Paula Abdul's American Idol

Paula Abdul's feedback bordered craziness by the end of her run. Neurotic and scattered, and at times, it was painful watching her attempt to articulate a criticism. Like watching someone running down the street naked with a wedding veil. I would say, "I'm sorry, what just happened?"

But...

Is it me or does her absence expose a clear folly at the judges table? No shade to the current panel but Paula Abdul presented a knowing to the panel. A balance. Considering she is performer (regardless the lack of vocal strength), her advice came by the success of her musical relationship with America. Having been a success and a failure, her advice emerged from a different place of observation and proved to be beneficial.

"Your lower register is your money. Use that," she'd say. "There was joy in that performance. Keep the joy but try another emotion." I enjoyed her actual advice.

Currently, we have Kara saying, "You should have sung something by Rihanna or Beyonce." Excuse me? Don't do that! When advice comes by example people will chose by that limitation, especially contestants who are vulnerable and desire to please. Everyone doesn't have the articulation of Beyonce or the stage presence of Rihanna. These kinds of comparison murder individuality. Allow them to choose their song and suck on their own. Judge only that performance and move on. These tactics have even filtered into Simon's comments, "I wish I was picking your songs for you." Why? Don't do that?

I choose sinking my own ship and reflecting my own craziness and wouldn't whole-heartedly take advice from judges who listen by the ear of entertain and not vocal structure. Just tell me I sucked and lower the song's key. Don't tell me I sucked but I would suck less if I'd sung Aeorsmith.

Don't do that!

Where's Paula?

Whitney Houston - Lights and A Mic

There are sections in history when musical importance was the only importance. An artist could mount platforms with three background singers, a piano and sing without the production of dancers. Whitney Houston was this kind of singer. You don't get vocals like this.

Music was easy then; simple even. Heartfelt and soulful. Back when singers needed not the grand stage production. Only lights and a mic.

Lady Gaga & Beyonce - Telephone (Video Edit Music Only)

Watching Lady Gaga's video "Telephone" featuring Beyonce was confusing. The music, dancing and imagery was excellent, close to brilliant. The plot structure, however, was (almost) non-existence. If a story isn't clear in the telling, the teller entertains themselves only. So, considering storytelling is important to me, I'm convinced one has to be a fan to understand videos nowadays. No Shade. Over all it was a good video.

Desiring to understand the video I performed an edit. Without speaking parts or abrupt pauses, I wanted to observe the video with music only. I loved it. It is as follows:

#RelationshipRules (Snug Tight)

Twitter's hashtag, #RelationshipRules is interesting. With no interest of participating in a relationships, the interest snuggles in the if. The supposition. Presumption. What would be a rule for me (if I were interested)?

Well...

Someone who chooses water over soda; ale over liquor; wheat over white. These are examples, not deal breakers. Could I love someone who drinks soda? With certainty. Make a choice, however, which says, "I care."

Someone who (again, snug in the interest of supposing) sees me beyond thought or perspective and as an addition to the sum of their life and not the sum. Indeed, the one I want to love must have inner love. Not narcissism or conceit. Who assesses the cost of self-esteem and pays only in the silent acts of wisdom. You know? The operation of passion.

Someone who lives life as an experience and not a chore. These would be the foundation of my rule for relationships.

Until Next Time

I'm Back (I Think)

Inquiries of my blogs (or its lack of entries) are yet ample. I generally enjoy writing large articulations of thought but as of late, I've lacked writing drive and have only little to say but have found: the voice that says little has the burden of a hundred miles.

So to assist progress, I must write according to universal command. Not by drive, which only matters in passion. But by calling, who needs not match to ignite purpose. The fire of a calling burns because it alone is a flame.

The attempt is to pen the paper either everyday or every other day. Small notions, idea, opinions, judgments, reasonings and the like, which may be no longer than a paragraph but it'll maintain my fire. This is only a goal.

Until Next Time