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anyone watching the Rock Star: INXS show?
I'm enjoying it

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/rock_star/

http://www.inxs.com/

What do you think of the show?
Who do you think will win?
Who's going to get booted next?
Should a girl front INXS?

Ande

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Ande Rasmussen
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[This message has been edited by Ande Rasmussen (edited 07-27-2005).]

I have been watching some of it.. I can't remember all the names but I like Suzy and Mig, , and Jordis has a great voice. I could not see her as the front for INXS but like her overall presence.
I think that Suzy (i think that's here name) could very well fit that spot.
I was a big INXS fan and loved Michael Hutchins.
He had that Jim Morrison kind of charisma, that will be hard to replace.
In myopinion he was INXS, and the guys would do just as well to change their name and do something else.
But the tv show is fun, and a breath of fresh air from the american idol, pop scene.
Best Liz

I watch it even though I am annoyed by it a bit.

I keep thinking... What will be the real outcome for the winner anyway ? It's not like they actually get a recording contract.. Does INXS actually still sell records..
and then what.. are they going to record a new albulm and magically have a instant chart topper. Maybe in Australia..

And the real kicker is that INXS's music.
Who defined that as ROCK. it's POP in my mind.

If they really want some ratings they should have one on Van Halen.
They been doing the same thing for years anyway... That is.. trying out new singers...

I know I would'nt want to sing "Devil Inside"
too many times in concert if you know what I mean..
Spooky...


DAvid

I think Mig will probably win.
Since he's Australian, has a nice stage presence and voice.

Ty seems to be the best singer.
JD, Marty and Brandon are pretty good as well.

Deanna and Suzie are lovely

Heather and Jessica are likely to get booted soon.


------------------
Ande Rasmussen
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I keep thinking to myself, wow, some of these singers are really good, but what if INXS doesn't really want any of them by the end? Do they have to take them? And won't the winner always kinda be seen as an inferior member to the rest of the group, since they had to jump through hoops and take loads of criticism just to get the gig?

It doesn't keep me from watching from time to time, though.

If a woman wins, it has to be Jordis. She has the right vibe. She sounds great. She looks great. She's the most comfortable on stage. Replacing MH is a big task, so going with a female front would avoid as many direct comparisons and give them a brand new and interesting palatte to work with. Of all of them, she's really the only one so far that I could see actually fronting INXS.

Brian

I still don't get what is going to happen once the selection is made.

Are they going to go in the studio and make a hit??

Is Everyone waiting on pins and needles for the next INXS Cd to come out. (maybe in Australia)

Is it guaranteed success because of the TV exposure like American Idol?

Of course if INXS picked a singer without using TV I don't think anyone would care...

DAvid

migs the man...

INXS hasn't been on the radio/in the news/on tour because MH is dead and that was the end of the band. They weren't at their career peak when he died, but they haven't done anything since. But hearing their hits, you realize how much they dominated their era in the mid 80's to early 90's as much as any other band in that era. They're obviously going to have to release something good, but they were always great pop/rock songwriters (and MH wasn't the only writer in the band, I think their keyboard player was mostly responsible for their sound and many/most of their hits). I think their sound is actually still pretty fresh all these years later and holds up to scrutiny better than other bands I can think of from that time frame. I hope they succeed. I'd be curious to check out their new music, especially with the right new vocals. I still think Jordis is the obvious female choice. The male choice at this point is less obvious because all of them have major flaws in one thing or another. I am enjoying the show and if you think about it, INXS will get the artist they want. If their favorite is ever in the bottom 3, then simply vote off someone else so eventually they'll get whoever they want no matter where the votes falls. I enjoy any well produced music show and I have to say this is pretty well done, the talent is not bad (they got rid of 2 weak ones this week with a couple more weak ones to go). If you read the bios, several of those vocalists have already fronted major label bands.

Does anyone know how they got the 15 they started with? I missed the start of the series.

Brian

Love following this. I agree with Brian about the music still being fresh. I only have them on cassette tapes, and would have to hook up a cassette player to listen to them.
But....this looks like a job for CD BURNER. Import them in clean up the tape hiss and I'm good to go.
Jordis is my favorite of them all..And if they chose her it seems that she could take them in a new or different direction.
Still Suzy and Mig have that INXS feel to thier performances.Sure do miss Michael though. Damn we lose so many good folks in this business.

They started with casting and open casting calls. It was thousands across the globe. From there they choose 36 I believe to come back to LA to do a second round of auditions. From there they took whatever the show started with.

It was weird for me as I got a phone call from their production company to come down and do the audition. I figured what the hell. Lucky for me I didn't have to wait in that ridiculous line at the Wiskey. Unfortunately even with the awesome response that I got during the audition I didn't make their cut to the semis.

I do know one person that got on, probably the most boring musician I've ever seen or met. He was voted off in the first round of the show I think. I was surprised he even got on. But what do I know, I don't own a TV and I haven't seen a single episode.

Jody

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Music That Makes Your Soul Happy!
www.jodywhitesides.com

The fact that most of these contestants have already had somewhat major success takes away from the magic of this show for me. I think they should have really dug a little deeper to find some "nobodies" to compete for the spot...would have made it more interesting.

Also, INXS has been out of the game for years. I don't think a new singer will make them popular again. In my opinion, INXS was better off leaving it alone this many years after Michael Hutchence's passing.

Regardless, most everyone on the show has a great voice. Mig, Ty and Jordis are fantastic.

My boyfriend got me hooked on this show, and I can't believe I watch it religiously. I won't even admit to him that I like it. Shhhh...don't tell nobody.

Gena

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Are you ready...?
http://www.soundclick.com/genalewis
genalewis@juno.com

[This message has been edited by genalewis (edited 08-09-2005).]

[This message has been edited by genalewis (edited 08-09-2005).]

A similar thing was said of AC/DC when they found a new front man when Bon Scott fell off his perch Gena.
I was one of them who thought "cheap copy. It won't wash".
Gaham


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http://www.soundclick.com/bands/2/grahamhenderson_music.htm

It's amazing how little support the show is getting when it's far better produced, with much better talent, more enjoyable performances and even the set and vibe is better than American Idol. Some speculation has been that they didn't show all the horrible auditions and that that was what drove people to love AI. (i.e. watching folks get humiliated) which really isn't a factor of this show since the talent in general is significantly better than AI.

I think it sort of shows that the public at large isn't NEARLY as concerned with talent as the artist community is. This is one good piece of the proof. When you wonder why pop music is often more style over substance, think back to the fact that this show is a flop and AI is a big success. Better singers, better songs, better performances mean nothing to the overall viewing public. Smarmy judges like Simon Cowell (who I enjoy) and flashy ones like Paula Abdul (who hasn't made a single valuable comment in all the years the show has been on) are more attractive than good, specific critiques, pro quality (but still basically unknown) artists and significantly less cheesy songs.

Hopefully this will illustrate that labels really ARE giving the public what they want... for better or worse. If you try to feed them quality and they want fluff.. they aren't going to eat it. Labels learned that long ago. I guess TV and Mark Burnett is learning it now. Very disappointing.

Brian

I just like them beating that band around still.

Kick!


Matt

I've watched with some interest, as I sent in an audio audition,

and I've gotta say that I was stunned by some of the absolute shite oversinging, over-outa-control vibrato, burro-braying, technique-deficient throat-wrecking, unjustifiably-self-satisfied spotlight-whores that Mark Burnett Productions dolloped onto INXS' plate, but then the band did approach their Aussie mate about the possibility of making this otherwise-footnoteworthy 'quest' into a made-for-U.S. network-TV prime-time career-defibrillator.

This was all about bringing the 'look' and 'mix' of Survivor, with the voyeurism of Big Brother, and the sing-off schtick of 'Idol', to yet another mid-summer music-themed repeat-killer. And they could only work with whoever showed up.

I didn't want to do a cattle-call, preferring to demonstrate vocal/songwriting chops on my own terms. And queueing up came with no assurance of making it in the door and getting to do your 8 minutes.

They HAD a new lead singer, a fellow they themselves approached, convinced, and toured with. Jon Stevens was singer for an Aus band called Noiseworks. He started appearing with the band in 2001, fronting the band at the Aussie Rules Football Grand Final (think Super Bowl) halftime show. I saw the show, he sounded GREAT!

They toured the U.S. and the world in 2002, I saw the Phoenix show, from about 15 rows, and it kicked! He did a great job of making the repertoire sound like it did with Michael's delivery.

Problem for the band was that few people cared. In a 2500-seater, about 1300 were empty. In spite of the fact that they still sounded great!

It's my guess that they saw the writing on the wall, sandbagged doing an album until Stevens got fed up and called a face-off with the band, and they cut him loose, so that they could look for somebody younger to drum up some fresh new demographic to pull coin into the wallets and put butts in the seats.

The result is this tripe-fest, offering up nobody that can do justice to the sound MH had. Andrew can write fine tracks, but the voice and words were Michael's job.

Nobody competing on that show can do it.

If they think that any of their old fans are gonna line up and pay $40 a head to hear whomever they choose singing "The One Thing" or "Don't Change" or "What You Need" or "Listen Like Thieves" or "New Sensation" or "Kick" or "Never Tear Us Apart", they need to think back to that half-empty room in Phoenix, and think again.

I read that mate Keith Urban called them up last year and asked if they'd be his new road band, and they turned him down.

Too bad they'll never again play in front the size crowds that HE will this year.

Bad move, all the way 'round. Tie me kangaroo down, sport.


[This message has been edited by ed323 (edited 08-10-2005).]

Ed,

I find it humorous to read the venom you're spitting when we all know you'd sing a completely different tune had they been interested in you. I've watched the show each week. I have also seen/heard you sing live twice and heard you on recordings. Are you actually suggesting that you're in the same league talent wise as any of those vocalists/performers?

Brian

i was flipping through the channels last night and stopped at howard stern when i saw simon on there.howard brought out an intern of his and the guy played 'live' for simon.the guy was quite good in my eyes and simon says' < sorry for the pun 'he has no idea how to respond to that kind of music hes a critic for god's sake thats his apparent job i guess you have to have the 'look' which is being just as sleazy as you can get away with on television or the so-called 'music' industry doesnt want you btw i liked inxs i also liked the little river band i thought they were great

Tommy

Ed,

INXS has been making a go of touring for the last several years with several singers. One was Terence Trent D'arby (a formerly amazingly great singer). They've had some of their new music on recent video games. In fact I think they did the Theme Song to a rugby video game that I played guitar on for the soundtrack.

Outside of the bubble of the US, INXS is still enjoying a bit of career. So what if they turned down a country singer to back him up. Its not their style of music - so it would make sense.

I haven't watched a single episode. And from my previous post you'd know that I was summoned to audition, so what if you didn't make it on to the show. It was something fun to do and to say that you did it. Like I mentioned before, there's a reason they pick the people they do. It could be a look, a height, a weight, a sound, a wink of the eye. Something those people did caught their eye for either greatness, or for ridicule on world-wide TV.

Jody

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Music That Makes Your Soul Happy!
www.jodywhitesides.com

ZING!!!!!!!!!!



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Later,

Pat

I have to say I don't see the venom in Ed's post. His observations are spot on as far as I can see. As for sour grapes; I don't know whether or not Ed is in the same league as the guys on the INXS show. But one thing's for sure. None of the competitors are remotely in the league Hutchence was.

hmmm.. I guess Tripe-Fest is a term of endearment in your neck of the woods Mani. = )

Brian

You guys are a hoot.......
Back to the show. Observations from the back row here. I have nothing invested except my time, and perhaps a bit of objectivity, since I am more than twice the age os some of the singers on the show , and could easily be all of them's older sister (hehe)....
I have to look at it as it is.
Marty has really impressed me over the past couple of weeks. He is more confident, has more control. and he doesn't have that pesky ego thingy going on.
Ty smiles way too much for a rock singer. He has a great voice, but not someone that I could see fronting this band.
Still love Jordis, even though Layla was not a good song choice for her.
Putting my psychic abilities to work I have to say that, if Jesssica and Brandon are in the bottom three tonight, they should both go.

Peace Ya'll, Liz

Liz,

I agree with all your points. I guess we're watching the same show. Not sure what others are watching.

Brian

Actually my grandmother was always partial to a bit of tripe Brian so I guess some people will like anything!! But seriously, I think Ed's observation of the show as a 'tripefest' hits the nail right on the head and doesn't carry any venomous connotations per se. None of these awful, cheesy, showschool hacks belong in INXS.

Mani,

I am curious where you're seeing better talent than the folks on that show? I don't even like half of them, but I also realize that they are really in the upper echelon of artists out there. I feel confident being as I personally have hosted over 15,000 different artists live at one of our shows in the last 7 years to feel that I have a better than average ear/eye for the talent that is out there. Are they the greatest artists in the world? No. Are they in the top 1%? Absolutely. Performing live week after week under a microscope is brutal. Few artists could EVER live up to that. I would LOVE to see any major label artist stand up to the same scrutiny and do significantly better or even as good.

Some people sit and take potshots because it's easy to be on the sidelines criticizing. In the case of Ed, I have seen him in Phoenix and San Diego performing live and heard his CD. If he evaluated that he was talented enough to deserve a legit shot at fronting that band, then it's inconceivable that he could feel that these folks aren't deserving, unless he feels his talent is superior. I can't believe he thinks that for real. I have the video tapes of him performing. So why the carping? It's one thing to say the show sucks and you don't like it. But the talent of the artists is there to see and if you have a realistic perception of what the talent is out there in the real world, you'd clearly know those are talented singers, perhaps not the best in the world, but clearly in the top echelon.

Brian

"Tell me What You Need..Tell Me What You Need..."

What INXS needs is ANOTHER Michael Hutchence. What's ON there isn't.

I see NON-INXS Songs Well-Sung...but I don't see ANY Singer-WRITERS there that I know of.

The Show's Enjoyable...BUT God-Help-um with Whoever they end up Choosin'. JMO.

Good Luck, Guys!
Stan

Not having sen the show, but having known what was cooking for some time now, I don't think they are in fact looking for a new Michael.
As Little river band is mentioned here, and mindefull of the fact someone from Creedance Clearwater revival once quoted that band t0o be the best harmony group in tyhe word at the time, John Farhnam revived his flagging carreer during his stint asa lead vox for them enough that he became the absolute top of down under vocalists popular wise.
S o. Whatever the aims or outcome 0of this, I am sure some will get a bit more of a chance at geting whatever they are pedasling out of the venture.
This little bloke just penned one and, because I have a little leg in the dor via my medai stuff, I am sending it to their suits in the hope they can make it the next Australian National song.
They don't want it, i will try Kevein Bloody Wilson on with it.
Just have to include a few naughty words, beer and meat pies with sauce for Kev to do it I am sure.
I'll include the link to this in my e-mail to the INXS camp.
I'm sure they will love it.
Graham

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http://www.soundclick.com/bands/2/grahamhenderson_music.htm

The funniest thing about doing the audition...

They specifically asked for people to do original songs at the audition. Didn't matter if you did it with a guitar or to a track, they wanted original material. Now I can't say anything about the people who got on the show, I haven't seen it. But I do know that of the people I had to sit through while I waited for my slot, I would say 90% of them got up and did an INXS song. The real sad thing was, they did a crappy job of it too.

One guy even went so far as to dress just like Michael, and do the actual dance moves from the video. It was pathetic.

Jody

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Music That Makes Your Soul Happy!
www.jodywhitesides.com

Well, part of their goal is to find someone to record the next album with and then front the world tour. I think they want someone who can be a creative partner, not just a voice. I also think it would be fruitless to try and replace MH. Why even try? But why let a really cool band die either? I think they might be well served with a female vocalist so that the direct comparisons can stop before they start. It's not just these kids that can't replace MH.. neither can anyone else. Who would you put in for MH? Springsteen? Phil Collins? Axl Rose? There was only 1 Michael Hutchence. But INXS was bigger than just him and so they are looking for a great new singer and using a fun and entertaining audition process (which frankly has to be far more difficult and grueling than any other similar band audition). It will also give fans (though ratings are down, it still wins it's time slot remember) a chance to become familiar with the new singer which is smart on their part. They're going to know which of these potential candidates most interested the fans who are passionate/interested enough to vote each week. Sounds like a win win. Plus, these artists are getting great TV exposure and most of them will continue on with successful bands or as solo artists themselves. (Most already performed in label or successful indie bands as it is).

Why people have to take a fun show and turn it around into something sinister or ridicule it when there's total crap on most other stations on any given night is beyond me. If people don't like it, don't watch. But if you watch and bitch every week, it leads reasonable people to believe it's more about sour grapes than anything else. Do people watch every other TV show they hate just so they can complain about it? If so, please find something better to do with your life, like work on your own music instead.

Brian

Amen Brian.
Graham

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http://www.soundclick.com/bands/2/grahamhenderson_music.htm

For me I think the contestants are pretty good.
They all look and sound like seasoned vetrans.
For some reason when I see the band members playing on some of the songs I can't help but think that they look a little immature.

What I mean is that the music doesn't seem as fresh as someone stated. I think it looks like a bunch of middle age guys playing pop songs.
I think it's a fine line.
Robert Palmer's music which sounds almost the same.. I think he can still pull it off.
But I see more of a Huey Lewis and the News with these guys.
It just doesn't look that cool.
Even with the quaf in their hair.

maybe their new albulm will mature as they have but I don't think so.. because I don't see them as growing musicians.

When I think of someone maturing with the music I think of Sting or Paul Simon.
Ya know.. Exapanding themselves musically.

INXS just look weird and out of place playing this stuff.

Just a observation.

Overall I think its a pretty good concept of a show.

Once again, I'd rather See this done for Van Halen

Hey if the Kids buy it.
than all the power to em.

Even though I do think William Hung is the man for the job...

DAvid

If I'm not mistaken Robert Palmer is dead. So I don't think he's doing much music now, but I agree he was good.

Jody

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Music That Makes Your Soul Happy!
www.jodywhitesides.com

LRB.

I remember them doing a show up here.
The singer from what I understand, if they have not changed singers (it was in 2002) was from New Orleans. He sounded just like Glenn Shorrock. Great show.

What I get from these posts, is the age old discrepency of acts doing a legendary band's work.
At least I consider INXS legendary.
Especially growing up through my teens in the eighties.
It is good to see acts carrying on the legacy.
I know people, especially artists hold how acts perform legends sacred.
I also see some hard feelings.
Not to get involved, but the members should maybe try and stand behind some act (acts) they like.
If they think they can do it better, there could not be a better place to hook up for that then this forum.

Just a thought.

Matt

I agre Matt.
I think the fact they are looking for a singer songwriter suggests they are looking to advance, maybe even change a bit while keeping the INXS touch within the memory's reach.
I see LRB are selling on SongRamp store these days.
I don't know if that means they are sort of history and desperate or if SongRamp is attracting some legends.
Whatever.
I got my song sung and on the net and the lyric to the INXS man and advised him this post was up here in case he or the band wanted something to do some time.
Graham


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http://www.soundclick.com/bands/2/grahamhenderson_music.htm

Watched the show once, wasn't bad and the kids looked liked they cared about one another.
Like it or not it's a very smart marketing scheme.
Alot of older bands could of done something like this
I'm sure the networks will come up with more stuff soon.

INXS actually has a chance of doing pretty well again.
If you follow what's going on in mainstream rock or
some pop. You will hear alot of 1980's stuff going on can you believe that the 80's were that long ago already? Lots of 80's influence The Killers, Modest Mouse, Franz Ferdinane actually there big hit has a piece of an INXS song in it. I think's it's "One Of My Kind" if that's the title. Also The Get Back Bugaloo" is
in that Franz song. Clever boyz!

Anyhow all the 80's air play now can only help them.
Just like Green Day except they are a bit more recent.
When you hear the Chilli Peppers now they sound very dated. Because alot of the bands today sound like Green Day, they were able to come right back and be successful. If the kids went the harder route and is was the Chilli Peppers you'd probably hear alot more advanced Bass playing, Guitar etc...
Green Day was simple and catchy and easy to learn.
The kids picked up there style and formatts instead.

Well that's the lesson for Pop Rock 101 for band ages
16-25 I wish INXS all the best I liked Tears For Fears
a little better though

Peace
Sub

I'm trying to track down INXS's debut release from 1980 on CD. A friend of mine had the vinyl way back when, but I can not find it in any form.
It was more mainstream with the times, but you could hear the blueprint of their sound.
Early albums by bands like that always intriged me. More experimental in their musical infancy. And even if it is not so experimental, it is still interesting to hear something different like that.
Makes me think of old Kansas, Styx, and Genesis albums I first listened to when I dug more in to their catalogue.

I knew Styx changed when their old guitarist, John Curulewski left. I thought he was highly underrated. Many in the rock circles agree.
They gigged up here at a birthday party before they were signed. I was still an infant at the time.
They have not 1 original member left.
James Young only entered the fold with their signing.
Their record company at the time, RCA, thought they needed a second guitarist.
I still liked their albums after Tommy Shaw joined. Especially the song "Come Sail Away".
Their bassist of a brother team, Chuck Ponozzo, drifts in and out of the lineup.
Their comeback seemed to disentagrate after the drummer, his brother John died in 1997.`
Even though they made a promising comeback with a live CD.

Anyway, the first INXS album is mostly out of print.

I think I might try to order it off of Windows Media.

Matt



[This message has been edited by My Name? (edited 08-11-2005).]

Hi Matt - How are ya?

I saw all the bands you mentioned. Genesis a few times they are in a class by themselves and what a live show. I liked Tommy Shaw to I like his song
"Fooling Yourself" and the way he sings..

Kansas's song "The Wall" on LeftOverture Steve Walsh sings the hell out of it.

Aside from the Supergroup vocalist
Some of my other favorite rock singers were Paul Rodgers of Bad Company and Lou Grahm of course.

peace
sub

Man, this is gonna be tough, but here goes anyway.

Brian: "INXS hasn't been on the radio/in the news/on tour because MH is dead and that was the end of the band."

WRONG.

Whitesides: "INXS has been making a go of touring for the last several years with several singers. One was Terence Trent D'arby."

FACT: They did a single date with Jimmy Barnes in 1998 in Melbourne, and a single date with Terence Trent D'arby in 1999 to open the Olympic Stadium in Sydney.

Hardly what Jody claims they did before Stevens was asked to join, and

FACT: Jon Stevens started doing dates and the "Just For Kicks" tour with them in 2000, according to INXS.com , leaving in November 2003.

So Brian, you're simply factually ignorant on that matter.

Stevens and INXS did write ONE song that got placed on a rugby video-game.

So Brian, you're just plain WRONG.

They HAD a new lead singer, that worked for their sound.

They toured the U.S., South America, Europe, and other locales with Jon Stevens. And they and he sounded like the INXS that their fans and even casual listeners remembered. I testify to that.

Why they stalled doing a record with Stevens is beyond me. But my guess is that he couldn't deliver lyrics that Andrew found palatable, and wanted more influence in the sound and direction of the band than they were willing to give him.

It certainly wasn't because he didn't sound or look 'right' for the gig!

Brian: "I have also seen/heard you sing live twice and heard you on recordings."

WRONG again.

You heard me sing ONCE, I didn't perform in Tempe. I was there to check YOU out.

The CD I gave you doesn't show the entire breadth of my vocal ability, but I DO recommend you go to the 40LOVE link to hear me demoing a James Brown sound ("Thing4U") and an Ian Astbury vibe ("The Samantha Pleas"), and to the EdX link to hear me demoing an MH feel ("DoWhatYouGotta"), if yer really that all uprighteously perturbed about my comments and dismissive of my chops, pal.

It's all part of my "...please find something better to do with your life, like work on your own music instead" program that you recommended.

Brian: "Are you actually suggesting that you're in the same league talent wise as any of those vocalists/performers?"

Yeah, I am.

What you and the roomful in Encinitas heard, Brian, was me singing and playing an introspective, nuanced, melancholy ORIGINAL ROCK SONG. The vocal delivery was apropos to the lyric theme. No caterwauling oversinging or warbling unrestrained vibrato or spotlight-posing there (despite the two large coffees, man, they make yer mouth tacky!).

What you and that roomful didn't hear was me auditioning for INXS by singing Eagles or Living Colour or Queen or the Clash (how much sense does that make?), because that wasn't what I was there to do.

The roomful seemed to like my performance quite alot, AIR. Their response after the party was uniformly positive, and NO, I'm not ascribing that to the jovial JPF showcase conviviality. They loved it. You really oughta go back and watch the tape again.

Speaking of 'the tape',

Brian: "In the case of Ed, I have seen him in Phoenix and San Diego performing live and heard his CD. If he evaluated that he was talented enough to deserve a legit shot at fronting that band, then it's inconceivable that he could feel that these folks aren't deserving, unless he feels his talent is superior. I can't believe he thinks that for real. I have the video tapes of him performing."

That sounds like a threat, pal. Go ahead, I dare ya. I double-dog dare ya! Put it up, if that's what you think think will 'put that uppity nitwit' back in his place.

Put it up and link to it from this thread.

Pull back the curtain and expose me for the 'over-confident buffoon' you seem to be calling me. Anytime, anyplace.

So back to the circus and the clowns...Did any of the people axed by INXS deserve to be there based on their vocal and stage talent?

In a word, no. They weren't "right for [their] band, INXS." So why waste everybody's time when it should've been apparent from the get-go?

Brian, I can see why Bob Young continually questions your reading and comprehension skills, 'cause you blew right by the part where I said "that I was stunned by some of the..." (emphasis added). Not 'all of the'. Glasses, maybe?

Five people shoulda been picked to start this circus. Ty, Jordis, Marty, Mig, and somebody else.

And they shoulda all been singing all-INXS, all-the-time, unless the band is planning on putting "Take It Easy" or "Layla" or "Blister in the Sun" or "Rock The Casbah" into the setlist for the tour. 'Cause how well you do Bob Marley says zip about one's ability to sing "Need You Tonight".

Which brings up the inclusion of women.

Does anybody really think that the band is gonna transpose almost thirty years of repertoire up a whole step or minor third, and strain their ability to do the backing vox to accomodate a woman???

It was just another way to call marks to the circus.

It's a specialist job. There's a history, a vibe, and a sound that are part and parcel of their success. It's not a Broadway production of "The Producers", where Jason Alexander or Alexandra Paul or Paul Shaffer can be scheduled to take over for Matt Broderick, and the joint STILL sells out!

Was there a Led Zeppelin without Plant? A Beatles without John or George or Ringo? A Queen without Freddie Mercury (jury will remain out on that one)?

Brian, you talk about "new palette" and "new direction" for INXS. So do they have one all picked out? Are the songs gonna be written by the winner after the coronation like the CBS promos claim?

I really doubt it, because with the entire album tracked by the band beforehand, waiting only for the lyrics to be written and lead vox to be dropped on before their scheduled world tour later THIS YEAR,

it's putting a lot of eggs in one basket, and putting WAY too much on whomever gets the job.

Andrew and Jon And Kirk have already written the lyrics, bet on it, making the claim that "the winner will write the songs" a lie, and the show fraudulent in that respect.

New direction?

Well in INXS' case it oughta come with a new name.

Mig will win. Man, I'm glad the poseur-hack Brandon who sang sharp the whole song tonight is gone!

Jon Stevens oughta still be the frontman.

Now get cracking on that video, Brian, I'm anxious to see it!

Thank you for your patience, dear reader.



[This message has been edited by ed323 (edited 08-11-2005).]

Oh yeah, the links for Brian...they are jammed together, but as you mouse over each, they point to the respective pages.

I don't think you'd've caught that without help.



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EdX.iuma.com www.soundclick.com/40LOVE www.soundclick.com/EdX

If it is true that the one chosen will be expected to write and contribute in that way to the band, they should be doing original material on the shows.
They should be doing INXS songs as well, not just in the elimination phase of the show.
If I were looking for a writer/lead singer for my band. I would be most interested in what they were bringing to the table. Have any of these folks written any INXS type songs. If so thats what they should be doing, and that's what we should be hearing.
I have been listening to my old INXS tapes (had to hook up a tape player to do it). and to be honest, it ain't rocket science. simple songs, simple song structure, no brainer lyrics But the kicker was Michael. He had that thing that w so lovingly call "IT"
But then again, slap me silly....this is America, and folks would not watch a show that actually had or made the attempt at substance..
Enter the familiar, the "Cover Song" I do think that if the covers are not going to be INXS songs they should at least be closer in style than what has been selected for the singers thus far.
The Show:
Mig has been mentioned a few times here, and I agree, still that he has the full package, but does he write????
Glad that Brandon went last night, thought that Jessica should have gone with him, and was surprised to see suzie there in the bottom three.
I do love Jordis, but see her fronting her own band. she has everything it takes to be her own person. Being the youngest at 23, she has the composure and depth of someone much older and wiser.
And Marty, that boy is an artist, he could just as easily be a painter, a poet....he has the sensibility.
There truly are some talented individuals there, and I wish them the best .
L.

By God Jody your right!

Robert Palmer died two years ago in Paris.
It said he died a tragic death.
I have yet to research how he died.

I must of missed the news on that...

That sucks...

DAvid

Ed, I stand corrected, I should have said "touring and playing shows with several singers". But then I think you're being just as nitpicky as Brian. They have still been playing shows with several singers.

You mention Queen. Guess what, they're out on the road too. Have also had several singers and minus John Deacon. Currently its been Paul Rodgers I believe. However, the band is falling out of favor with him due to personal reasons. There is another singer in the works who is a friend of mine.

Just to be educated on the sound of Ed. I visited your myspace page and listened. "Do What You Gotta" is sorta like an INXS song. But now the question is, do I feel you'd make a good replacement for that band? My answer is, not really. That's not good or bad. I just don't feel the fire that would light them up. But it also doesn't mean you don't have some ability to play.

I haven't watched the show. So I can not compare you to any of the contestents, except for the one whom I've seen live in person (my old drummer used to play for him). You two don't compare, and neither of you would be my choice. But then that's me.

Fair enough?

Jody

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Music That Makes Your Soul Happy!
www.jodywhitesides.com

[This message has been edited by Whitesides (edited 08-11-2005).]

im a newbie here lotsa nice people here. dont let whatever inxs does or dont do affect yalls relationships.what happened to 'we're all in this together' ? ive noticed yall getting really testy with each other everybody has different opinions thats their right.i personally dont watch the show or american idol i dont stop at car accidents either.nor do i watch jerry springer to see people humiliate themselves.I loved Bad Company when paul rogers was with them, the replacement did a credible job, but hes not paul rogers you cant be somebody youre not. personally i think its stupid to try to sound like somebody else. when i sing a cover song i try to move as far away from the original as i can get.

Okay Ed. You are correct on one thing, you didn't actually perform at the Phoenix show. What I heard was the CD that you gave Harold and me to listen to, which we did immediately upon leaving the venue. You also performed at the San Diego show which was video taped. I've refrained from specifically criticizing your talent, which I feel isn't as good as those contestants. Of the 3 main factors, your songwriting was the weakest part, then the live performance and your vocals were the strongest of the 3. But none seemed better or as good as the contestants on the show.

As for my INXS comments, check what happened to INXS in the US after MH died. That was the reason for the end of their success in the US. That was when they went out of the public spotlight and the mainstream US stopped noticing. As Jody said, split hairs all you want, but the point is still just as valid. The US was done with them when MH died. A lot of other defunct bands have continued on, but only in name, not in reality.

So if you feel all this animosity towards them, why did you try out for the show?

Ironically, Jody Whitesides didn't get selected and didn't go off on a tirade about it. He's got a very commercial voice and has had some successes on a lot of fronts as an artist/writer. He saw it as a fun opportunity and tried it and moved on. In addition, all the artists that did make the show have already had significant successes commercially and/or critically in music. Have you? If you're as amazing as you suggest, where's your track record? What are your album sales? What bands have you fronted? What labels have you signed with? Where have you toured? What industry professional thought enough of your talent to put their reputations and jobs on the line to support it? Remember, you've clearly stated that you feel at least some of the talent is terrible on the show. So common sense would suggest that you've done better on your own than they have, if that is true. Maybe there's more to be learned about you Ed. I find it odd if you have them, you've never shared these types of success stories before.

Ed, why not just post a link to the song(s) and material/info you submitted to the contest and let everyone hear it for themselves. It might be a worthwhile learning tool. After all, if you're clearly better than (or even as good as) all or even some of those artists they chose, your submission must kick SERIOUS ass and I'd think you'd be chomping at the bit to have everyone hear it for themselves. So if you really want to prove your point, it's as simple as demonstrating you have the recordings and talent that you say you do. So post it here and lets give you the fairest chance to demonstrate to everyone that your talent is better than theirs.

Brian

Brian,

To be fair, Ed's link is in his profile.
And it does seem like your spewing a little venom here too.

I had a listen to a couple tunes and I gotta say there pretty good.
Actually really good musically too.
Oddly enough the "Climb a Mountain" song sound alot like a INXS song.

Now I'm not gonna judge..

But I would say that his vocals are on par with at least some of the contestants.

I don't know if they are as good as the so called Top contestants.

To judge somebody on a CD that was given to you years ago is not fair.

I know I have grown tremendously as a writer since My first CD that I mailed to you...

I wouldn't dare mail that thing out now..

People Grow..

Everybody Gets a little frustrated in this business.
and Maybe Ed direction just wasn't right

and either was your.

I can't believe that I am mediating.
but what the hell.

I just think it's silly getting pissed off over a stupid GAME SHOW.
cause that's all it is.


DAvid

Here, here David, well said. It's only a Game Show.

Though I did just think about one more thing in terms of Queen. Mind you I'm a huge Queen fan, Freddie is a massive influence on my singing. Ed, have you ever heard any of Freddie's solo material? If not, just be aware that Queen was very much all four - Freddie, Brian, Roger and John. Yes, Freddie was the focal point, but he was kept in check very much by the rest of the band in terms of killer musical quality.

I certainly hope the best for whomever wins, I think it would be a fun gig to do. I'd be pissed though if I weren't getting writing time on any of the new album, since that's the premise that lead to my accepting the audition in the first place.

Jody

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Music That Makes Your Soul Happy!
www.jodywhitesides.com

Robert died of a heart attack

heres a CNN article for anyone interested.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/26/britain.palmer/

I stand by my assessment, including the new songs. Apparently David W thinks he's good enough to front a world class band on a world tour, record a new album with them and is equal or superior to the people they chose for the show. I disagree. I've spent my time touring North America really seeing first hand what type of talent is out there. The night of the San Diego performance, Ed wasn't even in the top 1/2 of performers in that room. Maybe it was a bad night. The CD he gave us to listen to was poorly written, and peformed in an average way at best. Hardly the stuff to rank in the top tier of potential candidates for the TV show. Had Ed simply stated he felt he deserved to be on the show, I would have let it go. Had he simple stated he didn't think the show was any good. Fine. But he went off on a tirade and frankly I am tired of people taking shots at other artists claiming they're superior when the facts just don't show that to be true. If he wanted to be scrutinized by a nationwide audience, then my pointing out my opinion of his work shouldn't be any problem for him at all. His tracks are there to listen to. Ask yourself if you'd risk your career to sign him as an artist, or in this case, pick him out of worldwide candidates to be on that TV show. My answer would be a solid: NO. Perhaps David would say yes. Make your own decision. His links are there. Form your own opinion.

Brian

Note: This post is clearly escalating to the point where I had to delete several messages and block an anonymous user who really went too far against Ed. I think in fairness, I will simply let Ed have the last word on this with his post below and lock this post. Feel free to start a new INXS show post if you want, but let's keep it on topic.

Thanks,

Brian

[This message has been edited by Brian Austin Whitney (edited 08-12-2005).]

Putting up with...

40LOVE music page at SoundClick[/b]

"Climb The Mountain" was submitted to the INXS open call. Hi-fi for best results. This is what DavidW thinks sounds like an INXS sing.

"End Over End" was performed to track at the Encinitas stop. Yeah, a pretty sorry excuse for a song, if I say so myself!

I'm fond of "Thing4U", a James Brown-styled funker. Bear in mind, it's a quick-and-dirty two-verse demo.

[b]EdX music page at SoundClick .

"DoWhatYouGotta" was submitted to the INXS open call. Again, hi-fi=hi-fun!

More blues this page than pop-rock.

Enjoy!

Ed Bertrand

Now, let's go to the video...oops, looks like it's not cued up yet...

[This message has been edited by ed323 (edited 08-12-2005).]