And the Grammy goes to...Haley Reinhart, Better

Download Better  

Haley Reinhart just dropped the album of the year. There's not even a close second. Don't argue with me, or I'll pound you over the head with stacks of unlistenable formula pop drivel tracks that somehow pass for music today.

WARNING: If you are allergic to heaping helpings of lavish praise, or have shitty taste in music, you should stop reading now because I'm about to launch into a love-fest review of biblical proportions.

OK, so Haley Fucking Reinhart...WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST DO!! As an original Halien who's bought every stitch of music you've ever released, I know to expect nothing less than brilliant vocals and great music from you, and am never disappointed, but even I was caught off guard on this one. 

You see, people, this girl just released an epic masterpiece. An album for the ages that history will one day place alongside the all time greats. No, I'm not joking, either. 

Her 2012 debut album, "Listen Up!", was a solid debut effort that had some great songs, so it was natural to believe that 4 years later she'd build on the solid foundation with more sophistication and edge that comes with experience.

But this??? WTF!!

Haley, this is absolutely ridiculous. Sheer brilliance. Every song is a journey, and when put together it's the most cohesive fusion of genres, eras, production mix, technology and raw, organic vocals and musicianship you will ever find on an album.

What really floors me, though, is that Haley has primary writing credit on every song (save Can't Help Falling In Love), was the executive producer, and released it without a label as an independent artist. How the fuck? Haley...you are BRILLIANT! 

I gotta confess, I completely underestimated you somehow. Yes, even as one of your most loyal and devoted fans, I was wholly in the dark as to the scale and depth of artistic capabilities you possess. I most humbly and profusely apologize for not realizing it before, and feel the need to plead for your forgiveness. 

FORGIVE ME!!!!  I'M A BAD POO!!!!

So, with that, it's time to get into what blew me away about Better LP.  You see, what we have here is a musical score. A complete album that defies the modern music formula of assembling disjointed tracks around a single to fill out an album.

It's an intense experience listening to the LP alone with headphones on and no distractions. There's layers of sounds coordinated to bring you up, stop you in your tracks, twist you in a knot, leave you hanging on the edge, and then embracing you with flourishes of choruses, anthems and harmonies that are perfectly, yet unpredictably, merged for maximum effect.

The sexuality runs hot throughout the album. The instrumentation and production are a veritable aphrodisiac that teases, excites, arouses and titillates the mind and body. The clever, sometimes playful double entendre lyrics add to the seduction. Haley's voice, though....that's the centerpiece of everything. Her passionate, sultry tone lilting softly and tenderly one moment, then deeply moaning the next, and digging in with fierce, raw growls when it's time to climax with soaring choruses. If this album doesn't get you in the mood you're dead.

While seduction is a primary theme of the album, it's by no means just a sex kitten record. There is a message throughout emphasizing the importance of standing up for yourself in life, not allowing lovers to get away with disrespecting or devaluing you, and not selling out to phonies with a good line of bullshit. Haley especially enjoys turning the tables on pretentious, narcissistic, pretty boy douchebags, so if you happen to be one you may not love this album as much as I do.

If you like classic rock, jazz, funk, soul, and psychedelic mind fuck music, and would love to see all of them fused together in an epic masterpiece by one of the most brilliant and talented music talents of this generation, then buy the damn album. Buy it now. Listen to it over and over again. Thank me for introducing you to it. And, most importantly, love Haley like I do for delivering such a precious pearl to the world, and making it a BETTER place for it.

You may have noticed I haven't mentioned a single song on the review. That's because while the album is made up of magnificent individual tracks, it's to be experienced as a whole. Like a great bottle of single malt scotch, you would never separate out the individual components inside of it. The flavors, colors, accents and spices which comprise the delicious finished product are enjoyed as part of the whole. It's a delight to the senses and the mind. Enjoy the album that way, as a whole, the way it's supposed to be consumed, This is too rare, too good, and too much BETTER than anything else out there, to experience any other way. 

Anything less would be uncivilized.

Poo Out!

Poo's Idol Tribute

As American Idol draws her final, dying breath after what was for years one of the most dominant television series of all time, I feel compelled to make one final post dedicated to the contestants who have mattered to me most.

My list is not based on record sales, number of twitter followers, degree of fame, or number of awards received. It's my tribute to MY Idol family, and with family you don't measure your love on superficial things.

* * * * * *

Crystal Bowersox
Season 9

Crystal, you are the very definition of authenticity. Your heart pours into your music, and the results of this outpouring is a gift I could never repay. Your music has depth, and reveals you as a woman courageous enough to share with us your soul, warts and all, even when at your weakest and most vulnerable. I respect this greatly. Whether good, bad, silly, tragic or anything else life has to offer, you bring us a perspective from deep and sometimes ruthless introspection.

I vividly remember when I was in a horrible job situation three years ago, and your "Get Me Out" was the only thing that got me through my morning commute to that hell hole. I would literally crank it up full and belt out every word with tears rolling down my cheeks. I felt trapped, suffering, and this song was my savior. It's so brilliantly written, so beautifully sung, and so brutally honest that I felt it like a living, breathing life form.

Therefore, I want to thank you Crystal. Thank you for having the courage to bear your soul so people like me can find inspiration and connection through your life stories put to music. You are an absolutely brilliant writer, and if I knew a word beyond brilliant I would use it. You are also a tireless touring artist devoted to living a musician's life. Your voice is a beautiful, pristine, penetrating cry. I am truly grateful to have virtually met you through Idol, and seeing you in person only reinforces that opinion.

Get Me Out

* * * * * * *

Haley Reinhart
Season 10

My precious Haley....where do I even begin. Your determined run on Idol was unlike anything I saw on the show before or since. I was so fired up when you would get dissed by the judges after a sensational performance I was ready to run through a wall. Your vocal talent captured my imagination, your moxie captured my respect, and your seductive beauty captured my heart. I was hook, line and sinker, and remain that way 5 years later.

Since Idol, I've felt as invested in supporting you as I was with your run on the show. Along the way, I've been amazed by your ceaselessly sunny demeanor, unflappable sense of optimism, and unshakable belief in yourself. Sometimes it drives me nuts, to be honest. I am a tremendous skeptic, believe with perfect faith in Murphy's Law, and constantly fight self-doubt. Apparently, opposites attract!

As you surely must know by now, I'm absolutely mesmerized by your jazz vocal chops. That said, I also know you are an artist with interests in many different styles and genres. I have no problem at all with this, and think it's healthy. I enjoy whatever music you make...even those genres that are not a natural fit for my tastes.

I pegged you from the start as a once-in-a-generation talent with the entire package, and despite what has at times been a rough ride I see you moving inextricably in the right direction for industry respect as both an artist and person. That matters to me almost as much as it does to you, and I am beyond proud of you, Haley.

I feel like in a way your journey is also my journey, and I love living vicariously through it. Best of luck on the upcoming album, girl, and thank you for making me feel like a part of your magical ride. Can't wait to see where the road takes us next.

My Cake

* * * * * * *

Pia Toscano
Season 10

Pia, you left the show way too early back in Season 10, but when you left the world about stopped spinning on its axis for a week. America was in open revolt! It seems like forever ago now in some ways, but just like yesterday in others.

That was then, this is now. What I love most about you is your tender heart and open soul. As gorgeous as you are, and holy crap are you gorgeous, your willingness to wear your heart on your sleeve endears you to me the most. You are fragile but feisty, and are willing to fight for what you believe in. You project such a warm heart, and I perpetually want to give you a hug.

With a road harder than most, you've fought through the wilderness, led the Kings to 2 Stanley Cups, and ultimately landed the elusive victory of releasing new music. I just downloaded You'll Be King, and absolutely love it. I know this is the start of a big run for you, and one day hope to collect on that hug.

* * * * * * *

Phillip Phillips
Season 11

Dude, absolutely love how underneath that laid back country boy vibe beats the heart of a very deep thinker, brilliant writer, tremendous recording artist, and even better live performer. You also stand up for what you believe in. The battle you've taken to 19E for conflict of interest knowing it would be a very tough career risk takes stones.

Your season on Idol was the last one I gave even a half a shit about. You stood out for me from the beginning, but when you won it with that tearful victory performance of Home where you hugged your parents mid song...it was one of the most captivating TV moments of all time.

The music you write is edgy, deep and powerful. I loved both your albums, but nothing beats the original vigor. Still pissed as hell they didn't put Take Me Away on the standard album and make it a single. Anyway, no complaints.

Live you're an absolute machine. That Lollipop Mashup is INSANE! Blows the crowd away every time.

Bottom line, you seem like a real cool dude. A regular guy you could drink beer and watch college football with. Fame and fortune didn't change you a lick, and I doubt it ever will, either. That's not in your DNA.

I also appreciate you for liking my sense of humor. I toss a lot of crap out on twitter for a laugh, and you frequently like what I sling.

Lastly and mostly, I look forward to many more great songs, meaningful songs, rocking songs, and fun shows in the years to come. Cheers, bruh.

Lollipop/Lose Yourself/All I Do Is Win/ Mash

Poo out.

#NeverTrump, #Rubio2016, #HaleyAlways

Yes, I realized I haven't posted in forever. Yes, I know this blog has typically been devoted to my favorite American Idol alums. Yes, I get that Haley Reinhart is a knockout. Yes, I love her seductive voice. Yes, she has a new album called "Better" coming out soon. Yes, I posted a picture of her below because I want to look at her while I type. Yes, I have digressed, but I have no regrets.

Anyway, on to the main point. I can't stand Donald Trump.

Really. I mean, I hate the guy, Detest the guy. Loathe the guy. Abhor the guy. Will never vote for the guy. Never, ever, ever, ever, never.

Capice?

It's utterly insane to see this petulant, certifiably insane billionaire, who inherited hundreds of millions of dollars from his daddy, and has used that money to scam ordinary people, bully old ladies, buy political favors, and become a media whore with a bullshit celebrity reality TV show, is the GOP front runner.

Look, I've been Republican for nearly my entire adult life. I've had to hold my nose and vote for "lesser evil" candidates I didn't care for more times than I want to admit (see: Mitt Romney, John McCain, Bob Dole). In politics, that's typically how it goes.

Not this year. Trump is a bridge too far.

It's hard to imagine how such an uninformed ignoramus could get to this point. He knows absolutely nothing about the economy, foreign policy, social issues, taxes, trade, health care...need I go on?

His campaign is a mixture of "America First" protectionism and Jerry Springer ad hominem. He's leveraged his TV fame to con well intended (but woefully gullible) Americans to believe he's the savior they've been waiting for to shake down Washington's inept, corrupt political class and fix the our problems.

He does this with incessant screams, insults, threats, bombast and hyperbole under a crude, twisted pretext of patriotism. His political enemies, real or imagined, are smashed with the hammer of xenophobia enabled by an unprecedented media bully pulpit.

His flock follows him unconditionally. Policies are non-existent, as is a single shred of human

decency, but who cares? He's a pissed off celebrity billionaire, and that trumps everything if you're Trump.

He supported and donated to every Democrat, including Hilary Clinton, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi? So what! It was payola to get get special favors, so it's all good. Gotta respect such a transparent lack of ethics and principle. He can't be bought, because he does the buying!

Evangelicals, who back in the 80's launched the Reagan Revolution as the Moral Majority, and  proudly wear the label of "Values Voters" and the "Religious Right", have appsrently decided to burn their bibles at the altar of Pagan Trump.

Why? Because despite his history of scamming, lying, cheating stealing, and supporting every value and organization they oppose, they have a blind messianic belief that he'll "Make America Great Again".

At one time, evangelicals held their candidates to the strictest of moral codes. Not sufficiently pro-life? Buh-bye. Adultery? Gone.

Now? A thrice married, pro-Planned Parenthood conman, who proudly references his adulterous conquests, and brags about his dick size and how he could make Mitt Romney get on his knees and blow him if he wanted, is their Chosen One.

I also have Jewish friends utterly undeterred by his rabid White Supremacist following. Have a David Duke endorsement, Louis Farakhan endorsement, and show reluctance to denounce them in kind? No problem. All they know is that he will "build a wall" and "Make America Great".  After all, Trump knows best.

Trump does not have a single policy that explains how he'll "Make America Great", just the unsubstantiated belief  he must know what he's doing....afterall, he's a rich and famous celebrity!

It says a lot about how desperate and pathetic the State of The Union has become. The past eight years, liberals were conned by Obama, thinking he was the messiah who would make sure they didn't have to worry about paying for gas or their mortgage, gullible voters on the left just bent over and took it. Most still would bend over and vote for it again if Obama could go a 3rd term.

Hopelessly blind belief in a charismatic leader who will deliver a Utopian world is not a knew phenomenon.  History is littered with false messiahs for a reason: People are lemmings.

Now, Trump has the conservative electorate on their knees ready to service him with the same blind loyalty liberals had in Obama messiah.

Suffice to say, I'm pretty disgusted rightt now with the cult mentality of the Trump Chumps. So naive, so gullible, and so lacking in common sense. When you stop thinking for yourself you cease being free, and that's what's happening. They just want Trump to think for them because thinking for themselves is too confusing.

Thus, my support is for Marco Rubio. I give tremendous credit for leading the charge to expose the fraud that both Trump and the Utopian Democrat candidates truly are. It took stones, and he showed he's got a pair.

Add to that, Marco is funny, brings serious policy depth, is youthful, understands the real life struggles of first generation Americans, and is the kind of positive messenger we need to unify the country. He's conservative, but also pragmatic when necessary.

I respect his vision, and hope somehow, someway, before we sell the nation out again to another huckster making false promises, that we somehow manage to get it right this time. I know I'll do my part.

#NeverTrump, #Rubio2016 

The New Faces of Jazz: Haley Reinhart & Scott Bradlee

"Lovefool", the buttery, sumptuous new retro jazz cover of the Cardigan's original 1996 Top 40 hit single, is the 4th collaboration between Haley Reinhart and Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox (Habits, All About That Bass, Creep), and the 4th time this dynamic duo has smashed it out of the park. It most certainly will not be the last.

At the risk of sounding grossly hyperbolic, we may just be looking at the new faces of a full blown jazz rebirth in popular music.

Haley Reinhart & Scott Bradlee are not just the biggest new thing in jazz today, they are the biggest thing to happen to jazz popularity in decades. How big are they?

• They have owned the iTunes Jazz charts since Habits crashed into the Top 5 in January. 
• Currently, all of their recordings are in the Top 30, while Lovefool and Creep remain entrenched in the Top 5. 
• On YouTube, the 4 videos have 12 million combined views and that number is growing fast. 
• Their arrangement of Creep was copied by a performer on The Voice finals. 
• They have received effusive critical acclaim from major music review sites like Billboard, Time and Yahoo. 

Clearly there's something is going on here. If you look at the jazz charts today, there's virtually no new music or artists besides them, and no artists so young (Reinhart 24, Bradlee 33).

Of course, Bradlee's PMJ enjoyed substantial success prior to teaming with Reinhart. His cheeky, vintage arrangements of modern hit songs has clearly struck a chord with both young and old.

Bradlee's first viral YouTube ("Ragtime Interpretations of 80's Hits") took off in 2010. Afterward, he began doing vintage takes on other modern hits, including a Motown tribute of Nickleback and a few live performances featuring vocals by singers he knew or had worked with.

In early 2013, Bradlee began the modern era of Postmodern Jukebox. Adding NY singer and personal friend Robyn Anderson as lead vocalist as well as upgrading the production, things started to really take off. Their cover of Macklemore's "Thrift Shop" became a YouTube smash hit with over 7 million views.

Bradlee did not sit still after this first taste of success, and continued to prolifically add new cover videos with styles as varied and diverse as Klezmer, 70's Soul, Motown, Doo-Wop, Bluegrass and, of course, his beloved Vintage Jazz.  In doing this, Bradlee showed a command of vintage American music far beyond that of the Ragtime that started it all.

As the months progressed, Bradlee demonstrated sharp business acumen, continuing to strike while the iron was hot. By promoting PMJ via guerrilla marketing, social media, live national appearances, countless interviews and tireless touring he was able to recruite some the best talent most people never heard of as singers and performers. Artists like highly respected bassist/singer Kate Davis, sultry Ariana Savales and gorgeous, powerhouse vocalist Morgan James elevated PMJ to still another level.

In late 2014, Bradlee bumped into jazz-hipster former American Idol finalist Casey Abrams. Abrams offered the playful showmanship and expert musicianship that was a perfect fit for Scott's bawdy live shows and videos, as well as a fairly sizable online fan base to help increase awareness for PMJ.

Casey has since recorded two well received and successful PMJ songs/videos (Stacy's Mom, I'm Not The Only One) and several cameos, but perhaps his biggest contribution of all was introducing Scott to an incredibly gifted, once-in-a-generation jazz vocalist: The stunningly beautiful Haley Reinhart.

Herself an American Idol finalist and best friend (perhaps more?) of Abrams, Haley is a jazz educated performer with a resume that includes the Montreux Jazz Festival, a nationally televised performance with Tony Bennett, and a feature Carnegie Hall performance with Grammy Award winning Jazz musician Irvin Mayfield Jr.

With natural instincts for scatting and jazz intonation, an unlimited range, a playful, sexy vixen persona, and a luscious vocal tone that's like a warm oil massage of the auditory senses, she was the ultimate find for Scott. Bradlee is himself a master director and pianist who has a similarly instinctive, unteachable "feel" for arranging vintage music.

What's created between them is not so much throwback as it is timeless. I cannot imagine a more compatible collaboration of talent and style than Scott and Haley, and what we're seeing unfold is the ground floor of something very special. Jazz has been stuck in time for decades, almost a secret society for a select few to appreciate. Well, times are a changin'.

This dynamic duo is at the right place at the right time to become the new faces of a popular, postmodern rebirth of jazz, and I personally cannot wait to see what this young superstar team has in store for us next.


Poo Out

Bye Bye Miss American Idol Pie

"A long long time ago, I can still remember how that music used to make me smile. And I knew if I had my chance that I could make those people dance, and maybe they'd be happy for awhile. But February made me shiver with every paper I'd deliver. Bad news on the doorstep, I couldn't take one more step. I can't remember if I cried when I read about his widowed bride, but something touched me deep inside the day the music died."  

- Don Mclean

It's almost like hearing The Tonight Show or Saturday Night Live has been canceled.

American Idol, an American institution which for over a decade destroyed the competition, revolutionized television programming, and drew more viewers than every show on TV not named the Super Bowl, is going bye bye.

After the show began its free-fall during the disastrously manipulated 12th season, and subsequently crashed into the death spiral of  irrelevance by this, its 14th and 2nd last season, the handwriting was on the wall.

Then, in an official statement by FOX this afternoon (Monday) it was announced to the surprise of no one that the old gray mare was being sent to the glue factory next year after its 15th and final season.

I have to admit a sense of sadness. I casually watched the show in its first 5 years, randomly catching occasional episodes and watching the finale, but in Season 6 for some reason I started becoming a super fan and religiously watched every episode.

Therefore, here is my personal Idol journey from AI 6 thru today, where I will highlight my favorite artists of each season.

Season 6

I became infatuated with sexy Haley Scarnato, who had a pleasant enough voice and very hot legs. Unfortunately, she was beaten to death by cranky British judge Simon Cowell every single week without fail. I was outraged by these unjust attacks on my foxy babe, and for the first time I began to vote.

Alas, my Haley was eliminated 8th despite my best efforts. I was hoping she'd somehow sneak into the Top 5, but it was not meant to be. Fortunately, another girl named Haley would come along four seasons later with the chops to match her sexy legs, but I'll save that for later.

Season 7 

I was all about the Cookster from the get go. He was a revolutionary Idol. The first contestant to really transform songs, and used smoke and lighting to create a larger than life stage presence. He was a rock GOD, and I was all in for the dude bell to bell. Though I feared the uber-pimped Christ Child (David Archuletta) could cruise to victory, for what would be one of only two times in my Idol watching history.... MY fave won!!

Season 8

Allison Irahita was my fave of AI8. She had a voice with the smokey, sultry textures of a 40 year old blues singer in the body of a 17 year old girl. She probably should have waited another year to audition, because she was a bit too young to handle the fame and craziness that comes with show business. She was bounced in 4th, but I was hoping she'd shock the world and sneak into the finale.

Season 9

Mamasox. I absolutely LOVED her. This would become the first Idol artist I followed on twitter, and also the first I remained a huge fan of post-Idol. I have bought all her records, and consider her to have the most pristine voice of any Idol. She also proved to be a true road warrior and a BRILLIANT song writer of tremendous depth. When she unbelievably lost to Dewyze I almost smashed the TV.

Post-Idol, I've gained genuine respect for her dedication to her craft as a musician. Crystal came to the show not only talented, but street wise and worldly. After the show, she used those tools to become a prolific recording artist and tireless road warrior. She tours exhaustively all over the country (except SoFL, damn it), and became everything I had hoped she'd become when I watched her as a contestant.

I am proud to be a Village Idiot (the original nickname of her fan base), and will always be a devoted fan of Crystal Bowersox.

Season 10

The Haley bug bit me again, but this time it was a MUCH deeper bite. I fell in love with Hot Haley Reinhart at her Oh Darlin' audition, and continued to love her all the way through the competition.

I also loved Pia Toscano's voice, and her incredible beauty, but sadly she was sent home WAY too early...which nearly caused me to destroy the TV set again. I've also found Pia post-Idol to be a beautiful woman inside and out and root for her success personally and professionally.

So, do you get the idea I may dig super hot women?

Anyway, there was no greater injustice than Haley not making the finale, and I think it may have led to the demise of the show. The producers and judges railroaded her out so the country twins could get to the finale. Man, did that piss me off. Yes, it was TV set smashing time yet again.

That said, Haley has me transfixed. As a contestant, I LOVED her sex appeal, and still do, but I love her incredible voice even more....especially when it comes to jazz. She is gifted with an almost unfair combination of smokey, sultry, smooth, silky, raspy, and about a thousand octave range that can blow minds. With all those gifts she can sing nearly anything, any genre, at the highest levels, but in jazz she has a natural instinct for improvisation that sets her apart from all others. She can texture and layer her vocals to massage the brain into a near euphoric state.

Haley came to the show still learning who she is as an artist. She's still on that journey finding herself, learning who she is, what she's best at, what will work for her the most, and how to navigate the business of the business. What I've observed as she's gotten a bit older, a bit more experienced in her music career, is that she's starting to find her path, her way, her calling. She is a bluesy jazz singer, and from her success with Postmodern Jukebox, her many performances with Grammy winning jazz man Irvin Mayfield Jr, and her tight relationship AI 10 finalist Casey Abrams, himself an accomplished jazz musician prolific in countless instruments, she is now on the path to something special.

I am a HUGE fan, an original Halien, and am rooting for her to become the very best she can be...which in her case is an incredibly high ceiling.

Season 11

Phillip Phillips and nothing else. He kinda snuck up on me, too. I liked him, but wasn't crazy about him until the season wore on and I suddenly realized I had bought nearly all his iTunes music performances and none of the others.

Best of all, he WON!

Phillips, like Bowersox, is a very deep writer. He draws from heavy and philosophical thoughts on life, and his music often reflects that. Plus, he's also a truly dedicated musician and road warrior. His post-Idol success has been enormous, but right now he's stuck in the legal mud with 19 Entertainment, and until that's settled things will be much quieter for him.

At his heart, Phillips is an edgy rocker - darker and more haunting than casual fans realize (which I love), and less pop rocker or pop/folk anthem singer. His brilliant deeper cuts reflect this style. Expect his music moving forward to be in that vain. His artistic conviction and energized, jamming live performances reveal a truly authentic person and artist who always puts the music first.

He's called The New Boss for good reason. Can't wait for the next chapter to unfold.

Season 12

I did not like this season at all, but my favorite was Candice. She hasn't found her way post-Idol, but she had some VERY strong jazz performances on the show that deserve recognition. Especially You've Changed, which is one of my all time Idol fave performances.While she won the crown that season, it meant little as the label bailed when the ratings tanked. She's been dabbling with hip-hop as of late, but I can't see that working for her. She should stay in the soul lane.

Season 13

Jessica Meuse. Another beautiful girl with a wonderful voice who was unjustly hated like poison by the judges, especially Keith. She made it to 4th against all odds (no, she thankfully didn't sing that over-used dirge), and now post-Idol is a true musician dedicated to living life on the road. That means constantly gigging and pumping out self-penned original music (she just released "Done", her first single). I respect her commitment, and hope she carves out a nice niche for herself. Reminds me of Crystal Bowersox in music style and approach to life as an Americana fusion artist.

Season 14

The season is still in motion, but Quentin gets the nod as my favorite. Has there ever been a more intense artist on the show? A strong vocalist who got into the staging and artistry, he caught a lot of shit from Harry for pitch - which was complete crap - and as a result got eliminated 6th. he deserved to be in the finale. Very interested to see what he does post-Idol. He has a theatrical way about him, too. I expect eclectic and authentic from whatever he does moving forward.

OK, going on 3 AM and I gotta work tomorrow.

Poo out.

Phillip Phillips Takes On 19E

Phillip Phillips Tells Big Brother He's Walking

"Hey Nineteen
No we can't dance together
No we can't talk at all" 
- Steely Dan 

 
In a world where the big label music machine calls all the shots and treats their talent like toilet paper, we have a little ant that's daring to try and move the rubber tree plant. That ant's name is Phillip Phillips.

Phillips, who came to fame winning American Idol in Season 11 with the ubiquitous, multi-platinum coronation hit "Home", the biggest hit single of any contestant in the history of the long running iconic show. He then followed it up with multi-platinum hit "Gone, Gone Gone" off his platinum selling debut album "The World From The Side Of The Moon", and followed that with a strong sophomore effort, "Behind The Light".

Seems all hunky-dory, right?

WRONG! Phillips is mad as hell, and he's not taking it anymore. He was pissed when they made "Home" into the signature sound he was supposed to adopt on all future singles. He was pissed they put his brilliant track "Take Me Away" on the Target bonus track list with no iTunes presence. He was FURIOUS when on his 2nd album they kept him entirely in the dark on the title, and he only found out about it reading social media.

However, what put it over the edge was when 19E forced him to do promotional shows supporting Idol 2 years after he was on the show with NO compensation. Then, made him do private appearances, again, for NO compensation.

At this point, Phillips said he had had enough. No control over his music style, no control over his album titles and no compensation for gigs he was never consulted on led to Phillips firing back with guns blazing. He was not gonna be nobody's pop-folk pretty boy doing free shows with minimal creative control over his album titles and singles anymore.

But what could he do? Nobody takes on Big Machine Label and has a career to live another day. They are the big shots, and fighting them means a certain black list. He surely wouldn't risk everything for principle knowing the consequences were dire, and the cards all in the hands of the slave master labels, right?

WRONG! In a shocking display if substance over narcissism, Phillips dropped a bombshell lawsuit on 19E, one of THE biggest labels/management entities in the world.

It's David vs Goliath.

It's Rocky vs Apollo Creed.

It's Kenny Poo vs Political Correctness.

Yes, Phillip Phillips has given the middle finger to The Machine and in the process gambled he may "never work in this town again".

Why would he take such a risk, when playing bitch to the master would safely give him the means to a life of comfort? Well, for the same reason he refused to wear multi-colored Tommy Hilfiger prep-wear on American Idol, opting instead for his typical gray t-shirt and jeans against the wishes of the big corporate sponsors and producers: He is his own man.

Of course, being newly engaged has probably helped fuel that strength of character even more, as his wife-to-be is a preachers daughter who by all accounts has shown a fiery determination to make sure her future hubby does the right thing.

So, what now?

Well, a very long court battle is likely to ensue. The powerful lawyers of 19E will extend this case out for years, and Phillip will be in a no-man's land in all likelihood until it's resolved. I'm no high powered attorney, so don't ask me what options he has within this time frame, but hopefully he'll have some avenue to push out the inspired music that will no doubt be created from this challenging period.

I know one thing: Every Idol ever born, from the Kelly/Carrie top of the food chain down to the low place finishers trying to find their way, all owe Phillip a measure of gratitude for having the stones to take on corrupt mountain and not back down.

Strength to you, Phillip. We the people are rooting for you.

Poo out.

Phillips Rocks the Hard Rock

Phillips struts his stuff for the Seminole Hard Rock crowd in Hollywood, FL

Having seen Phillip Phillips last summer opening for John Mayer at the Cruzan Amphitheatre (West Palm Beach), and post-Idol the year before doing a few acoustic songs at Mizner Park Amphitheatre (Boca Raton), this would mark my first time seeing Phillips headlining a concert tour of his own.

One thing you can see right from the start is Phillips, while still ever the humble and gracious southern gentleman, has evolved from a deferential leader into a truly confident front man fully embracing the spotlight of his own tour. He may say he gets nervous (as he claimed after he played my personal favorite Phillips song, "Take Me Away", a killer, dark rock bonus track from his debut album, "The World From The Side Of The Moon"), but it certainly doesn't show. He is in complete command, always appearing comfortable in his own skin as a performer, artist and leader of the band.

The capacity at the venue is 5,500, but they curtained off the back third of the theatre so capacity was probably about 3,000 for the show. It was pretty packed, so my guess is he drew at least a solid 2,500. Not too shabby for a first solo tour.

The crowd itself was a mix of all ages, as one would expect from his older Idol base mixed with teenage fangirls of his popular singles, and couples looking for a fun Saturday night out to catch a good show. As a couple in our 40's, my wife and I were probably about the median age.

The crowd understandably seemed less familiar with tracks from his sophomore album, "Behind The Light", than TWFTSOTM. That's to be expected considering BTL has sold roughly 125k copies compared to the million plus selling blowtorch of his platinum selling debut.

It doesn't mean the crowd wasn't into it, just trying to absorb what for many was new material with lengthy jam sessions that probably left them simultaneously impressed and a bit confused. My wife was one of those, as she's much more familiar with TWFTSOTM than BTL, and didn't realize he was such an instrumental-driven jam band performer at heart.

I see this as a transformational period for Phillips that will include some of these growing pains. He's morphing into the artist he is at heart, and some fans of Idol and his popular singles may not be coming along for that ride.

"Home" and "Gone" are still huge crowd favorites, and will be for the rest of his career. The crowd goes nuts for the familiar hits, and the songs are close enough in style to where he is heading as an artist so that old and new fans will remain equally excited to hear them at his shows.

Therefore, I seee Behind The Light as more of a bridge album than a destination record. Poppy songs from his album, like his single "Unpack Your Heart", while performed with gusto, are somewhat overshadowed with instrumental jams that are really the centerpiece of his show. More complex rock songs like "Fly" and "Trigger" seem far more in line with where he is heading as an artist, along with the haunting "Thicket" and intricate acoustic jam "Face". These songs are enhanced by the extended intro and outro jams, not overshadowed. Like they are truly part of the songs rather than a diversion.

What I would like to see as the next step for Phillips is to establish a permanent band, even change from being a solo artist to The Phillip Phillips Band. If so, David Eggar, his virtuoso cellist, is an absolute must to be in this group. He's simply brilliant at his instrument, while also a highly charismatic live performer, and the one musician of the group who is truly irreplaceable outside of Phillips himself.

I'd also like to see Phillip embrace taking on some instrumental solos of his own. He is an extremely skilled guitarist, and I think the crowd would appreciate seeing him be part of the jam session element in that respect. It would expand his presence in a positive way, and complete his role of band leader and headliner.

My summary takeaway from the show is that he was still a hit with the crowd, but we're really only scratching the surface of this journey. It'll be fascinating to see the makeup of the audience when he is touring with the 3rd album under his belt. By then he'll be a more established with a bigger catalog of music to choose from for his tour, and perhaps a somewhat different audience demographic mix at his shows.

I personally can't wait to see how it all plays out, because I'm a huge fan of where I see this train headed.

Poo out.

New Poo Review: Phillip Phillips - Behind The Light

Sophomore jinx, you say? Bah, with a name like Phillip Phillips you should have known the second would be just as good as the first.

A mere 18 months after the release of his platinum smash debut LP, "World From The Side Of The Moon", P2 is showing us he has a prolific streak with the release of his fresh 15 track, self-penned album, "Behind The Light".

I gotta confess, I was a bit nervous at first. So often after a taste of debut success, we see artist's shit the bed on the sophomore effort, seduced by the allure of studio overproduction and synth. The result is invariably a collection of formula dreck with no value other than milking the first album's popularity for a quick buck.

Fortunately, my fears were unwarranted.

In a nutshell, BTL offers up a unique, individual expression while maintaining enough characteristics from WFTSOTM to give fans a sense of continuity with Phillip's signature style and sound.

That's not to say there aren't many different flavors and spices here. The album is cohesive variety, and has the right mix of styles for extended listening. Every track moves with a nice groove, and is overall a bit tighter than the debut effort.

While a large string section contributes to give a generally bigger sound to much of the album, special props need to be given to Errol Cooney, Dave Eggar and Jason Thomas for some phenomenal musicianship. Along with Phillip, this group forms a truly talented band of musicians, and I look forward to seeing them push the envelope even further in the love shows.

So, what if anything would I change about the album, you ask? Well, maybe it's nitpicking, but I would like to see him go heavier still on the rock, reduce the anthem pop choruses, and just get edgier overall...like he does live. That said, I respect that he has to appeal to his label and his teen pop audience, in addition to older, hardcore fans like myself who want to see him dig even deeper.

With that said, I should emphasize that it's really a great CD . I've been looping it for two days, and haven't needed to skip a song yet. That was also the case with his 1st album, which I've happily worn out, and is testimony to how consistently strong Phillip is as a singer, composer and musician.

P2's future Behind The Light is indeed very bright, and I give his sophomore effort the FULL FOUR POO'S.

Here is my track-by-track brief summary.

1. Searchlight - A catchy, poppy tune with an infectious beat. Phil's growling voice gives it some needed heft.
2. Raging Fire - Inspirational pop rock anthem
3. Trigger - A haunting hard rock track with early Genesis influences. REALLY, REALLY dig this one.
4. Lead On - A cool, funky, upbeat jam that provides a nice mood counterbalance to Trigger.
5. Alive Again - Driving, inspirational pop rock.
6. Open Your Eyes - See "Alive Again"
7. Fool For You - GREAT song with an unmistakeable Bruce Springsteen vibe. This needs to be the next single.
8. Thicket - The dark, instrumental masterpiece of the album which reflects P2's Dave Mathews side. Think "The Stone".
9. Fly - This track ROCKS! Clever use of steel guitar (I'm guessing) to simulate the sound of a fly.
10. Unpack Your Heart - Inspirational pop rock...the Can't Go Wrong of the album.
11. Face - Reminds me a bit of the classic Stray Cat Strut by The Stray Cats. Great acoustic guitar work. LOVE this tune. 
12. Midnight Sun - The Gone Gone Gone of the album.
13. My Boy - Wonderful acoustic number. Rich and full with a nice groove. Think Bill Withers. Great shit. 
14. Don't Trust Me - The "Man On The Moon" of BTL. Get up and dance with a drink in your hand!
15. Armless Crawler - Mid-tempo rock with a refreshingly anthem-free chorus. Ear wormy.

Order Phillip's great new album "Behind The Light" from iTunes today by clicking here.


Poo over, Poo out.

Poo's Idol Meusing

Been awhile since I've posted, but I feel like it now so just back the fuck off, man!! Give me a break. I don't work for you, asshole!

Ok, ok, I'm calm. Just hate it when imaginary people give me imaginary shit, causing me to satirically blow my stack. 

Anyway, Idol is heading into the home stretch, and this week they are having contestants choose each other's songs. I like this idea. In fact, so much so I'll post what they should be sangin.

Below are Poo's picks in no particular order. Well, the part about Jessica beng first is particular order. I'm all in for this girl. Love her whole everything. The rest, however, are in no particular order. 

Jessica - What Have I Done: http://youtu.be/Gnb3DC89Fsg

Caleb - Hot Summer Night: http://youtu.be/_wO8toxinoc

Alex -  Man Who Can't Be Moved: http://youtu.be/gS9o1FAszdk

CJ - Walk Away: http://youtu.be/9RBZzwd3O-c

Sam - Someday: http://youtu.be/NQSCKWfJlXs

Jena - Paradise City: http://youtu.be/Rbm6GXllBiw

Dexter - Toes:  http://youtu.be/lB8Nkn3Xjes

What say you?

Poo out. 

Grammys, Mama, Mama, Bieber and Weed

Just got back in town, and need to dish out my latest Poo...

* * *

Grammy Poo
So, here are my quick thoughts on the Grammys!

• Cindy Lauper - Congrats on that highly convincing celibacy advocacy look! Just in case anyone may have been having sex during the awards show, you did your part to put a stop to it.
• Same Love - STFU already with the gay preaching shit. Be gay, don't be gay, I really don't care how you like to fuck. Live your life. The spectacle is getting old and overplayed. Enough.
• Lorde - What a youthful 41 year old she is! Can you say this generation's female Keith Richards?
• Love the memoriam montage the most. Always chokes up the Poo.
• Phillip Phillips - WTF, how did he get shutout of the nominations? Dude had a platinum album with two multi-platinum singles in his first shot out of the box, and nothing? Something smells wrong here.
• The old fart country duets with Willie, Kris, Merle and "youngster" Blake was epic. Especially the awkward moment when Merle came on after Willie singing about being an Okie not smoking marijuana or having long hair. lol 

* * *

Mama I
So, I spent a wonderful weekend visiting my mother in Clearwater. She loves to drink as much as Poo, so we had great bonding and lots of good booze. Had the hangover drive of drives today back to SoFlo, but it was really a nice time and worth the pain.

I will never drink again. By never, I mean today and tomorrow. 48 hour detox sounds about right.

* * *

Mama II
Crystal (Mama) Bowersox had a NY Rock Exchange "Shareholders" meeting, which was a Q/A with fans who bought special promotional songs she released. Fellow former Idolette Didi Benami showed up as a special guest, and brought a light and fun mood. Also sang some sweet background harmonies. They both seemed to be feeling no pain during the "shareholder meeting", and their bantering was most entertaining.

Best part: Crystal gave Poo a very kind and special shoutout, and finished it with a magnificent belch. Love ya, CB! You are a true Poo favorite. Hope you meant it when you said you were planning a SoFlo show down the road.

Also, Poo asked Crystal if she would dig opening for another Poo favorite Phillip Phillips, and she said definitely. She considers him a true artist and is thrilled for his success. Therefore, Poo is "putting it out there into the universe" (as Crystal loves to say) with the hope it can help make this happen.

* * *

Bieber 
So, who ever woulda thought a teenage kid with shitty parents, who gets a windfall of unimaginable fame and fortune, would become a spoiled, dysfunctional little punk on a dangerous road to ruin? I know I'm shocked. Seriously, I hope he'll get his life together before it's too late. These stories all too often end badly.

* * *

Straight Dope
Florida has taken the first step towards legalizing medical marijuana by getting the necessary signatures to put it on the ballot. It's beyond shameful and hypocritical that cigarettes and powerful narcotics are legal, but a kid with seizure disorder, like my son, can't get medical marijuana to treat it because it might be a gateway? Fuck off to all the lying sacks of shit who are trying to peddle this horseshit.

In fact, legalize it period. I don't even like weed, gives me an unpleasant high so I don't smoke it, but there is no justification beyond total corruption to keep it illegal. Enough is enough. End the charade, and make pot regulated and legal like it is in Colorado and Washington.

* * *

OK, I'm done Pooing. Until next time...

Poo Out!

View From Poo's Couch #3

Now that the View From Poo's Couch has grown into an international phenomenon, how can I possibly stop now? Can't stop! WON'T STOP!

Onward with more glorious Poo!!!

* * *

Went on Healthcare.gov last night in an attempt to navigate the turbulent Obamacare waters, and am proud to report that the website is still a dysfunctional clusterfuck. The site crashed twice while attempting to process. Finally, after a couple hours of complete and utter futility, I just gave up.  Big government entitlement at its finest, baby.

* * *

Sabres lost yet another agonizingly close game last night. Being a Buffalo sports fan is so much fun! We get to experience everything from the embarrassment of being blown out, to losing in crushing, dramatic fashion! So blessed to have been given the opportunity by the Sabres and Bills to learn how to cope with painful disappointment from cradle to grave.

* * *

LADIES! Insight into GUY WORLD!

Crotch scratching is truly an art form. Scratch too much and you get raw and chaffed. Don't scratch enough and you will be left wanting more. The true crotch scratching artist knows just how to nuance the line. For some odd reason, wives and girlfriends never seem to appreciate such talents.

C'mon ladies, stop the hate and appreciate the wonder of our handiwork!

* * *

For those of you who dig good scotch, but spending well north of $30 a bottle for anything drinkable is cost prohibitive, I have the answer for you: Grant's.

William Grant & Sons also distill Glenfiddich and Balvenie on the higher end, but for just $15 a bottle you can get their standard Grant's blend and it's REALLY FUCKING GOOD! Great flavor, no burn, deep caramel coloring...yum.

Try it...you'll thank me.

* * *

OK, that's enough Poo droppings for today. Check back tomorrow, my loyal and faithful followers, for the next mezmerizing installment of the View From Poo's Couch.

Poo Out!

View From Poo's Couch #2

After receiving glowing self acclaim on reviews for my first official installment of the View From Poo's Couch, I am now puffed with the bravado of a thousand hot air balloons. Now, prepare to be dazzled by my brilliant quips of insight and observation!

* * *

Again with the Polar Vortex? Would someone please bring me Al Gore so I can put my fucking carbon foot print right up that lying sack of shit's ass? Thank you, and have a great day.

* * *

Pooaliscious...I like the sound of this. How is it possible it took until now for me to put together this selfy nickname? I have a feeling it's gonna catch on. Try it...POOOOOO-AAAAA-LISCIOUSSSSS!!!!

Wasn't that nice? Sorry, no refunds on the last 30 seconds of your life.

* * *

Watched Blacklist last night, my new most favorite show. Nothing against Megan Boone (plays Red's FBI daughter) or anything, but this show is about James Spader and his killer character, period. The rest is filler. I want and expect more Spader on the show, stat.  Kenny Poo is getting upset!

* * *

The lovely and talented (translation: hot as hell and totally awesome) Pia Toscano has formed a duo with longtime singing BFF Jared Lee. Aptly named "DUO", they are recording an EP set for release this March or April.

A longtime friend of Poo Nation, Pia featured a Kenny Poo question on her weekly Q/A Monday with Jared. You'll see from the video how obvious it is she's crushing on Poo, but we keep it strictly platonic since Mrs. Poo wouldn't approve of me accepting Pia's steamy advances.

Anyway, check it out here, and give them a YouTube/Twitter follow if you haven't already. Poo comes in at the 4:19 mark, but watch it all. Their unscripted banter is fun and worth the watch.

  <>

* * *

WTF is the deal, DirecTV? No Weather Channel? My all-time favorite weather chicky poo, Kait Parker, who was down here in SoFlo for about 4 years, recently got a nice gig there but because of the dispute I can't watch her!! This cannot happen, people. Time to light the torches, bust out the pitch forks, grab the battering ram, and storm the DirecTV gates so I can see her in the morning before work.

* * *

OK, that's enough magnificence for today. I'm sure by now you've laughed, you've cried, you may have nearly died, so rather than risk anyone's health any further it's time to say...

POO OUT!

View From Poo's Couch

So, my first post of the new blog format. Guess I better be clever, funny, relevant, interesting and cool lest...

Fuck!

The pressure is too intense. Guess I'll just type whatever shit comes into my head, post, and then let the chips fall where they may.

* * *

It's Martin Luther King Jr. Day today, and it seems every special interest group under the sun is now cherry picking a quote of his and declaring their cause the "REAL" vision of MLK. Well, I contend if MLK were alive today his "real" message to all these organizations would be STFU!

* * *

That Seahawks/Niners game last night...one of the best I've ever seen. What a fucking war down to the final seconds. Still, the best part for me was the post game interview when Seattle CB Richard Sherman scared the living shit out of delicate flower Erin Andrews moments after his deflection clinched it for the Seahawks. He was still fired up, screaming and slobbering rage about Niner WR Michael Crabtree, and she just about shit herself trembling with the mic. Epic.

* * *

Saw an ugly twitter fight break out last night between Kenny Poo fave Crystal Bowersox and her ex, Brian Walker. Really hate seeing that shit play out on social media, especially when a kid is involved. Not sure who is right or wrong in the dispute, but both celebs and everyday people alike need to learn you keep the dirty laundry out of social media. Nothing good can come from airing deeply personal domestic grievances on twitter.

* * *

Sunny and 72 degrees today here in SoFlo. Just thought I'd throw that out there in case you didn't already hate me.

* * *

Yesterday, I had a wedding followed by an engagement party. Today, a hangover followed by an unveiling. All that's missing was a bris. Circle of life, baby. Now, someone convince my kids to let me take a nap.

* * *

Blacklist tonight. Simply the best damn show on TV. Spader FTW. Watch it or you suck.

* * *

OK, that's enough wit and wisdom for a first installment. If I throw out anymore brilliant nuggets you'll expect me to live up to that standard every damn day. I can't handle that kind of pressure.

So, with that...

Poo out!

New Poo Format

After a few months without posting, no doubt many of you have been going through terrible withdrawal and wondering, "WTF happened to Kenny Poo blog? How can I live if he's through posting for good?"

Well, all of you Poo Stans can relax. I'm back, baby, only this time around in a slightly different capacity.

Rather than heavily focusing on American Idol related topics, I'm moving on to a Daily Poo approach. Basically, that means spewing whatever the hell comes to my warped mind on a semi-daily basis.

Does this mean my girls Haley, Pia and Crystal are no longer going to get any Poo love? That my boy Phillip will be persona non grata?

No, not entirely. I'll still toss out some love for my old friends when there is something to say, but it won't be feature reviews and analysis. Quick hits and blurbs will be the wave of the future.

I also had frequently given full music reviews on both new and older albums of interest to me. Don't expect much of that moving forward, either.

Basically, I'll be expanding my beloved twitter self into longer form. In other words, unpredictability, humor, innuendo, and whatever I'm inspired to blather on about at that moment.

Yes, in the past I have on occasion dabbled with this Daily Poo thang, but now it will be the format of choice. The question you probably have is...why?

Well, I got burned out pushing myself to type out opinions on my favorite American Idol grads, and straining my brain to force out long winded music reviews. I just don't have the available time for extended, research heavy posts anymore. Poo was done like dinner.

So, with that...hope to see you all stopping by, reading and telling me what you think of the crap I have to say. Besides, WTF shit on the interwebs is any better than my Poo?

Exactly.

Poo out.

A Precious Night With Caley

Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams, aka "Caley", have been bestest musical buddies since they met as contestants on American Idol Season X, and last night they teamed up for a most enjoyable night of playful banter, music and fan interaction on the set of the hip new pay-per-view online music platform, Stageit. 

Both have done Stageit in the past, but this was the first time they collaborated on one. They nailed it, too. A 51 minute set-mix of their own originals and unique covers gave the Caley-crazed audience a lot of great material to instant message about. 

Haley was typically gorgeous as hell, and her voice was absofuckinglutely, posifuckingtively immaculate bell-to-bell. Casey showed he can do everything musical, with a mastery of multiple musical instruments, solid singing, and a very chill, hipster-doofus vibe that you couldn't help but dig. No manic, wild-eyed Casey here...dude was a total pro.

Opening with a half-serious, but charming, Monster Mash intro, they then transitioned into a most excellent cover of the Weezer's laid back groove Islands in the Sun. It was such great shit I messaged them as much when the song was concluding, and, groovily enough, Casey read my message aloud (in G-rated form) with a personal shout-out to the magnificent, beloved, hilarious, handsome, and unceasingly humble Kenny Poo.

Soon after, they performed Kenny Poo personal request, "Precious", by the great Esperanza Spalding. The song is one of my alltime faves, and they were BRILLIANT, with Haley nailing every note and Casey lending wonderful harmonies and upright bass coolness. I especially appreciated Haley looking off to the side camera before they started the song to say, "love to...you know who you are."

I certainly do know, because, after all, I are, and I love ya back, babay!

Now, thank God I'm so unflinchingly modest, because, if not, one can only imagine how full of myself I could have become getting that message from the beautiful and talented Haley. Not to worry, though; my humility TOTALLY ROCKS, so suck on that, losers!

Another cool moment was when Haley gave a birthday shout-out to teen Halien "Janelleypoo". Clearly, there is something irresistible about the Poo army.

Anywhooooo.....

So much great music and scatting came next on jazzy/bluesy numbers like Haley's awesome new single, My Cake, and their beloved Caley cover of Hit The Road Jack from Casey's self-titled album, I was rendered virtually verklempt. Had to talk amongst myself for awhile. 

Topic: Caley: Occasional duet performers, or get in the fucking studio and crush out an album of amazing shit for us!!

Another major highlight came when they did a super soulful cover of a song I never heard before called Sail. It was so off the hook I had to hunt down the original by Awolnation on YouTube and check it out. It was so inferior to the Caley version I don't think Awolnation should be allowed to claim it as their own anymore.

OK, time for a negative moment, kiddies. Close your eyes and ears if you don't like any criticism of Haley, starting....NOW!

One thing that annoys the shit out of me is when Haley grabs a cell phone and sings the lyrics because she didn't rehearse enough to commit them to memory. That's what happened on Nightmare Before Christmas, and it's inexcusable, girl! Remember, preparation plus improvisation can create inspiration, but don't skip the preparation part, damn it! You CRUSHED THAT BEAUTIFUL SONG vocally, so much so I was almost willing to overlook the failure to learn the lyrics...but not quite.

OK, rant off. Those of you who couldn't read the criticism are welcome to return.

They adorably signed off for the night with a Monster Mash outro. Perfect ending to an event that left everyone longing for more. Sometimes Stageit shows can be boring as hell...well, there wasn't a second of that here. They were fabtuckulous, and I was thoroughly entertained the entire 51 minutes. It went by like 51 seconds.

I hope we get to see more frequent collaborations from this fun-loving duo moving forward, because there is seriously something unique and special between them. Great talent, great energy and great synergy. 

WE WANT MORE!! GIVE THE POOPLE WHAT THEY WANT!! MORE CALEYPOO!!!

Poo out.

TOP SECRET MUSIC REVIEW: Phillip Phillips - iTunes Session

SHHHHH!!! KEEP IT DOWN! This review is completely on the down low, as I've been notified by super secret suits at UMG that any and all media mention of Phillip Phillips' new iTunes Session is strictly prohibited under penalty of death by Miley Cyrus video twerking torture.

OK, now that we've agreed to keep this just between us, let me reveal the hidden truths you're not supposed to know about. Phillip Phillips, the new Platinum selling recording artist who was just nominated for an AMA for Best New Artist, and won American Idol XI, and is currently on a nationwide tour with John Mayer, secretly released an unplugged iTunes Session album October 8th featuring songs from his debut studio album World From The Side Of The Moon.

No, there was no pre-order sale or promotion. No, there was no press release. No, there was no mention of it on his website. In fact, there was not an announcement of any kind except a couple tweets mid day of the release by Phillip and his girlfriend, Hannah Blackwell.

The purpose of keeping this album top secret to only those who may accidentally stumble across it browsing iTunes remains a mystery. Had Phillip been an independent artist who was completely unknown to the general public, the release without any media or fan notification would still be a bit bizarre. Even unaffiliated artists give some advanced notice on social media to their fans and followers alerting them of the upcoming album release.

Yet, this remains for whatever reason absolutely unmentioned. Google the album under news and no media appears as of this typing 2 days after the official secret release.

Still, much to the chagrin of UMG enterprises, a lot of people ARE finding it. Right now it sits #33 overall on iTunes albums. That's an incredible number for an unannounced album with zero publicity, and is testimony to both Phillip's popularity and the quality of the album itself.

What makes this hidden gem so special is that it reveals the true depth of Phillip's guitar mastery, and the full richness of his vocal tones. The only song on World From The Side Of the Moon that captured this stripped down essence of Phillip is "Hazel", which is brilliant, and happens to be one of his two or three best songs. Now, we have a whole album of that stripped, raw acoustic vibe to appreciate and enjoy.

The setlist is a collection of 8 songs from his studio album, and 1 new cover (Crazy) that he's performed live several times. Best of all, his greatest work to date, the masterpiece of masterpieces, the greatest single song of all time, is FINALLY available on iTunes. Take Me Away is a song brilliant beyond compare, yet until iTunes Session came out it only was available via Target Deluxe CD, and that's not an easy one to find.

While the unplugged version pf Take Me Away loses the complexity and richness of the classical piano intro, the smokey jazz affect of a tenor sax, and the driving rock intensity of an electric guitar, the song is crafted and written so beautifully it still works magnificently when stripped to the bone of just Phillip with his six string.

One song that clearly benefits from the acoustic arrangement is Where We Came From. The album version got smothered in pop, but at its core its a meaty song highlighted by some very intricate guitar work. With all the unnecessary excess stripped away, it transforms from being just a decent song drowning in formula pop rock to one of the very best tunes on the album.

The only song that I felt took a small step back here was Man On The Moon. One of my very favorites off World, and the track I've long advocated to be his next official single, the guitar arrangement on the intro is a bit out of sync compared to the original World version and as performed on his live shows. Seems two guitars were stepping on each other to do a job that's better suited for one.

Oh, and my other pet peeve is that I love hearing the "Oh, oh, oh yeah" segue from the guitar intro into the opening verse, and that's absent here (as with his live shows). I love the way it sets the tone of the song, and implore P2 to toss it back in moving forward for ol' Kenny Poo's sake!

Overall, the album is deep, rich, fun, light, heavy, intense, happy, sad, pissed, and...well, very well balanced. You can't help but loop over and over again. It's infectious. Go buy it, but don't tell anyone else. Remember, it's very existence strictly confidential.

Below is the set list. Click here to purchase on iTunes.

1. Where We Came From
2. Man On The Moon
3. Home
4. Crazy
5. Take Me Away
6. Gone, Gone, Gone
7. Hold On
8. Tell Me A Story
9. A Fool's Dance

COMING UP ON THE NEXT POO: Longtime Poo favorite Pia Toscano makes her big screen debut in the major motion picture, Grace Unplugged. Hope to catch it this weekend and get a review out next week.

Poo out!

Concert Review: Phillip Phillips Takes Me Away

All he does is win, win, win...

(WEST PALM BEACH, FL) So, the lovely and talented Mrs Poo and I went to see our boy Phillip Phillips in concert with John Mayer at the Cruzan Amphitheater this past Sunday night, and what a kick ass show it was.

Well, that is aside from the ass raping we got from the Cruzan vendors charging $18 for Pina Coladas and $11 for beer. Thank God I had my trusty flask, lest I be writing this review from a local homeless shelter.

Anyway, back to the show.

Chillaxing in lawn seating has always been one of my favorite atmospheres for a concert. Sitting under the stars, enjoying tropical summer breezes with a good beer buzz,, thick plumes of gange providing a nice contact high, the smell of freshly cut grass mixed with jasmine providing a natural high... ahhh, it don't get no better than that, people.

Phillip seems to feel the same way, as he endearingly told us during his 55 minute set about how last time he was at the venue he was with us in the lawn, and can't believe he's now on the stage performing for us. Humble dude, and it seems very genuine.

Of course, he has plenty of temptations to be cocky, what with two multi-platinum singles (Home & Gone, Gone, Gone) from his newly certified platinum debut album, World From The Side Of The Moon. Thing is, he's still the "don't care do yaaaa" guy he was called back on his winning run on American Idol, and I highly doubt that grounded, regular guy will ever go away.

Speaking of Idol, make no mistake: Phillips has utterly OBLITERATED the bubble. In fact, my favorite story of the night personified this with an exclamation point. You see, in the beer line during the intermission after his set, a group of big, 20-something drunk guys were all singing Home together, beer cans aloft, and then high fiving each other about how Phillips ROCKS!!

Mayer wasn't kidding when he said Phillips blasted out of the Idol bubble in record time back on the opening night of the tour. I guarantee those beer line drunk dudes had no clue Phillips was ever on American Idol, and certainly weren't giggling because he was cute.

Fact is, the P2 flat out rocks the house live, and those who've bought his album, especially the Target Deluxe version, understand how far Phillips' style is from being just a Mumfordian folk picker. He's stylistically more of a blend between Bruce Springsteen in his prime (yes, I wore my "The New Boss" Phillips t-shirt to the show), Dave Mathews (with more growl and snarl), a rocked out Eminem and Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band.

What was interesting to see is how into him the crowd was for an opening act. Usually, openers play before sparsely filled stands to a mingling crowd that hardly notices them. At best, they are given a smattering of polite applause. By the end of the set, the crowd is usually anxious for them to finish so they can see the headliner.

That was NOT the case at this show. Phillips and his band commanded the crowd's attention. People walking in to get situated were stopping to see what was going on, because the crowd was REALLY into him. Even in the casual lawn area, all eyes and ears were on Phillips. Very few minglers not paying attention, and if they were it wasn't for long. The "Mayer-Stan" girl in her very early 20's sitting next to us had never heard of Phillips, and when I saw her head bouncing along to his songs I asked her what she thought of him. She said, "I didn't know him before, but I guarantee I'll be getting to know him now. He's really good."

For me it was a perfect song list, opening with an energized Get Up Get Down, a KILLER, crowd pleasing version of Man On The Moon (why is this song not a single?), his very popular single Gone, Gone, Gone, his brand new (but secret) single Where We Came From (with a great, jazz jam finish), his now famous rock mashup of rap songs Lollipop/Lose Yourself/All I Do Is Win, and my favorite song of them all, Take Me Away, which he just SMOKED!

BTW, little ol' Kenny Poo twitter requested Phillip play Take Me Away, a song he doesn't perform live very often, and he came through for me. No clue if PP did so with Poo in mind, but I couldn't be happier that he did.

Of course, he finished with Home, which is I think the new National Anthem, or at least it should be. EVERYONE knows it and loves it, no matter how old or young. I can't think of another modern song with so many people of so many ages and backgrounds who love it and know every word.

After Phillip was done, we really enjoyed John Mayer's show and came away thinking the time is coming soon that Phillip will be headlining venues like these. Perhaps next spring/summer, when his 2nd album is released, he'll get to do a major venue headliner tour.

If so, maybe he can have my favorite jazz and blues rock babe, Miss Haley Reinhart, open for him? She just rocked out the Buffalo Grove music festival fronting one of Chicago's best blues/rock bands, Midnight, (which happens to be her parents band), and they really impressed (see: Haley and the Reinharts Rocked The Grove). Also, she already opened for P2 at a Hard Rock gig last year, and should have her new EP/album out by the spring. Her sexy, down to earth style would perfectly mesh with Phillip, so consider this a seed planted.

To finish up, I'll post two videos from the show to check out, one of which I self recorded from the lawn (Take Me Away) and the other a partial of his unbelievable mashup.

 Poo out!

Haley And The Reinharts Rock the Grove

My girl Haley Reinhart performed with her family band "Midnight" at the Buffalo Grove Days music festival near her hometown of Wheeling, Illinois last night. I wasn't there (it's a bit far from South Florida), but many of her most devoted fans (Haliens) from far and wide were in attendance, and generously uploaded videos of several performances from her set.

Now, I know what some people are thinking. I've read it on message boards and twitter, and it goes something like this: "Performing with her parents at small, local summer festival? What the hell happened to her. This is nothing to write about, it's just pathetic."

Well, pardon my French, but fuck you. You're making a snap judgment about her and this gig without knowing what the fuck you're talking about, so STFU and GTFO, you hateful, spiteful, negative, nasty, worthless piece of shit.

Too much? Sue me.

Haley's family band unquestionably brings out the best in her. Better than Casey, better than her other full band incarnations, better than the Idol band, and better than everything else she's done with a band, period, end of story.

Why was she so good with them? What made it different or special? It goes beyond nurture and love, also has a lot to do with rehearsal, repetition and preparation.

Haley's parents have had their own band for over 30 years, and are consummate professionals. Her father, Harry, is an expert blues rock guitarist whose musical influence on Haley cannot be overstated. Her mother, Patti, has always been the lead vocalist of the band, and inspired her incredibly talented and gorgeous daughter to follow the same career path. Even little sister Angie got in on the act, singing backup and no doubt providing comfort to her big sis. With this family support, Haley has been able to take her natural gifts to incredible highs, and that was evidenced by the brilliant show at The Grove.

To consistently gel and perform at the top of her game with confidence, Haley, like everyone else, needs practice and discipline. However, being free spirited by nature, she often seems to procrastinate and rely on talent to bail her out. Because of this, she's had mixed results on stage, at times looking like a star, and others appearing awkward, flustered and prone to gaffs. Only when performing jazz, a genre that rewards improvisation, and is her natural vocal element, has she been able to find comfort zone and get lost in the music.

That all changed at the Grove. She was a pro. She sounded great. She had confidence. She was prepared. She knew the cues. She knew the words. She knew her shit. That released her to be Haley at her very best, because she didn't have to think too much. She just let loose, trusted herself, trusted the band, and it really helped restore my belief in her that she has what it takes to become a highly respected artist in the music world.

Contrast that when Haley performs with her BFF Casey. While I love the chemistry they perform with together, and enjoy that she has fun on stage with him, and like the jazzy musical influence he provides, she frequently seems like she's joking around and winging it with him on stage instead of digging in and delivering like a pro. Fun on stage is great when it's about getting lost in the music and jamming out, and sometimes they have that, but when they don't it's a distraction that can make her appear unprofessional.

Look, I think Casey is a great guy, a great friend, and a great musician, but he seems equally free spirited and unstructured, and I don't think that helps Haley. I really dig them together in doses, but not as a career path.

The ideal scenario for Haley is finding a team around her that gives her the necessary nurturing, structure and discipline she needs to be great. A small label that's very hands on would help. Until that time, maybe she should do some touring with her parents band. She badly needs to gig more, so how about Haley and The Reinharts hit the road, Jack? Not sure if that's doable financially, but Haley really thrives with them, so why not?

RECAP: Great show, great band, and Haley proved without a doubt that she's the real deal with star power when in the right environment. Below is the video of her new song "Better", which she debuted at the concert. I seriously dig it, especially the a Capella intro and intense finish, and think you'll see what I mean about the killer job Haley and the Reinharts delivered gigging at the Grove. Let it loop and you'll get to enjoy a full playlist of Haley music from HaleysTusk, a superfan who has become Haley's unofficial videographer.