[Harp-L] Re: Taylor Hicks



Awhile back, David wrote:
>If you're not too cool to indulge in
>American Idol, then vote for Taylor!

Glad I'm not Taylor. ;) Isn't the whole idea of pop culture's American Idol about being 'cool', 'hip', 'with it'; Yo... 'far out', the 'people's choice', etc.? To win the crown, it seems to me, depends only on myriads of 'phone-savvy' folks tying up telecommunications long enough to cast 'multiple votes' for one musical ego-maniac over the others. Even a US Senator proclaimed 'voting often' was the AMERICAN thing to do in support of one's "Idol"! [Umm..... Geeez.]

I wish it actually was more about music, but I don't see it; or rather... 'hear' it. I actually have been "cool" enough to indulge in, or endure, moments of American Idol, and wouldn't waste my time voting for any of them I've seen so far; mostly, because the whole process represents to me a rather vile way to treat music at ANY level.

And, isn't it interesting that, quite unlike Ted Mack's Amateur Hour that was mentioned, or other such programs of the past, only vocal ability is being contested here? Why that constriction? Perhaps, it's because that is the one auditory expressive ability mostly shared and practiced by humans; whether oratory, drama, singing, whatever. AND, it's egoistic... all about solo performance. No instrumental skills required... no manual dexterity, theoretical understanding, cooperative abilities, sacrifice for the benefit of the total musical composition, etc.

Please don't assume I don't appreciate solo performance skills, as I can not help but feel they are the prime reason many, perhaps most, musical executions achieve the acclaim they do; and I would never denigrate the contribution of truly great solo artists to music in general! Maybe it's just the making of sport out of music that I don't enjoy.

Anyway, now it's down to two:

One contestant's father may have suspiciously deep connections with Fox Network programming, and perhaps even, the show host's past project[s].
The other is garnering tragically sympathetic support from harmonica aficionados, [despite, and even DUE TO, his humorous, yet unfairly sly, breaking of the rules; specifically, that all contestants are disallowed from using any other musical instrument than one's voice to exhibit musicality or to influence voting.] Personally? Fox should have never aired that clip, as it unduly influenced a number of the voting public.


How many of you would have even been interested in the contestant Hicks had it never come to light that he plays harmonica [or guitar, or any other instrument?] It actually saddens me that it was a harp player who may have been the first to demonstrate contempt for the contest rules; and worse... that this fact may have even been used as a ploy to boost his popular vote. [So, if he wins, who's to say there will not be a legitimate gripe on the part of anyone who claims he unfairly influenced the vote by 'crashing the rules party'?] Beside the point, but perhaps notable, even aging Joe Cocker fans and "Ray" movie-goers have possibly been sucked into voting for Taylor, too. I just don't care a bit for the dynamics of it all.

It's all politics, baby!
And that ain't music to my ears.

Bobbie





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