INXS Rock Star Debuts

[mike_v_s]

I watched my first full episode last night. I'll admit I'm a bit relieved that there is a "talent" show on air that has more to offer than the bubble gum pop of American Idol...but my praise will probably stop there.

Dave Navarro looks and dresses like a moron. It's a judgement call, but I'm willing to make it. My other gripe is the never-ending use of the word "rock" and it's various forms.

"Man, you are one rocker that rocks, dude. Our next rocker rocked his way to the top last week rocking out on one of Rock's most rocking hits!! Let's rock !!!" (song finishes) "That ROCKED! We asked you last week to bring a little more rock to this rock contest, and you answered with rock. Rock on. Stay tuned as three more rockers show you what rock songs they like to rock to!!"

We get it. It's a reality show with rock music. Aside from Dave's tendency to lift clothes from my Grandmother's closet, the show rocks.


Mike

 

[jazzbo]

I was forced to watch this last night.

Excellent call Mike, on the use of the word "rock."

The "judges" offer no real criticism or evaluation of the performance, 99% of the "criticism" is in some way positive. Why is Dave Navarro there? What purpose does he serve? Why is Brooke Burke there? What purpose does she serve?

The singers' styles were so contrived. They spent damn near the whole song in their head voice, and when forced to stretch they got nasally or froggy. I don't know what this new style of singing is where you do the Cher-froggy-gutteral crap, but it sucks. Each vocalist seemed to be stuck in a one octave range. Nobody could stretch, nobody really nailed there vocals, and many of them just sucked. The two playing guitar!? Where they actually playing, because I didn't hear them in the mix, and most of the time they never strummed, plucked, or touched the guitar. It was an accessory.

During the "rehearsals" and performances, the singers clearly demonstrated that they had no real musical knowledge, and their egos were a little too big. Singers were trying to direct the house band without the least littlest idea of how to communicate musically. Unfortunate, as the house band is quite good.

Lame show.

I saw a commercial for a TLC type show of the same variety. Hilarious. "Well, someone died, let's go find their replacement through a reality show." Pathetic.

 

[JimK]

Dave Navarro looks and dresses like a moron. It's a judgement call, but I'm willing to make it.

He beat you to it.
Monday night's show-
Navarro said he was dressed "like a jackass".

 

[realdeal]

Dude, that last post ROCKED!

This show keeps getting better and better (read-worse, creatively and umm, artistically). It's beginning to look like a comedy sketch to me!

Last night, I thought the performer who did "Roxanne" did a great job singing, but can not see her fronting INXS-
In fact, I really can't see any of the "rockers" bringing anything to their mix, such as it is....
Maybe the Australian guy, he's kinda half-way there anyway I guess.

The rest of the "rockers" - I love that term, btw-
Some of the ladies can sing, but seem to be out of their element, "posing" as a rockstar to get exposure---show biz.
Others just have a lotta tattoos....

The gents- Well, I haven't heard one that does anything other than I've seen and heard countless times before, in countless bands,in countless bars, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Dave Navarro is setting new standards for "Alternative
rage-against-the-system guitarists who go mainstream yet try to maintain an alternative rage-against-the-system vibe"
... Whatever that means!
I don't understand... Maybe Carmen Electra demands more jewelery and sports cars than the meager pay-out of the Chili-Peppers can supply! ...Or maybe he just likes doing stuff like this. More power, either way!

I can't WAIT to see who is eliminated tonight.....


"- - - - - - - - - - - - . Sorry, you're just not right for
INXS" !!!!

I love it.

The House Band continues to act and sound like the pro
PLAYERS they are--- the only redeeming value of it all.

 

[Passinwind]

Maybe it's me-

"Purple Haze" sounded too much like Cher doing Hendrix in a Vegas night club.
Blecchhhh.

Heh, a couple of the guys in the house band have toured with Cher.

Can you say "Cher doing Hendrix" on a G-rated forum?

The true colors of the producer are starting to show now, eh? Let the train wrecks begin!

 

[McHaven]

I can't blame Mr. Navarro, or anyone else for that matter, for capitalizing on their fame and taking opportunities for media exposure....The cost of living these days and all!!
I know I would if I could!
aspect!!

Dave Navarro is the guitarist that rock and roll rents out when media asks for a rocker but tv friendly. Personally, I don't think he rocks at all.


This show is alright I suppose. The girl that did Hendrix last night did it horribly IMO.

 

[JimK]

During the "rehearsals" and performances, the singers clearly demonstrated that they had no real musical knowledge, and their egos were a little too big. Singers were trying to direct the house band without the least littlest idea of how to communicate musically. Unfortunate, as the house band is quite good.

Typical stuff...so what's your point?
The one guy does seem to like trying different arrangements("California Dreaming", "Hand In My Pocket"); maybe he didn't convey it in musicians' terms...ultimately, it's the backing players job to make it happen.

Truthfully, I haven't noticed too many with big egos(yet)...I've played with worse, a LOT WORSE!

I also agree with an earlier poster about none of the vocalists actually jones-ing to be the new singer for INXS.

...and I still think Ms. Dread Lox is the eventual winner.

Onto more important stuff-
'Bo...is the Talk Bass Yahoo FFL in the works?

 

[JimK]

Can you say "Cher doing Hendrix" on a G-rated forum?

You know me...pun definitely intended.

 

[realdeal]

Most of the comments in this thread are far more entertaining and creative than this show, I'll say that!
Some good stuff!

Anybody know how this show is doing in the ratings??

That ultimately determines how "good or bad" something is, in the Media industry.....

 

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

Last night's episode definitely had a lot more "You nailed it" and "You were awesome" and other positive stuff than the first couple epis did.

IMHO, Jordis (the dreadlocks girl) and Ty (the mohawk) seem to be the ones who would be the most enjoyable to be in a band with. Sure, some bands have worked well with a bunch of pissy, whiny members, but I don't see any reason to avoid that kind of scenario if it's possible.

 

[mike_v_s]

Monday night's show-
Navarro said he was dressed "like a jackass".

Not good enough. I didn't see Monday's but it could not have been worse than Tuesday's get up. I won't be satisfied until Navarro starts the show off with the opening monologue:

"Hi!! Welcome to Rockstar: INXS. I'm your host, Dave Navarro, and I repeatedly dress like a baglady. Let's rock."

IMHO, Jordis (the dreadlocks girl) and Ty (the mohawk) seem to be the ones who would be the most enjoyable to be in a band with. Sure, some bands have worked well with a bunch of pissy, whiny members, but I don't see any reason to avoid that kind of scenario if it's possible.

Ladies and gentleman, Mr. Lee has just begun formal nominations of the contestants for informal categories. His contribution?

Most Enjoyable to Be In A Band With: Jordis and Ty

My contribution?

Most Likely To Appear On Rockstar: Rehab: The Beck-look-a-like/ Mick Jagger wannabe....

Mike

 

[LiquidMidnight]

I think we agree...if my reading comprehension is up to snuff.
There is much to be said for "paying dues" in the traditional way (endless bar gigs, wedding gigs, cruise gigs, recording demos, going from band to band, touring, touring, touring), but I have to wonder how many really talented folks out there have paid dues for years and still never get "discovered".

I believe that many gifted and worthy entertainers never become name acts, no matter how hard they try. Luck still plays a huge part, hence a post I wrote earlier in another thread, "Luck is preparedness meeting opportunity." But sadly, for all too many, the luck part never comes.

That's why I don't resent entertainers who do try their luck on shows such as Rock Star, because if they can get exposure this way, why not? The weakest acts don't win anyway. Most of the time, it isn't raw talent that wins, but ones who have already done the dues paying part without any significant recognition from their efforts. Bo Bice, who finished second on "American Idol" is just such a performer.


Anyway, I'm really enjoying Rock Star if for no other reason than hearing all the rock songs and the excellent backing band. I'm also fascinated by the reactions of INXS band members as they watch the various performers. They really respond to the sexiest girls, but I wonder if they really want such singers to front their band or they just enjoy the sexy girls.

I also don't begrude those who take part in these comeptitions. Like most industries, those with good careers in the music business are also opportunists.

For me, paying dues isn't so much of a hazing aspect that other muisicians must go through in order for me the respect them; I look at it more as a school of hard-knocks. It's what makes one more professional on stage and savvy about the business off stage. For example, at our gig on Saturday, we were in the third set with a floor full of dancers. A breaker or something gets tripped, shutting off the PA and our equipment. Our guitarist couldn't get his pedal-board turned on right away. We talked to the audience during the minute or so we were down and looked calm and in control up on stage. We acted professional and just started back in the music where the power got tripped. Musicians who haven't paid their dues would have probaly shat a brick up on stage right then.

I really don't care if these musicians on shows like American Idol got it easier. Most of the music is throwaway and they should consider themselves lucky if they make it past their sophmore album. A lot of people bitch about the current state of music; I simply don't listen to it. There's plenty of great music out there. You just have to search for it.

 

[Boplicity]

The more I have watched this show, the less convinced I am that ANY of the contestants could replace Michael Hutchence. I really like Jordis, but don't see her fronting INXS. I really like Ty, but don't see him fronting INXS. Deanna is very good, but she doesn't seem suited for INXS either.

There simply has to be someone suitable out there in the world, but they aren't on Rock Star. I still say Constantine Maroulis of American Idol is the closest fit. He looks almost like Hutchence and has the right attitude, plus a huge following of dedicated women fans.

That may be the flaw of using this type of show to replace a band member...the band is stuck with the contestants they are given. I don't suppose at the finale, INXS members would dare say, "We really don't think any of you are right for this band."

In spite of my criticisms, I will keep watching because it is a real pleasure to hear the rock music.

 

[mike_v_s]

The more I have watched this show, the less convinced I am that ANY of the contestants could replace Michael Hutchence. I really like Jordis, but don't see her fronting INXS. I really like Ty, but don't see him fronting INXS. Deanna is very good, but she doesn't seem suited for INXS either.

There simply has to be someone suitable out there in the world, but they aren't on Rock Star. I still say Constantine Maroulis of American Idol is the closest fit. He looks almost like Hutchence and has the right attitude, plus a huge following of dedicated women fans.

That may be the flaw of using this type of show to replace a band member...the band is stuck with the contestants they are given. I don't suppose at the finale, INXS members would dare say, "We really don't think any of you are right for this band."

In spite of my criticisms, I will keep watching because it is a real pleasure to hear the rock music.

I'm sure there is a clause in the contract that keeps INXS from recording with someone they are not satisfied with. And, oddly, ditto on the Constantine comment.

Mike

 

[realdeal]

Actually, I COULD see the members of INXS saying that NONE of the contestants were right for the band---
That way there could conceivably be a 2nd Season!

BUT WAIT!!!!...

What happened to the show tonight? Wasn't there supposed to be a vote tally followed by an elimination??
Instead there was an episode of "King of Queens" or something...

Could it be? Is it possible?
Did they already cancel this show?
Wow.

 

[mike_v_s]

Actually, I COULD see the members of INXS saying that NONE of the contestants were right for the band---
That way there could conceivably be a 2nd Season!

BUT WAIT!!!!...

What happened to the show tonight? Wasn't there supposed to be a vote tally followed by an elimination??
Instead there was an episode of "King of Queens" or something...

Could it be? Is it possible?
Did they already cancel this show?
Wow.

It was on in my neighborhood...I caught the end. They kicked out the future heroine addict.

Mike

 

[realdeal]

It was on in my neighborhood...I caught the end. They kicked out the future heroine addict.

Mike

Hey, thanx Mike! I'll have to read my TV Guide better!
I actually did think they might have canned this thing already,
before a suitable replacement is found!

Ummm, BTW, Which one is the "future heroin addict"?
Could you be more specific?
Not to diss any of the Rockers, but I could actually think of a few who fit the profile.....

 

[mike_v_s]

Hey, thanx Mike! I'll have to read my TV Guide better!
I actually did think they might have canned this thing already,
before a suitable replacement is found!

Ummm, BTW, Which one is the "future heroin addict"?
Could you be more specific?
Not to diss any of the Rockers, but I could actually think of a few who fit the profile.....

Beck look-a-like/Mick Jagger style (sorry, I haven't gotten any of the names, yet).

Mike

 

[Peter Squire]

Let me just point out to everyone here that the record deal with Sony has been signed and sealed and the World Tour 2006 is already scheduled.

I don't think the show will be cancelled anytime soon

 

[mike_v_s]

Let me just point out to everyone here that the record deal with Sony has been signed and sealed and the World Tour 2006 is already scheduled.

I don't think the show will be cancelled anytime soon

I don't have a prediction either way, but let's just say it wouldn't be the first World Tour that has been cancelled due to irreconcilable differences. I'm not a huge INXS fan (but am familiar with their music), but I'm not sure I saw a permanent replacement in the lot.

Mike