Author Topic: A.I. I'm curious (Read 277 times)

olieoliver · « **on:** April 17, 2007, 08:28:04 AM »

Okay, I know I?m setting myself up here for the jokes but I admit I watch American Idol every week. I don?t vote and I don?t really care who wins.
I watch because the band is incredible. I mean watch just once and listen to the band. They can play anything and play it well.

Ok now that I?ve got that out in the open, hit me with your best shot but my question is AM I ALONE?

jbybj · « **Reply #1 on:** April 17, 2007, 08:50:34 AM »

I watch too, but the band is secondary. I love it for the drama, the comraderie, the singing, the insightful judges, but most of all, that spunky Ryan Seacrest, he's just the bomb. No, I'm not gay, but I get mistaken for gay all the time, go figure. I have a theory as to why the early episodes with all the bad singers are so popular. Not because people are mean and like to watch others suffer, but rather we get a vicarious thrill through these people. If I could be as self-unaware as these folks, I could convince myself of anything. There is something very appealing about being able to truly believe anything at all about yourself, no matter how fantastic. I just hope the show becomes so popular they have a spinoff for the over 40 contingent.

jet_powers · « **Reply #2 on:** April 17, 2007, 09:08:49 AM »

Half the people I know tune in but I have yet to view this program. That's television right?

lbpesq · « **Reply #3 on:** April 17, 2007, 09:31:07 AM »

My wife is addicted to A.I. I do like the early rounds with the terrible contestants. While I find the later rounds filled with pap, I agree with Olie about the band. They have sounded awfully good this year. Ever wonder what would happen if people like Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, or Joe Cocker auditioned in disguise? I see an SNL skit!

Bill, tgo

jack · « **Reply #4 on:** April 17, 2007, 09:46:28 AM »

I don't watch the show, but it is cool that they're looking for real talent, as opposed to some A&R guy finding a pair of knockers and overdubbing a voice. They audition a cappella and really have to perform. I mean it's doubtful Britney Spears would have gotten anywhere on this show, and I think Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood both are actually excellent singers. They're both cute girls too, obviously, but didn't get where they are solely on their looks. At least that's how I see it.

57basstra · « **Reply #5 on:** April 17, 2007, 10:13:44 AM »

How would a young unknown (or better yet an old and unknown) Bob Dylan have been received on this show? That's a question I ask when folks start Idol talking with me. To each his or her own....

drr

olieoliver · « **Reply #6 on:** April 17, 2007, 10:19:31 AM »

Well as I said I don't really watch for the contestants. My wife watch?s and follows the show religiously. I do however enjoy listening to the band. SUPERB musicians.

jbybj · « **Reply #7 on:** April 17, 2007, 10:23:05 AM »

I believe the world of music would be infinitely superior if Mr. Dylan had only published his lyrics, and never sang a note to tape. Who can say what unknown horrors Idol has already saved us from.

olieoliver · « **Reply #8 on:** April 17, 2007, 10:50:00 AM »

It didn?t save us from Sanjaya.

bigredbass · « **Reply #9 on:** April 17, 2007, 10:52:16 AM »

I wonder IF Randy Jackson had anything to do with hiring the players; I can only imagine he would have had the cream of West Coast players at his beck and call. The man CERTAINLY knows his way around a bass and a studio.

J o e y

jahnahisti · « **Reply #10 on:** April 17, 2007, 11:21:06 AM »

If Dylan had never sang you would never have had Jimi doing watchtower. Remember approx. 1/4 of the population is illiterate according to CNN this year.

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #11 on:** April 17, 2007, 12:58:14 PM »

I thought this thread was going to be about Artificial Intelligence, so I guess that shows how often I watch it

57basstra · « **Reply #12 on:** April 17, 2007, 01:43:58 PM »

Olie, I know I took off down a different rabbit hole ? let me come back up another.

I always tried to stay up and watch Johnny Carson and the Tonight Show Band, also known as the The NBC Orchestra and sometimes Doc Severinsen and the NBC Orchestra.

This was one hot set of players. Even if the show was off track, the Orchestra was always right on.

olieoliver · « **Reply #13 on:** April 17, 2007, 02:16:02 PM »

I hear David, Doc knew good musicians.

Another of my favorites was The Worlds Most Dangerous Band. Will Lee is one of my favorite bass players. A very solid groove master and very capable soloist.

hankster · « **Reply #14 on:** April 17, 2007, 03:15:43 PM »

I think the Idol band is terrific - I have always loved watching that band, or others in similar televised situations, playing so well with minimal rehearsal. Whether you like the music or not, the standard of playing is awesome.

As a side note, Basscast #12 features a guest host who plays with the Australian Idol band - it is interesting to hear his comments.

rick