Even sexy Wayne Brady couldn't keep my attention to watch this horrible TV game show, in which players must complete the lyrics to win. The player can choose from a number of categories including: Pop, American Favorites, The 60's, KC and the Sunshine Band, and their winnings duplicate as they sing lyrics correctly.
I will admit that I didn't know any of the lyrics to songs selected. I don't think people understand that while I was learning about modes, scales, augmented 6 chords, vocal phonation, and diction (p.s. these are musical terms), I wasn't sitting around memorizing popular song lyrics or names of popular bands.
"Oh well it's lady's night, and the feelin's right, oh well it's lady's night, oh what a night!" There are actually verses to that song! *shocked and amazed* Who knew? Apparently, a lot of people know... and they have the lyrics memorized too.
I hate the American Idol phenomenon. Anyone can sound good in a recording studio -- anyone. Technology is amazing. I don't think people know just how amazing it is. Also, why should we idolize singers only?
As a musician, I think I disappoint people with musical conversation. People are unhappy that I don't think The Dave Matthews Band is the greatest band of all time, or when I can't tell the difference between Hall & Oats and The Grateful Dead. We didn't learn these things in school. Sorry. I'm thinking more about band names when I listen to a song. People are even more thoroughly disappointed when name-drop the classical musician names that everyone knows (Mozart, Bach, Beethoven) and expect me to say they are great, but instead I pull out names like Wolf, Mendelssohn, and Crumb.
When I meet new people and I tell them I'm a musician, these are the items that most disappoint them:
1.) The Dave Matthew's Band (or Insert Band Name Here)is good, but I refuse to say they are the best band ever.
2.) Pavarotti was not a good singer during most of my lifetime. Classical singers lose their voices and technique around their 50s. It's sadly the process of aging. Pavarotti was 71. (God rest his soul.)
3.) I think Mozart is boring. Yes, he was amazing for producing thousands of pieces by the time of his 30-something death, but they all pretty much sound the same.
4.) Chant, much Choral repertoire, and anything by Barber (who wrote "Adagio for Strings" made popular by the movie Platoon) are actually not "classical" music. The classical era was approx. 1750-1810. Chant was part of the Medieval period, Bach (choral composer)was part of the Baroque period, and Barber died in the 90's.
5.) By the way, "Adagio for Strings" is not a "song" - songs have words. Orchestral "songs" are referred to as a "work" or a "piece."
6.) I don't memorize popular song lyrics or band names. Not that I don't like some popular music, just that I'm thinking more about chords than words.
7.) Josh Groban is NOT an opera singer. He is "popera" at best. His Italian is atrocious and his voice has not fully developed for the style. He would never be hired by the MET unless they decided to be sellouts (not likely).
8.) Phantom of the Opera is NOT an opera. It is musical theatre. There is a difference.
9.) Yes, I play some piano, but just enough to get by. I'm very intermediate. I can't sing and play like Norah Jones. Sorry.
10.) People who practice to sing karaoke have too much time on their hands. Go listen to something new!
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