Big Leather Couch

Man, has it been hot here. Do not get me wrong, I prefer the heat to the cold, but the first two weeks of June have brought us 90 degree days continually. What is going to happen in July/August when it really gets hot?

I know Songbird from "The Ice Box" lives in the desert and they get higher temperatures and it is hot with or without humidity...but it sux getting in a car that has been sitting in the sun for 5 hours. 

To set the record straight, I am on Facebook (and have found it very useful in keeping up with family and friends and renewing old friendships) and I am on Twitter, but that is more a marketing tool for Music On The Couch.

Speaking of that, Monday's show featured interviews with Jeremy Bustillos, who talked about his life as a member of the US Navy Band, and Bryan Lee, who was fantastic. The man should be known by everyone. He mentored Kenny Wayne Shepard. Buddy Guy has him play on his albums - and plays on Bryan's newest - and is also a real person.

He does not pull punches at times and then at others showed his love of entertaining.

Hope you check it out...go on, just download it anyway!


And now...for Mimi of "Mimi Writes", because...well, because I want to give her a reason to smile...

"Ring Ring! Viiiibbbbbbbrrrrraaattte. Buzzzzzz Buzzzzz
It's Mimi on the line. Electronic gadgets have taken over our lives it seems. I can't go anywhere without seeing someone talking on a cellular phone or fixated on one of the newest toys. Doesn't it annoy you? On the other hand, how did we ever get along without them?
Call or text 1-800-Bloggingham. We'll chat!

1. How important is a cell phone in UR life?
Well, first I would never use UR...I do not use text-bonics. I spell it out.  But to answer the question, I use it for personal, for work, it helps me check emails and facebook and twitter, so I guess it is important - OH and let us not forget "Angry Birds!"

2. R U addicted to UR cell phone?
Addicted to it? No.  When I was on the cruise I did not miss the lack of phone. Are you like 12? See ARE YOU...YOUR, like that! = ]

3. R U a texter, an emailer, or a photo sender?
IR, IR, IR  (see how silly that looks! bwahahahahahahaaaaa)

4. In the normal course of a day, about how many times do U touch UR cell phone?
When I look at it in the morning when I wake, when I put it in my bag to leave, when i take it out at work, every time i leave my desk...umm alot

5. R U guilty of distracted driving?
Not any longer I am not.  


6. What is the 1 app never invented that needs to be made for UR cell phone?
One that would not allow people to use text-bonics and force them to spell the real words.

No, I guess -

One that would allow me to connect to my library of tuneage at home

7. What annoys U the most about cell phones these days?
That people use R U and U and all those other non-words

So Monday was a decent day. Work did not kick my a** too much. I got home and received a huge kiss from the Lady who owns my heart.

I got ready for Music On The Couch and the show went off pretty well IMHO.

One of the interesting things is that for the most part there were only 4-5 people in the chat room. I knew one or two of my regulars would not be there, JAY from "Cynical B**tard" was there the entire show

Please join me in wishing one of the dearest people
in the bloggosphere a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

#30, right Songbird?

Much happiness to you DESERT SONGBIRD of "The Ice Box"

I will admit that in the past I have sent text messages while driving. Now, I will do so if I am stopped at a traffic light only.

If you are guilty of this, if you know someone who does so, if you have teenage children, nieces, nephews, friends of your kids...hell, if you can stop strangers and show them this, then do it.

It is the best PSA (Public Service Announcement), I have ever seen.

Why it is not playing on television stations every evening during prime time television is beyond me.

Maybe it is because the cell phone companies spend so much money on commercials...maybe it is too graphic...if either of those are the reason, then shame on every freakin network executive alive!

How about running THIS spot during the Super Bowl????

Please send your friends over here to watch this - embed it on your site - whatever...just let's spread the viewing of this to as many people as possible, because this is what is going on today and it is so very wrong.

The blue eyes of the baby will visit me in my sleep...I know it.

This is some of the information provided with the video:
Tredegar Comprehensive School and Gwent Police (Gwent is located in south-east Wales,UK) present a half hour drama entitled 'COW' --The film that will stop you from texting and driving," with SPECIAL EFFECTS BY ZIPLINE CREATIVE http://www.ziplinecreative.co.uk (this is a trailer video)

** The four-minute sequence involves British student actors and crews -- and is part of a larger 30-minute drama produced and directed by Peter Watkins-Hughes -- (visit http://bit.ly/AeYB4) -- an award winning former BBC producer who is also a lecturer for the Documentary Film & Television department at the Newport School of Art, Media and Design in Wales. This drama was made for -- and with -- the Gwent Police Department, located approximately 150 miles west of London.

** WARNING the graphic clip is professionally staged -- but does a fine job hammering its message home. In my view, it should be seen by every parent -- and imported/licensed for broadcast or school use throughout the United States from Mr. Watkins-Hughes. His contact information is available above.

COW: Its all about Cassie COWan a nice girl from a Gwent Valleys family who kills four people on the road because she used her mobile and lost her concentration for a few seconds. Gwent police is proud to have helped Brynmawr filmmaker Peter Watkins- Hughes in the production, which stars local drama students Jenny Davies as Cassie, and Amy Ingram and Laura Quantick as her friends, Emm and Jules.

It is hoped this film will become part of the core schools programme across Wales and the UK and ultimately worldwide.

Gwent Police facilitated the films crash scenes because we want to stop ALL drivers, but particularly young and new ones, from causing accidents.


Over 300 teenagers from all over Wales were auditioned to take part in the film, nine police vehicles were involved and both the police and air ambulance helicopters featured.

State of the art digital special effects were utilised to show the impact of what would happen inside the car during impact. 

Lyn Samuel, School Liaison Coordinator for Gwent Police said: We worked closely with the production team including the University of Wales Newport, Tredegar Comprehensive School and local partners including the council and Probation Service. The result is a very impactive road safety educational tool to help reduce the number of collisions involving young drivers across Wales. Chief Inspector John Pavett from Gwent Police Roads Policing Unit hopes the serious message in this film will hit home to viewers:

Making and receiving calls and texting whilst driving is still happening on roads not just in Gwent but all over the country"

Seeing a scenario, like the one Cassie goes through, played out right before your eyes makes you realise how extremely dangerous it can be and what devastating consequences it can have.

I hope that after watching this film motorists will think twice before picking up their mobile phone when behind the wheel and realise that a quick reply to a text message or answering a phone call is never worth putting theirs and other peoples lives at risk.

It should be noted that here in Wales, we use the word "taster" instead of "teaser" as we're giving you a "taste" of what the full 30-minute video is like.

YES SIR! My Yankees took their first step toward World Series title #27 by sweeping the Minnesota Twins. The Twins hurt themselves with baserunning mistaes, the Yankees helped themselves with key hits and most excellent pitching.

TRAVIS'S Dodgers also swept their series with St Louis, so we are both 4 wins away from facing each other. We were online together for the games this weekend and man it was fun!

So, like one of the first people I met in March of 2006 on the American Idol boards was a fellow New Yorker/Bronxite named Busy. Busy and I were part of the original band of 6-10 who formed THE SOUL PATROL - rumor has it that Busy even came up with the moniker.

I can't remember...I tend to have STML (right TURNBABY?).

But that is not the point of what is coming up...I know - hurry along sonny, we have tons of other cool blogs to read - so anywhoodle and HECK-A-DOODLE, when the Hoochies & The Hotties were formed, Busy was an original member and went by Rocker Hoochie. Busy and I bonded over our love of classic rock and roll and the girl owns an original vinyl of Iron Butterfly's Inna-Gadda-Da-Vida!

Add to the above, she sews, and reads (I mean like a book every other day - she has read more than any person I have ever met), and she is raising two fine children and if you don't know Busy, you should! You can visit here at "BUSY WITH LIFE".

The last year or so, we have drifted apart...Busy was not blogging as much - or at least I could not find where she was blogging - she would make an occasional comment here, but I could tell she had visited more often.

Then on Tuesday evening, I received this comment:

Now, I have to name a few bloggers...

Well, it is a meme and we do have a Queen of memes - and she is eternally grateful to all of her loyal minions who fly their Peace Globes each year. She is also - and I have said this a ka-billion times - a brilliant writer who takes her readers on journeys of fancy and tales of love and life all done in an impeccably styled pencil-skirt. I present the award to my blogger buddy, MIMI of "Mimi Writes".

Next will be one special lady. She is a loving mother, a good friend, an activist for the ills she sees in the world, a creative writer and she does it all while she is in pain with various ailments. Does she speak of these often? Not at all.

What she will speak on is her causes and she speaks loud and clear. She will write Wordzzles like no ones business...and she will make you smile with tales of her youth.

Oh and did I mention that, when she has her snark on, there are very few who can keep up with her? Well, tis the truth kiddies. Finally, DIANNE of "Forks Off The Moment"is a good blogger buddy.

Finally, this lady is raising two kids to love and respect the world as she does. She sings for her church choir, she volunteers in her children's school, she is sweet and caring and has a mouth like an interstate truck driver when she lets it rip...
All of her friends and loved ones say a little prayer each day that the ills she suffers will lessen so that she can enjoy her children even more.

She is selfish though...she is off to the beach and not once...NOT ONCE...did I get an invite to join she and her family...I just do not understand!?!?!?

Nah, seriously...DESERT SONGBIRD of "The Ice Box" you are a good blogger buddy!

Above, I made a mention that MATT-MAN of "Bagwine Ruminations" would get a tingle from the fact that someone was gushy. You see, we need your help.

You must go over to his site and help deprogram him. It seems that Matt-Man's body and mind have been invaded by the spirit of Mr. Rogers. He is spreading his saccharine laden thoughts across the bloggosphere turning it into his own personal "BIZARRO WORLD" and causing some people to begin acting like zombies.

Don't believe me? Well, we thought some might be skeptical, so we hired one of the best, most insistent paparazzi to capture a picture of Matt-Man as he exists, today, in his Bagwine abode...

Finally today, we send our best out to Amy Mickelson. Amy is the wife of PGA golfer, Phil Mickelson and it was announced yesterday that she has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

Tests will continue and treatment is expected to begin with “major surgery” within two weeks, according to an announcement from Gaylord Sports, Mickelson’s management firm.

Because of this, and rightfully so, Phil has withdrawn from the PGA tour for an "indefinite period of time". Our prayers go out to Amy, Phil, and their 3 children.

Happy Monday all...

I have a Pimps Of Joytown CD heading out to RALPH of "Airhead 55" and the Miranda Vittrus CD will be heading out to SONGBIRD of "The Ice Box", but not for her...for her daughter! OH and MATT-MAN from "Bagwine Ruminations" there will be a package coming to you for the Ryno dude also.

Both of these will go out along with the CDs owed to Mimi and Topchamp when I return from my trip this week.

Was a busy weekend and it was just long enough to fit in all the laundry and other personal things I needed to do.

Thanks fr all your warm wishes last week as I suffered from the cold. It is gone and I am feeling OK on that front. However I am still suffered in from the back. I am going to need some serious adjustments when I return from this trip...

I hate feeling like I can't do anything and that every time I move too quickly I feel a twinge and some pain...

Hey, if you want to read the review I did for Bruce Springsteen's Working On A Dream...well YOU CAN'T! - well maybe in Google Reader I guess.

If you remember, it disappeared for a few hours on the day I posted it...Well on Thursday, I received this email from Blogger Support (HEY, no laughing...I thought Blogger Support was an oxymoron also!):

Blogger has been notified, according to the terms of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), that certain content in your blog infringes upon the copyrights of others. The URL(s) of the allegedly infringing post(s) may be found at the end of this message.

The notice that we received from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and the record companies it represents, with any personally identifying information removed, will be posted online by a service called Chilling Effects at http://www.chillingeffects.org. We do this in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Please note that it may take Chilling Effects up to several weeks to post the notice online at the link provided.

The IFPI is a trade association that represents over 1,400 major and independent record companies in the US and internationally who create, manufacture and distribute sound recordings (the "IFPI Represented Companies").

The DMCA is a United States copyright law that provides guidelines for online service provider liability in case of copyright infringement. We are in the process of removing from our servers the links that allegedly infringe upon the copyrights of others. If we did not do so, we would be subject to a claim of copyright infringement, regardless of its merits. See http://www.educause.edu/Browse/645?PARENT_ID=254 for more information about the DMCA, and see http://www.google.com/dmca.html for the process that Blogger requires in order to make a DMCA complaint.

Blogger can reinstate these posts upon receipt of a counter notification pursuant to sections 512(g)(2) and 3) of the DMCA. For more information about the requirements of a counter notification and a link to a sample counter notification, see http://www.google.com/dmca.html#counter.

Please note that repeated violations to our Terms of Service may result in further remedial action taken against your Blogger account. If you have legal questions about this notification, you should retain your own legal counsel. If you have any other questions about this notification, please let us know.

Sincerely,

The Blogger Team

Affected URLs:

http://bondsbigleathercouch.blogspot.com/2009/01/tuneage-tutelage-music-review-bruce.html

The bolding of the last sentence is my doing, as we all know Blogger is infamous for NOT ANSWERING emails.

But I take the chance and I write them back explaining my relationship with Sony/BMG. My contact at Sony/BMG writes me back and tells me that, they are correct, though she never bothers those of us she works with from posting songs - she agrees, it only helps build up interest and the songs I post can not be downloaded.

OK...no worries, I write back to -NO LAUGHING- Blogger Support, and say "OK, give me back my post and I will delete the audio".

Where is that crickets audio...yup...NOTHING!

Wrote them again last night...will see what they do.

Today we introduce you to another artist in the Sony/BMG family. My contact at the label was so excited in her email that i had to jump on this and see what it was all about and am I glad I did!

The gentleman's name is Raphael Saadiq and the CD title is The Way I See It.

Now...do you think the name sounds familiar? Honestly I didn't until I did the obligatory Google and found out more about this man.

Raphael Saadiq was born Charlie Ray Wiggins on May 14, 1966 in Oakland, California.

Saadiq has been playing music since the age of six. During the 1970s and 1980s, he played bass at church and school. He also enjoyed his onstage moments at various local events of his hometown.

Saadiq began his professional career as the lead vocalist and bassplayer in the rhythm and blues and dance trio Tony! Toni! Toné!. He used the name Raphael Wiggins while in Tony! Toni! Toné!, where he was joined by his brother Dwayne Wiggins, and his cousin Timothy Christian. He adopted the name of Raphael Saadiq in the mid-1990s.[1]

In 1996, Tony! Toni! Toné! released the album entitled House of Music. His biggest solo success was his 1995 single "Ask of You", which peaked at #19 in the U.S.. Saadiq also hooked up with EPMD for 1998's Da Joint.

His next big project became the R&B supergroup Lucy Pearl. He recorded the self-titled album with Dawn Robinson (En Vogue) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest). This group only lasted for one album.

He released his first solo album Instant Vintage in 2002 and earned 5 Grammy nominations.

His 2000 song collaboration "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" won D'Angelo a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance; it was also nominated for Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. The song was also ranked #4 on Rolling Stone "End of Year Critics & Readers Poll" of the top singles of 2000. The Voodoo (album) also won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album at the 2001 Grammy Awards.

In 2004, Saadiq produced a remix of the song "Crooked Nigga Too" by the Late Tupac Shakur that was featured on the album; Loyal To The Game

Other artists he has collaborated with include Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, The Isley Brothers, Teedra Moses, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, Angie Stone, Snoop Dogg, Devin the Dude, DJ Quik, Kelis, Q-Tip, Lil' Skeeter, Ludacris, The Bee Gees, Musiq Soulchild, Jaguar Wright, Chanté Moore, Lionel Richie, Marcus Miller, Noel Gourdin, Nappy Roots, Calvin Richardson, T-Boz from TLC, Floetry, Leela James, Amp Fiddler, John Legend, Joss Stone, Young Bellz, Anthony Hamilton, Babyface, Ledisi, Goapele, Ginuwine, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Bilal, as well as many others.

In 2007, Saadiq was called on to produce the whole third album from UK Soul singer Joss Stone.

On April 13, 2007, Saadiq just played the role of Anthony Hayes from Disturbia.

The Way I See It is Grammy nominated for : Best R&B Album, Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group

The iTunes Editorial Team has named The Way I See It as their choice for Best Album of 2008.

Some resume huh?

I guess by the time y'all read this we will know how he did on his Grammy nominations.
NOTE: Well the album award went to Jennifer Hudson. (And Question...is Whitney Houston ever sober anymore???)

The CD is chock full of sweet lead vocals, smooth harmonies with a tight backing band. I immediately made sure this was on my iTouch for my upcoming trip.

You can hear some of his music on his website HERE, or his myspace page HERE.

This is a keeper for sure and one of you can own this CD by leaving a comment.

We are going to give you a little taste of Raphael here...no whole songs, just a few songs clips...I think that keeps me in "compliance"... "Never Give You Up" with Mr. Stevie Wonder, "Sure Hope You Mean It" and "Keep Marching".

Off to Hamburg, PA today...should be home sometime Thursday.

EVERYONE GO OVER AND TELL
DESERT SONGBIRD
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Well actually wait a week...seems I had a brain cramp
It is NEXT Wednesday

Tuneage Tutelage - New Music Monday...continue or not?

The last two have had very few votes attached to them and I am wondering if the whole idea is really something y'all enjoy.

Between the cold here in Memphis (26 degrees yesterday - yeah I know that is a heatwave for some of y'all) and the fact that my back is still really sore and I have to tell you...I NEED A VACATION SOMEWHERE WARM!!!!

The St. Thomas thing through Nancy's work is not going to come to past. Her direct boss wants to reward her, but she has been told that she has not worked there for a year so she is not going to be invited...

Guess closing 5 deals in the first two months does not earn you that right...so now she and I need to figure out what we can do to get away for a few days together.

As far as the back, I had to suspend my gym membership for two months...I tried and just can not work out yet, plus in February I am traveling 10 of the 20 work days...

Did have my 6-month doctor visit yesterday (Tuesday) and I have kept off all the weight which is amazing since I have not worked out since December 19th and with Christmas and New year's I would have thought I had put on a few pounds...also my cholesterol is like excellent...so maybe the medication can be done away with.

Tried to watch the President Obama's Inauguration on my computer at work yesterday and could not get anything to stream. Was real frustrated until we received an email from IT telling everyone they has suspended all streaming video because so many people were trying to stream, the system almost crashed!

Will be trying to watch the replays tonight (Tuesday) as I have heard he gave an excellent speech.

Not a lot of words today, see y'all tomorrow....

Man it has been raw here in Memphis the last few days. Now Memphians keep saying it is cold, but it is only about 40 degrees or so, and that is not really cold. But it is raw...which is when it is chilly, damp, rainy and the temperature just sneaks through every inch of your body.

Now, I know many of you up North with snow on the ground are saying "p-f-f-f-f-t to you...want some real winter, come on back up here and remember what winter is all about."

But when you do move south of the Mason-Dixon and you get acclimated to a warmer climate...well the word 'winter' takes on a whole new meaning...

I overheard someone say "What if all that rain had been snow...wow, that would be so cool". Well, we had about 2" - 2.5" of rain in the last 48 hours and that would equate to somewhere around 2 - 2.5 feet of snow. From my observations, if Memphis had 2.5 feet of snow everything would be shuttered tight, there would not be any bread or milk to be found for upwards of 200 miles and the roads would be littered with cars in ditches and more car crashes then at Daytona Speedway during a NASCAR Sunday.

Actually tomorrow there is a 30% chance of snow flurries and already the bread and milk is flying off the shelves. WHO EXISTS ON JUST BREAD AND MILK?????

Why are they not buying meats and vegetables????

A few of you were bothered that I was not sharing the NYE menu with y'all and BUD from "WTIT Tape Radio Blog" even called me a "sick puppy" for announcing the party and promising to show pictures to the 'uninvited'.

Then one of the guests comes along and spoils the whole thing by listing the menu in my comments. Brad, the former Mr. Fab from "Pointless Drivel" guessed the entire menu on his first try...
Appetizer: Sardines
Soup: Campbell's Tomato
Pasta: Spagetti-Os
Salad: Tossed. That will be a nice break. I haven't had that done to me since prison.
Main Course: Fish Sticks
Dessert: Popsicles

Well, other than needing Dad Vince or Anndi from "Transition" as an editor to learn how to spell Spaghetti, he almost nailed it perfectly. He did forget that along with the Fish Sticks, I would be serving Ketchup as a vegetable.

I guess I could publish the menu, but then some of y'all will be real upset you are not coming. As far as invites...for two years there has been a standing invitation to anyone who sits on The Couch to come to Memphis and as of this writing no one has taken the plunge...so...to quote y'all from above "p-f-f-f-f-f-t"

There really is a spot for two others (the neighbors will not be coming), but I am not sure there is room to sleep two more, though there is a nice hotel less than a mile and a half away...so....

And I did that without asking Nancy....rut-ro!

OK, I know y'all are waiting to hear who will be receiving the Christmas CD's by Mr. Bennett and Mr. Connick, Jr.

Well, the one by Mr. Bennett was simpler to chose than the Mr. Connick, Jr., so I will begin with that one.

COME ON DOWN, MR. PHFRANKIE BONDO from "Steamboat Slough" send me your snail mail and the Tony Bennett album will arrive before Christmas!

Actually, based upon past wins, and her incessant pleading statements of love for his music, how can I not send the album by Harry Connick, Jr. to our good friend DESERT SONGBIRD from "The Ice Box"? I have your snail mail Ms. Songbird, and will be sending Harry to your door this week.

Off to finish the Christmas cards....

This one I love...Big Jack Johnson and "I'll be Home For Christmas"

ENJOY.....

Found this fun widget over at Brother Rich's "Favorite Office Time Wasters"
What is your score??? Post it in the comments...

When you are making out your
Holiday card list this year,
please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington , D.C. 20307-5001
PLEASE SEE THE NOTE IN OUR COMMENT AREA AND CHECK OUT THIS PAGE HERE

BUT...DO NOT FORGET
SUNDAY IS VETERAN'S DAY HERE IN THE U.S.

THINK ABOUT THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE
SERVED OUR COUNTRY WITH CLASS & DIGNITY

* Susan Tedeschi - Vocals & Guitar
* Doyle Bramhall II - Guitar
* Paul Bryan - Bass Guitar
* Jay Bellerose - Drums
* Jebin Bruni- Keyboards
* David Palmer - Keyboards
*Derek Trucks - Guitar

Just posted and then got an email and had to ask for your prayers for DESERT SONGBIRD.

Our friend is spending the evening in the hospital for an irregular heartbeat. Feel better soon DONNA,
we will keep your spot on THE COUCH warm for you.
Go over and leave her a GET WELL SOON comment for us. Thanks.

Thanks to ANOTHER DESERT RAT for the heads up.

SONG
ALBUM
ARTIST
(Main Artist Only this week)

Ha- Dedication Week, you know that means weird videos...



PHIL STACEY: Even better then last week. Was a bit pitchy, but overall was a very good performance. He is in the top of the men. As we said last week, he is much stronger when the song calls for him to be powerful,
which it did at the end, saving the song.



JARED COTTER: Nicely done. Still think he loses concentration in the middle of the song like he did last week and forced it a little too much. The song should be smoother then he made it. He was a little pitchy and his voice is a little too high pitched then is called for with a Marvin Gaye song.



A.J. TABALDO: Nope. The beginning of the song was a wreck. Bad song choice in my opinion. Did not enjoy that song.
(Of course the judges did like it more then I did…but hey.)



SANJAYA MALAKAR: He looks uncomfortable tonight…He really can’t sing this type of song...his timing felt off and I thought he was speaking the song more then singing it…and the last big note was very weak. The song choice may have also lost him his “little girl” vote also.



CHRIS SLIGH: OK, before we begin…the kid is married??? America heard this song last year and it was done much better then. Broke on the last big note. He was also a little too fast for the song. Overall a good performance, but I am
not sure it was as strong as last week.



NICK PEDRO: Very weak. The song should be smoky and to me it was “squeeky”. Not necessarily overly pitchy, though there was some pitch problems throughout... Didn’t like it.


BLAKE LEWIS: Excellent job… He did a great job with what appeared to be a tough song. Personally, we still have a problem with the beat box. To us it is an “instrument” and playing an “instrument” is against the rules of the show…
call us picky, but that is how we feel.


BRANDON ROGERS: Not real impressed once again. He hit one good note, but was screechy throughout. The voice isn't working for me…It was weak and without the backing vocals, it would have been totally lost –
Randy and Simon were so totally correct on this.



CHRIS RICHARDSON: It sounded like his performance last week. He is good with this type of music. The song worked well for him. Honestly not sure he will be able to survive theme weeks. He may prove me wrong, but when he has to sing a ballad or a rock song, I wonder if her will be able to handle it.



SUNDANCE HEAD: OK, so he decides to sing something more R&B and picks a one note song? And then he doesn’t do a great job with it. The luster is totally off Sundance for me. Ummm are you kidding me? The judges can gush all they want and America will follow along, but he doesn’t do it for me. I really liked him in the auditions… not any more.



THE COUCH SELECTS AS TOP 2 FOR THIS WEEK:
BLAKE LEWIS & CHRIS RICHARDSON
Yes, I know I criticized each of them - but they were the best tonight.

THE COUCH SELECTS AS BOTTOM 2 FOR THIS WEEK:
SANJAYA MALAKAR & NICK PEDRO