that Adam always makes his own. Adam looks great and seems right at home with a band.
Detractors be damned. Will the others compare? We’ll see.
Randy Jackson loved Adam – he called him a rockstar. Um, yeah. Like we didn’t know that? And Randy did suggest Adam and Slash make an album together.
Kara calls Adam a rock God...and suggests he makes a Glam record like from the 80s. Um...yeah.
Paula says Adam is a whole lotta perfect...
Simon, sarcastic as always, thought it was understated. I love cheeky Brits almost as much as I love Adam’s eyeliner.
YES! 1-866-IDOLS-01 to vote for Adam starting at 9 pm ET. The call is free.
Allison Iraheta chooses “CryBaby” by Janis Joplin. A great choice for someone so young with a smoky voice. Allison looks great, too with her purple extensions and tight pants. Very Glam of her. It wasn’t her best performance of the season - but still, I give her props for taking on Janis.
Randy didn’t love the song choice because of a lack of melody. I don’t agree with him, buy hey.
Kara thought Janis was a great choice for Allison. She thinks “Piece of My Heart” would have been a better choice. Allison admitted her nerves. She is, after all, 17. Much younger the rest of the pack.
Paula says Allison is fearless.
Simon loved Allison – but thought she tried to sound too much like the original. Allison gets snippy to Simon at the end and there are sparks and Simon rolls his eyes. Uh oh, that’s never good for votes. I wish her luck – I love Allison!
So Kris and Danny are doing a duet to “Renegade” by Styx.
The a capella opening is very good – and I say that as someone who is completely bias against both Kris and Danny. I don’t like either of their voices and neither are suited to rock. Surprisingly, Kris sounds better than Danny – even though Danny has a better range. You can tell there was no dress rehearsal for this show...some of the camera pans are a little off...and the non-a capella part is not good. Odd since the band on American Idol does not suck – but damn.
Randy liked the harmony part. So did Kara I guess. Pitchy moments she says. Uh, yeah. Pitchy is putting it nicely. Paula thought it was powerful. Simon laughs...and so am I.Simon thought Danny was better than Kris. The look on Kris’ face was brutal. Kris was better. Trust me. Remember, I don’t like either of them – so there you go.
Kris singing “Come Together.”It’s very cute as Slash loans little Kris his guitar. Ah, what an experience.
The Glam mistress does love her some “Come Together.” Kris shouldn’t have played his guitar, though. He should have full on moved around the stage. You know what though? Kris does not suck. Nope, not tonight. Sure, he sounds like Jason Mraz as always, maybe it’s the quality of the song, maybe he’s having fun...but Kris I like tonight. No, he’s no Adam Lambert, but good enough.
Would I have picked Beatles for rock night? No, but the Beatles are the most important rock band of all time, so I guess it’s moot. Something harder may have helped Kris more. We’ll see.
Randy says he appreciates Kris picking a song that is “him” and how he played his guitar. There you go.
Kara says Kris is the softer side of rock...and she didn’t like it.
Paula didn’t make any sense as usual, but mentioned something about making a personal imprint on the song.
Simon, honest as ever, didn’t like it. He thought it was like eating ice for lunch...I guess that means you are left hungry
1-866-IDOLS-03 to vote for Kris starting at 9 pm
8:45
Danny Gokey is the last solo performance and he’s taking on my favorite song of all time – Aerosmith’s “Dream On.”
Hmm.
“Dream On” isn’t an easy song to tackle, and Danny isn’t exactly...rock. He’s more...Christian contemporary. Slash says it could go either way. No kidding.
Danny is punching his words. “Dream On” is supposed to be a little chaotic, messy and beautiful all at once. The fast part is better than the slow I guess...but I still think this is a hot mess. Danny is not cut out for Steven Tyler...and he did.not.hit.the.high.note.
No, he didn’t – despite what any judge says. There is only one Steven Tyler people. One.
Randy says this is not Danny’s genre but it was alright and he gave him A+ for effort.
Kara says Danny took it too far, adding swagger. Kara also makes it clear she has no idea about old and new Aerosmith. Sigh.
Paula says it wasn’t the right song for Danny, but she’s a fan.
Simon agreed with everyone...and said the last note was like watching a horror film. To Danny’s credit he took it well. Simon thought it was over the top – I couldn’t agree more. He predicts Danny to be safe at any rate.
1-866-IDOLS-04 to vote for Danny starting at 9 pm ET.
Monday, May 11, 2009 at 12:01AM 