Have I been living in a bubble? I know that alternative rock doesn’t get the same kind of play on the radio that other music genres do (we have one station in our area that plays alternative) but for the American Idol judges, who work in the music industry, to not even have heard of 311 seems a little bizarre to me. Alternative rock consistently shows up in commercials and movies and, I thought, had become mainstream enough to not really be "alternative" anymore (like, since the 90s). Am I wrong? To date I’ve recognized every song that Blake has sung (and been very pleased to hear music that I like). Paula and Randy keep labeling him as hip hop because he does beat box. (WTF? Hello? You can cross genres!) So which of us is living in the bubble?… because clearly someone has made themselves good and comfy and painted over the see-through walls. (And if it’s me in denial at how small alternative still is, someone please let me know!)
Other observations from tonight’s American Idol…
Chris Sligh is officially my favorite of the guys. (But, you know the girls are kicking ass.)
Jared Cotter reminds me of a taller Carlton.
I just want to grab Chris Richardson and make him shave.
AJ should never have been kicked off.
(My secret dream is that someone, some time, will sing It’s the End of the World as We Know It just once on American Idol. That would make my day.) – wg
I’d heard that song, which is odd because I don’t listen to the radio. But I didn’t know it was 311. And again, I’m at least familiar with the band, even if I couldn’t tell you what songs they do. Still, I’m not in the industry as Simon and the others are.
I remember them doing this a couple of years ago when an auditioner sang an XTC song, “Making Plans For Nigel” and the judges appeared to have no clue what the song was.
I read somewhere that contestants are given a list of 200-300 songs to choose from, and they have only a short time to make their choice. So, apparently, they can’t just pick any song they want.
We are of one mind on the 311, WG. Check out my recap of the show:
http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article0991.art&page=1
Disadvantages of living in a country with state controlled radio that dictates that 80% of the music played must be French.
I have no idea who 311 is? Are they really good? Because i don’t want to have to bother if they aren’t… š
I was thinking some Eurythmics would be awesome, I would give my eyeteeth to hear Melinda Doolittle sing Missionary Man.
I live in Omaha(311’s hometown), so I know I’m skewed, but 311 is really mainstream, no? And I didn’t recognize a couple of the songs that were performed, probably because they are such lame songs.
My husband totally called Jared a tall Alfonso Ribiero.
Sorry. I don’t watch American Idol so I can’t comment other than I *think* I’ve heard of 311. But I’m not sure.
Phil, I love “Making Plans for Nigel”!
Betsy, great recap and yeah, I don’t get the only knowing Stevie, Aretha, and Whitney thing!
Jennifer, they have a bunch of 311 videos on YouTube. Check them out, I think you’ll like them! They’ve got that rap-esque/alternative style going. Following in that Beastie Boys, Sublime genre… but definitely with their own sound!
Christina! Melinda on Eurythmics… that’s a fabulous idea!
KC, I know not everyone is going to be familiar with the alternative stuff (I’m used to being alone) but I’m just surprised music industry people are so out of touch. Especially with the copious amounts of name and connection-dropping they all do! You’d think they’d know EVERYONE!
can’t
stand
American Idol
It breaks my heart that the music I grew up with even shows up on that show. what next…my elevator?
This blew me away, too. I think Blake is awesome; he is my pick for the guys. I have to giggle at myself, because the comment I feel like I *should* be writing is what CroutonBoy said. Somehow, I love the show even though until last season I had’nt really heard much of mu musical tastes. Chris Daughtry, I blame you for my new TV habit!
That said, I totally cringed hearing “Jeremy” on the Idol stage. It made me feel dirty and uncomfortable. 311 has pop appeal, but angry Pearl Jam “Ten”- WTF?