I just KNEW there would be a good thread on this in TalkBass!
Can't get more interesting than hearing what a bunch of bass players (me too) have to say- There's bound to be as many different opinions on this as there are styles and skill-levels of playing here!
First off, thanks to PassinWind for the link to the House Band- I didn't know or recognize these players offhand, but it was obvious to me that they were experienced, pro-level players with solid credentials and chops- Their bios bore that out- They do a great job IMO of covering the tunes, and no doubt they all can PLAY! Sasha knows how to handle the bassist's role, that's for sure.
As for INXS, I always thought they had a nice feel in their prime, and was shocked at the death of their singer. It always amazes me, having struggled on the road in clubs, driving to gigs in a van, etc, for nominal $$, when someone who reaches the top, loses it-assuming that was the case with him. Same with Cobain and others.
I understand that professional success and its financial rewards don't necessarily equate to personal happiness-Believe me, you can have happiness,lots of it, without being a rock star, even if all you want to do is play music for a living. I just am amazed at how one can lose perspective sometimes...
At any rate, I give props to INXS for the success they've had, and even as suggested, if this is a way to re-vive a dormant career, well, at least they HAD a career to revive!!
So good for them, nobody is forcing them to do this-
As for the contestants- it's a little surreal to me. They all can sing, some better than others, they certainly can all perform, although some of it seems like posturing to me.
A few (don't want to get into debates) seem to me to be posers-that is to say, lounge singer chops and quality, or cabaret artists who are dressing and acting like a "Rocker"
to win this show---Hey, it's cool, it's show biz. Some seem to be livin' the life, real hard-core R'nRollers, too.
Kinda not my thing, I'm more the Marcus Miller/Reginal Veal type, but hey, that's me!
It's still entertaining to watch, and that's the bottom line I guess. Controversy is good for ratings--- so here's mine-
I think the chick with dreads is a poser-she sings well and has the charisma, she is talented, I mean her no disrespect, really!
But to me, the 'dreads looked weaved on, like a costume for a part she wants to play- She's an actress to me.
Hey young lady, do your thing and more power to ya- Please, no flames- just my viewpoint!!!!!
My vote for the most talent, charisma, and best fit for new INXS frontman-
The Black dude with the spikes. He can sing for sure, and I think he's really being himself.
For the rest, the hostess (Brookes?) is sho' nuff fine, wish she'd wear tighter pants tho--
And Mr. Navarro- Again I respect your successes in music etc,
but seeing an "alternative" guitarist sitting in a throne, being a kind of alternative Simon or Randy or Paula----I don't know, it's kind of out of synch for me....
Best of luck to all involved tho, it is fun, and
ROCK ON DUDES!
