Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Rock Star Search

Ok, you know it had to happen. It is time for me to not hold back anymore and let you know how I feel about INXS' search for a new lead singer.

Since Michael Hutchence's suicide in 1997, INXS' remaining band members have hit the stage with Jimmy Barnes, Sananda Matreiya (formerly Terence Trent D'Arby), Suzi Demarchi (of Baby Animals), Vanessa Amorosi and Jon Stevens. They also wrote several and recorded one new song with Stevens entitled "I Get Up" which was released as a single. But, the chemistry never brought forward a full album and Stevens departed. That was when the search for their new singer began.

From the list of performers they had worked with, you can see that they weren't worried about gender, color or nationality. That was why 15 promising singers were chosen from casting calls in many different cities. So far, each one that has been dismissed has not been a surprise as I've had a mental list going. Deanna lasted longer than I expected, though. They are as of now, down to 5 -- Suzie, Marty, Jordis, Mig and JD. Each have their assets and their pitfalls as many have watched.

Today, Ty Taylor was sent packing. He'll do great as a solo soul singer as he works the stage amazingly well and has a great grasp of pitch. But, his stage presence is that of a performer. (Wasn't too impressed with his pulling the race card in his departure on why he was in the final 3 for 3 different weeks.) Where the other 5 go, who knows. I'm expecting JD's departure shortly although he shows writing talent and sounded great tonight performing "The One Thing," his social skills are lacking as are some notes in his range. As long as he can continue singing INXS songs well, he'll stay put but the competition is fierce. Currently, I'm favoring Suzie after great performances two weeks in a row and a great studio session on the new INXS song, "Us," which was written by the band with Marti Fredrickson (who has worked with Faith Hill, Def Leppard and even Aerosmith.) The only real way to tell who should be the new singer is by making them sing the band's songs. I'm just waiting until there are 3 left and maybe someone will have to sing "Not Enough Time." Not only has this show brought the music of INXS to a new height, helped find a new lead singer but it has undoubtedly created several solo stars.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't read this right now, but I know you're online. (I'm not stalking you, I swear.)

We need to exchange IM's one day 'cause you're always on late. So then I can stalk you! =P

Anonymous said...

Okay, read it. I have only seen ONE episode. Or was it two? Yeah, two. And I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M MISSING IT!

This was a great review though. From what I heard, I liked JD's voice. But that's only based off of one episode. I don't recall that they sang on the second one I caught.

If VH1 knows what's best they'll marathon that shit.

Martin said...

I could see them trim it down to a special. Actually some of the performances have been so well received that it looks like they are releasing a CD entitled Live At The Mayan Theatre. I do find it interesting that it has one song from each of the singers with Mig and Jordis providing one extra each.

Lily said...

Ty has a very high opinion of himself, which is not really a bad thing except that he comes across as very arrogant. For me Jessica hung around longer than I thought, but she did sing INXS songs well. I think they should go back to the half hour elimination show format.

LoraLoo said...

I shouldn't have read this! I haven't watched it on DVR. Oh well, I still enjoy the performances. Ty was my early favorite - but I couldn't quite put my finger on what was missing. You're absolutely right - his performances are lacking.

Fred said...

I've never seen the show. I probably never will - too contrived for me. But, thanks for the review.

Teri said...

I wish I could catch this show more often. When I do get to see it, I really enjoy it. Will you let me know when the final episode is, so I can make a point to watch it?

Unknown said...

jesus christ in a thong...i have never watched this show..i saw the reality tag and my eyes glazed over figuring it was like that crap on fox..I loved INXS when Hutchence was alive. I will now have to watch the last ones..thanks dude!

New White Keds said...

TOTALLY agree with the disappointment that Ty pulled the race card. It came across as petty and sour grapes. Also agree that JD will be going soon. He causes drama, continuously, and I am thinking the band is not going to be cool with that. At this point, I am thinking Jordis will go soon too, leaving Mig, Suz and Marty -- tough call. When are they going to have the singers sing WITH the band? I don't know, seems to me that if you are looking for a lead singer, you would want to work WITH that person, not just watch them work. But I tend to think outside of the box sometimes.

Bar L. said...

I am very depressed about this show and therefore just can't watch it. I loved Michael. In my opinion he WAS INXS and they should have disbanded when he died. Unfortunately, no one asked for my opinion. I think I'll go listen to Suicide Blonde...