2.13.11 THE 2011 GRAMMYs

Watched a couple of the performances on YT. Justin, Katy, Gaga, Riri, just to see what people were talking about when they say "bad" or "out of tune."

My conclusion: Adam has totally spoiled us forever with his live performances and the quality of his vocals. I wrote earlier about over-production of songs to hide the singer's weaknesses ---- well, they tried to do the same with visual production, dance, etc, but without the sound production tricks in the studio, the voices just don't stand well on their own.

I don't want to sound like I am sniping at these performers. They are typical of what I see in pop music. It's been going on for a long time. Perhaps that is some of the appeal. The "every man" "every woman" "every kid" quality of the singing. Sounds like my brother, nephew, friend. I could sing like that. Very accessible.

When I listen to Adam live, I have to keep telling myself this is all Adam. It has such power and such polish it seems like he is lip-synching, or singing along with a strong backing vocal duplicating the leads. It just sounds too good to be real. I expect that from professional musical theater people or opera singers, but not from pop.

The other thing I notice ---- and it is probably biased, I admit --- is that Adam connects with the emotion of the song. He becomes the character of the song and tells its story. He also connects so strongly with the audience. Whether it is an acoustic ballad, a rock song, or a full out production number, the production never overwhelms the voice or the performance. Perhaps that is in part why we think that Adam is even better live than in the studio. We have the visual and we have the connection in addition to the vocals.

I think it would be best if I could just set aside my memories of Adam's performances and enjoy what I am seeing onstage. Obviously many people thoroughly enjoy these folks' concerts. But I am a music snob, and I just don't find it a pleasurable experience or a comfortable one. I'm too conditioned from going to professional musicals and concerts by classically trained singers to sit back, relax, and wallow in the sound and visuals of many pop singers like I do with the others.

So, be careful, Adam fans. He may spoil you, condition you too, to expect a level of excellence that is rare in the pop world.

Too busy right-clicking and smiling ;D

that's because we are rendered speachless

I NEVER save pics but holy shit, had to have this one