There ought to be a law against Beatles songs being featured on "American Idol" as they are tonight.
Allowing that show or any show like it to exploit Beatles songs is close to criminal. (Roger Catlin of the Hartford Courant blogged the show for those who'd rather not watch.)
The reason, by the way, has nothing to do with Simon Cowell. Those who have interviewed him say he is not the heel he makes himself out to be on the show and is actually a nice guy. It's because the whole thing is phony. It's completely set up for drama and not reality, which the show claims to be.
And the arrangements of most of the Beatles songs are unimaginative and formulaic. There have been some memorable Beatle covers in the past (and some not so memorable, for that matter). The "American Idol" version are just static.
Catlin's blog indicated that Sir Paul McCartney appears on tonight's show in a taped video message. He made a live appearance on Britain's "X Factor," another Simon Cowell creation. (See video below.) Sigh. "American Idol" and its related shows, like "X Factor," owe everything to the Beatles, not the other way around. Not only that, the "talent" isn't anywhere close.
So here's a suggestion: Listen to some real Beatles tonight rather than some faux ones.
Paul McCartney singing "Live and Let Die"
- Beatles Examiner: Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.
- Give us subscription love: Beatles Examiner, Paul McCartney Examiner, Vintage Rock 'n' Roll Examiner, TV on DVD Examiner
Comments
Disappointing Paul decided to participate, but I guess he is trying to garner favor with the younger generation by sending a message.
All those so called reality shows are faked to put in drama, etc.
Let these kids sing. You people are waaay overthinking this.
Mick: I don't think so. This isn't about performing or talent. It's about the drama. That's all anyone talks about.
To say "the whole thing is phony" is crossing a journalistic line. It's one thing to have an opinion and dislike a certain show or singer's performance, but it's something else to state something like that as fact and not speculation.
This article sounded like it was written by a music snob. The Beatles themselves covered many artists and has been covered by many different artists. Are only established recording acts with a record deal allowed to sing Lennon-McCartney songs?
While I would say that a lot of the performances weren't as good as they could be, some of the contestants showed a real love for the songs.
Luckily, Paul McCartney realizes that all forms of music deserve a little respect.
Jessy: A music snob? Hardly. I listen to a pretty wide range of music. Disliking "American Idol" hardly makes anyone a snob. AI is anything but edgy. It's mainstream all the way.
Lighten up, Steve, and everyone else who can't stand the idea of Idol using the Beatles' songs. Some of these kids (Crystal Bowersox in particular) are pretty talented. And, what's wrong with a younger audience being exposed to this music? Let me tell you something, these kids are better SINGERS than MOST of the crappy artists that come on and sing and plug their new music on the Wednesday night results shows. In fact, were some of these famous folks unheard of nobodys, they'd get resounding BAD reviews from all the judges.
Please, before you judge something like this, watch it and give it a chance. IF you don't like it, there are 10,000 other channels to choose from.
You will hear more from Bowersox down the road. The kid is a natural, and she knows who she is and what she wants to be.
You think the Beatles, were this show around in 1962-63, wouldn't have taken advantage of this and tried to get on it? You can bet your posterior Brian Epstein would have tried!
For as long as Lennon and McCartney have been writing music, people have been covering their songs, usually butchering them but occasionally producing a good song. I don't see anything wrong with the American Idol kids taking a crack at these songs. It keeps this music alive with young kids who might watch the show, hear a Lennon-McCartney song and think, "I want to hear the original."
Please. SONY music, MPL and Apple are behind this endeavor 100%. To complain about it is to not understand the value of this show's impact on the youth of America. If you don't like it, change the channel.
The American Idol contestants are NOT exploiting the Beatles/Lennon-McCartney in any way IMO. They are showing how relevant/timeless their music still is and always will be. They are showing that very young artists are very much influenced by and aware of the Beatles and just how extensive the Beatles' catalog is; so many great tunes to choose from; so many wonderful melodies. And great rock songs. Zillions of people watch this show. They too will come to the same conclusion. (But then again, they already know.) There will be nothing but praise for the use of Lennon-McCartney material. How can that be bad? Will you object when Glee sings Hello Goodbye next week too?
Steve I think that you are not even a Beatles fan. By having Beatles songs on these programs it brings the Fab music to many younger people who only listen to the crappy music of today!
I don't watch Idol on a regular basis. There are some people on there that do have some modicum of talent, and then there are people who have loads of talent, but those people don't always win; it all comes down to it being a popularity contest, like anything else in this world. I would rather everyone listen to the Beatles music, but it's not hurting to have them exposed to it via AI. Paul knows that the core audience for AI are his Up and Coming fans (reference intended...) But knowing how tv shows work, there is always drama pushed in to try and stimulate interest in the show and get it on web pages and on the news.
(Part 1 of 2)
"There ought to be a law . . ." - what a load of baloney! I agree that Beatles songs shouldn't be in commercials, but now the self-appointed Beatledom HIGH Priests and Priestesses have decreed that what they judge to be inferior performances of Beatles songs should also be banned. C'mon, let's just get it over and say that Beatle albums should not be sold to non-1st gen fans, or at least only to fans who are judged worthy by a council of clergy in the Sacred Church of the Beatles. Otherwise, these recordings should be kept locked away, safe from the ears of those who might not appreciate them.
I don't think the surviving Beatles, Apple, or Beatle fans who like to see their albums sell to new audiences would agree.
After the possibly atrocious covers on AI in early 2008, the Amazon Top 100 chart was clogged for WEEKS with many, many Beatle albums, even the early ones. That was due to interest stirred up in the massive AI audience.
(Part 2of 2)
I don't know how the Amazon charts were affected this time. But the Billboard charts are delayed-reaction due to publishing schedules. Last week's b-board Top 200 (not the one coming out tomorrow) showed a return by Abbey Road at #184, and by the White album at #164. These albums also jumped back into the Top 25 Catalog list, Abbey #25, White #21. Since I don't subscribe, I can't see what the lower 25 of that list is, but I'd be willing to bet there's more Fabs albums there.
These are GOOD results, even if brought about by bad cover versions. Apparently there are enough people in the huge AI audience who can tell a good song in spite of a poor rendition, and seek out the true item! This is a GOOD thing! No wonder Paul was there to apply his seal of approval. HE knows what the results are!
So all you post-middle-aged (or any age) Beatle Church hierarchy, maybe unclench your cheeks, etc., stop spouting silly dogma. Fabs'll be around after you & I are dust! A GOOD thing!
I think Simon actually had a point last night at the start of the show...Some of the songs you don't want to mess with, while if you try to imitate other songs, you'll screw them up. There are some performers who are obviously not Beatles fans, and suck at covering their music. However, there are some that I truly believe admire them, and do what they can to do a current version of their classics. Besides, they're only given a week to see what they can do with the music. David Cook's "Eleanor Rigby", Crystal Bowersox's "Come Together" and Casey James' "Jealous Guy" have been standout covers for me. But again, it's just my opinion, I'm not going to write as if this is a right or wrong thing. Some people need to chill!
well I think if things like this happends is because the rights have been bought so I think paul ringo yoko and olivia are to bleme for this because they sold the rights to use the songs.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!