RE:think

Randy Jackson Comparing Today’s Music to Yesteryear

American Idol judge Randy Jackson is taking a good deal of ribbing for his comment that American Idol is “the Olympics for Singers”.

I get it Randy. You are defending the theme weeks. However, Olympics is a bit over the top. But while it is over the top, it wasn’t the most important part of what you said. I’m gonna get your back dawg.

I give you a huge pass because of some of the other things you says in the interview. Peep this:

"Here's the problem with [contemporary theme weeks] — guess what? It's a competition. I know that you know the latest Lady Gaga song," Jackson told MTV News. "I happen to think that songs of yesteryear are better songs and are harder to sing, so they create more difficulty for you who listens to the radio everyday."

Jackson explained that "Idol" competitors have to prove that they have the pipes to take on the big songs — so if you want to sing a Ke$ha tune, "Idol" may not be the show for you. (Although Jackson hopes that Ke$ha takes no offense to that.) "Give me Sinatra. Give me somebody who's just really emoting and engaging and making you believe.

"Give me Motown," he continued about the advantages of singing older songs instead of newer hits by newer artists. "Give me the greatest rock band ever, in my estimation — Led Zeppelin. The degree of difficulty to play Led Zeppelin music, let alone sing it, is so off the Richter scale. This is a competition. 'Idol' is like the Olympics for singers. We want to make it tougher for them."

I agree with Randy 100 Million percent. If American Idol was a bunch of kids singing today’s pop music, I wouldn’t watch. And guess what, lots of other people would quit watching too. The music is uninteresting as is. No one wants to hear an amateur do the karaoke version of it. Are there theme weeks I don’t care for? Sure. But if the finalists could pick whatever they wanted every week it would be a dumpster fire.

I’m so glad Randy chose Ke$ha as his example. I find her music grating at best. Auto-tuners and bad songwriting just don’t do it for me. I think they don’t do it for Randy either. He says he hopes she takes no offense, but his point it made.

[And yes, you did just see me type the phrase “peep this” above.]

Technorati Tags: American Idol,Randy Jackson,Ke$ha,Pop Culture Phrases

Monday Morning Sports Report

Colts defeat Jets

In spite of every ESPN talking head out there playing this one up as a possible close game or even Jets win, it's no surprise that the Colts not only won, but dominated. the Colts had twice as many first downs, more total yardage, more rushing yards and more passing yards. Take away a gadget play touchdown and the margin of victory is nearly 3 touchdowns. The Jets were dominated.

Even down 17-6 just before the half, it never really felt like they were in trouble. I had a one moment where I thought maybe destiny was guiding the Jets and then Manning does his thing gets them a TD just before half time. At that point, I knew the game was over.

Games like these bug me the week before they are played. I understand ESPN has to fill programming 24/7 and needs to have the tension of opposing views, but it's just annoying when you know that one team is so much better than the other. I'd hate to be those ESPN guys who had to take one for the team and act like the Jets were something to worry about.

Saints in First Super Bowl Ever!

I'm very happy for the Saints. The city of New Orleans really deserves this. It's been a tough few years for them and this is a celebration I know they enjoyed. Add to it the fact they've never been to the dance and they're leader, Drew Brees, is as good a human being as he is quarterback, it's hard not to be happy for them.

That said, if the Colts roll up 500 yards of offense on them like the Vikes did, it will not be pretty. If the Vikings hold on to the ball, they get blown out. So, there is lots of work for Payton and crew if this is to be a competitive Super Bowl. Anything short of a Peyton Manning voodoo doll probably will not be enough.

Bret Favre

I hated to see him go out like this. Especially in a game where he was beaten and battered and kept getting up and coming back out to play. Say what you want about Favre, but he is one of the players that comes closest to earning every penny of the ridiculous paychecks these guys get. He's 40 years old, plays every play, and plays every one of them hard. I respect that. You can blame the loss on him if you wish. But if those 3 fumbles don't happen, and the penalty just before his final interception, we'd probably have seen a different outcome. That's not to even mention the illegal shot he took to the legs on the first INT.(it's the rule, like it or not)

He's had an amazing career and should probably call it quits. But if he decides to come back, I ain't mad at him and you shouldn't be either. Once he actually retires, that is it. He never gets to do the thing he loves ever again. Imagine losing the thing you love to do most at the age of 40 or younger.

All that said, unless you are a die hard Packer fan who bleeds green and yellow, your hate for the guy is irrational but I expect it will continue to flow in his direction.

UT Men's Basketball

I said last week they were due a loss and Georgia took them to the woodshed. Coming off an emotional home stand down 3 players and knocking off #1 to start that run, it's not surprising a road game at Georgia got them. The Bulldogs played a great game and that crowd was really into it.

I think they'll be fine, but ultimately, the loss of Tyler Smith is going to cost them a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Monday Morning Sports Report

This is a new weekly series I’ve decided to do, I will recap the past week and weekend’s sports news and what I thought about it…

Lane Kiffin leaves Tennessee to coach USC, Derek Dooley takes Job

Obviously, since this is where I went to school, am a huge fan, and live in the state of Tennessee, this REALLY ticked me off. The nerve of this guy to come in, run his mouth, and then leave is just too much. Initially I was very worried about this and thought that it would be more than we could overcome. When the search for a new coach ended with Derek Dooley of LA Tech, I was even more concerned.

I’m good now.

After reading about Dooley, hearing him speak, and getting through the weekend, I think we are actually better off than we were with Kiffin. Time will tell, and it stays interesting on Rocky Top!

Prediction: Vol nation calms down and moves on.

Mark McGwire Comes Clean

Ho hum. Glad he did it. We all already knew it. Wish he’d have been more truthful and forthcoming on the reasons why.

Prediction: Never makes the HOF and I am glad about that. Keep the others out too.

NFL Playoffs

The two hottest teams in the NFL move on while those who rest starters are done. Wait, that is not how it happened. Hey ESPN talking heads, stop yapping. Once again the Chargers and Cowboys blow it with so-called good teams in the playoffs. Romo and Rivers show again that they are not elite QB’s.

And how about those Jets! The party ends next week I think, but they’ll be in the game and the Colts better not let them hang around the way the Chargers did. If so, it could be a weird Super Bowl.

Oh yeah, Cowboys, if you don’t want the Vikings to score that last TD on you, then stop them. Otherwise we don’t wanna hear it!

Predictions for next week: Indy and NO win to go to the Super Bowl.

Bret Favre

Yep, I’m gonna give the old man his own section. He has been absolutely incredible this season. Yesterday was no different. He completely outplayed his counterpart, Romo, and has his team on the cusp of a Super Bowl birth.

Prediction for next week: Plays well but comes up short.

UT Vols Men’s Basketball

These guys and coach Pearl have been nothing short of unbelievable. They followed up their victory over #1 with a couple of gritty, come from behind wins. I’m very proud of this team.

Prediction: They are due for a loss, but who cares! Go Vols!