I love the Rat Pack singers. I've been a Dean Martin fan for years and years, although I have to admit that Frank Sinatra first introduced me to many of the standards from that era. I love so many of those songs - some of my favorites are "Sway," "Fly Me to the Moon," "Volare," "You Belong to Me," "That's Amore," and "All the Way."I also love the Rat Pack movies. About a year ago, my sister and I watched a special screening of Sergeants 3, one of the Rat Pack movies. It was filmed in Utah, and one of the extras in the film came and spoke before the screening. This actor was a Mormon, and he recalled one day when he walked onto the set and approached Dean (who was seated next to Frank and smoking a cigarette). When Dean saw this actor walk towards him, Dean said in his slow, sarcastic voice, "Here comes Brigham Young..."
I love that story. It makes me feel like Dean was the same sarcastic jokester, on and off of the screen.
I was excited that the Rat Pack music was the theme for American Idol tonight. I also was pleased that many of the contestants sung ballads; anyone who can sing a ballad well and convincingly has the markings of a true singer.
That being said, I really liked most of the performances tonight. Kris had a great arrangement and creative vocals (especially in the latter half, I didn't dig the first part of the song as much). I liked Allison. And I felt like the raspy, smoky texture of Danny's voice really worked well with his song. (Kara was right - he had a great Rat Pack swagger!)
Adam was great, but I have to admit that the ending was so unexpected and abrupt that I cried out "Whaaaat? "Whaaaaaat?" just like Jaime Foxx did in Adam's mentoring session. I almost didn't know what to think. But it was good. Mysterious, entertaining, and fun. And great vocals.
I didn't really like Matt's performance, though. I felt like it was good for him to lower the key so that he could belt that high note, but at the same time I felt like his lower notes were too unfocused. And did anyone else noticed that he had this strange enunciation when he sang in the lower register? It sounded like he was trying to put a jazz spin on his singing style, but it came across as if he was attacking the words. With the combination of the word attack, the unfocused lower notes, and some pauses between notes, Matt's voice reminded me a little of the robotic "Speak 'N Spell" voice. Yikes! Matt has always been one of my favorite contestants, but I didn't feel like I could vote for him tonight. I think he'll probably leave this week.
What do other people think of the performances from last night? What Rat Pack songs and movies do you like?
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3 comments:
I was hoping you'd write on this week's performance since I've often seen (through your blog) that you're a big Rat Pack fan.
I think this week was the best week in several weeks (that's a lot of "weeks" in one sentence). I was disappointed with Matt's performance, but I could tell he cared. And, I do have to admit it, Kris was at his best tonight. Seriously though, what a ridiculous choice for a mentor.
I don't have time to do a post this week on AI -- too much moving stuff (yet here I am wasting time on the internet), so I loved your post and I love the Brigham Young story.
last night was so good! i have to say Danny was great for the first time in weeks. he was kind of becoming just good to me. matt was my least favorite. i sure hope he gets kicked off and not allison. i'm not sure why she's been in the bottom so much; she's never had an off night. and i just can't help smiling every time adam sings. it is such a tight race though! it seems like there is a whole lot more talent this season than some others...can we say taylor hicks?
I loved last night's episode! Kris is my favorite and he did great. And, as always, Adam impressed me. That note he held...WOW! I hope Matt's gone tonight.
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