My name is Kristen….. and I am an Idol-addict

I love countdowns. 17 days until Christmas, 117 until my 22nd birthday (frightening), and finally and most importantly, 38 days until Ryan Seacrest inaugurates season 7 of American Idol.

It’s hard to believe 6 months have already passed since Jordin Sparks swept past Blake Lewis to take the crown in America’s most popular reality program. Every week Jordin sparkled with huge talent and tremendous height. Literally. Next to her, Ryan looks like a white Gary Coleman, with a much less funny catch phrase.

Jordin’s self-title debut hit shelves on November 20th. I’m a HUGE fan of “No Air” featuring Chris Brown, and her single “Tattoo” which impressively hit #11 on Billboard Thursday. She debuted in 10th place her first week, and although that’s much lower than past idols, the quality of her singles point toward tremendous staying power.

Jordin is fabulous, but let’s be honest, I’ve been a proud Blaker Girl since week two of last years competition. That week Bothell native Blake Lewis raced off the starting line with Keane’s “Somewhere only we know,” and America’s hearts collectively melted. Exhibit A. my heart. Exhibit B. the popular facebook group “Blake Lewis Makes Me Melt.”

I’ve always believed that he has the ability to make music like nothing on the radio and create a whole new Blakealicoius genre. On December 4th he proved this destiny through “Audio Day Dream.” My first impression, “umm, this is pop music…..” My second thought, “oh yeah, I love pop music!!!”

Blake’s debut is wonderful, however it’s not “like nothing on the radio,” in fact it’s like a lot of things on the radio. On some tracks I would call it Switchfoot meets Savage Garden, on others it’s Prince meets OTown. I even occasionally hear a little spurt of early ‘Nsync and feel some modern vibes from the likes of Hellogoodbye and Snow Patrol. It’s a hodge podge album, a “mixed tape,” as he calls it, with influences from those current stars as well as old timers. In fact, 1929′s “Puttin’ on the Ritz” inspired the dancetastic “Gots to get ‘em.” Wrap your mind around all those musicians and genres, throw in some Beat-boxing, and you’ve got “Audio Day Dream” in a nutshell.

I thought A.D.D would change pop music, much like Timbaland and Timerlake have done in the last year with electronic influences, but it does not. Instead it gives a new spin on whats already been done. Blake certainly proves his musical finesse and delivers on some amazing tracks that have hit potential. Check out “Know my Name” featuring Lupe Fiasco, “How Many Words,” or the anthem of the season, “I Got U.”

iPod showdown:
Blake Lewis: 32 plays
Jordin Sparks: 25 plays
Winner: Me

This idol-addict is satisfied with 2007 but can’t wait for 2008. Who isn’t pumped to watch Paula on qualudes, Randy say “Yo, Dawg,” and Simon and Ryan overtly flirt for the cameras???? Tuesday January 15th will be a great day. A great great day. Just 38 more and counting….

Note to Ryan: “Whatcha talkin bout Willis??????” beats “And this is American Idol” everytime.

That too-full-but-oh-so-happy feeling

 

Today we give thanks… for about five minutes. Then we dive into third helpings of mashed potatoes and devour one too many slices of pumpkin pie. I’m talking about concentrated indulgence. Who can resist the unique flavors and time-tested consistency of each and every dish; from the kick in our sausage stuffing, to the new twist on apple pie, and of course the always delicious “green stuff?” For 21 years I’ve had the same thought, “that green stuff looks disgusting,” but each year, time and again, I end up relenting, “what IS this, and why is it soooo amazing???”

I think the varied traditions and new innovation of a modern Thanksgiving feast fits in well with mainstream music. First of all, there are a lot of Turkeys out there. (Sean Kingston????) We’re also seeing a lot of musicians bringing fresh people to the table, from different cultures and with different experiences to put together completely new and delicious sounds. For this, the ears of America and the world are very thankful.

I for one will try a helping of anything once. How else do you get to taste that new twist in the apple pie? For me this month its “As I Am” from Alicia Keys. Her music, inspired, this new album, amplified brilliance. She takes her vocals to an alternate level without leaving her core fans behind. Her hit, “No One,” even played during a set at a Dub Reggae night I recently attended. She’s pop, she’s soul, she’s jazz, she’s reggae. You can’t put your finger on the secret ingredient, but it is tasty.

This afternoon I saw the “green stuff” waiting in the fridge and I frowned. I was sure it was going to taste terrible, as always I was wrong. I feel the same way about T-Pain. I want to hate him SO bad. His voice is always computer enhanced and not all that unique or interesting, but the songs he collaborates on are surefire hits and more catchy than the autumn flu. Right now I’m digging his work on “Kiss Kiss,” with Chris Brown, “Good Life,” with Kanye West, and “Baby Don’t Go” with Fabolous. Like the initial turnoff of a dish that looks like fluffly sewage, T-pain seems awfully unsavory, but goes down real smooth.

I am feverishly looking forward to the full swing of Christmas. I already have my old favorites by my side, Wham’s “Last Christmas,” and Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is You.” I wouldn’t bet against “Love Actually” set to repeat in my DVD player. I also bring with me the new tastes and flavors I’ve explored during these fall months and those dropping just around the corner. Blake Lewis’ debut hits stores as advent calendars start counting down, and I have ADD just thinking about “Audio Day Dream.” The sound is totally unexpected. Like bringing a red curry to your grandma’s Thanksgiving feast. Its going to take over what Timbo and Kanye started this summer and bring pop music into a prolonged stage of euro-pop-dance-late 80′s- early 90′s-throwback anthems. Yum.

Each Thanksgiving I feel free. Free to bask guiltlessly in that too-full-but-oh-so-happy feeling. Free to purchase four weeks of Starbucks red cups while listening to Warm 106.9 Christmas classics. Free to indulge in my favorite artists and wander upon new ones breaking into the mainstream. Which artists will be back to see next year’s Thanksgiving? Who will be vetoed faster than overcooked yams?

I know only two things, 1. I hate overcooked yams. 2. There’s a piece of apple pie waiting for me in the kitchen. I’d better go eat that while I rock out to some Alicia Keys.

Happy Thanksgiving! Let’s indulge.

Hey MTV: Play More Videos!

Well….. she finished.

That’s all I can say about Britney’s lackluster appearance at Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards. It was more like a lazy walk-through in her underwear and the worst hair extensions known to man than a performance. Usually a performer bothers to lip-sync, or god forbid actually sing. Before the show, another new song leaked and it is fierce, but without some effort at the gym, hair salon, and with her psychiatrist Brit won’t even make it to her own Nov 13th release date.

Also dropping in November is the new Alicia Keys. She actually showed up for work last night bringing down the house to her single, “No One.” Another highlight came from Chris Brown’s Michael Jackson-esque routine across a sick stage made out of the audience tables. You know the VMAs suck when the best part is whats UNDER the performer’s feet. Chris, however, killed it.

The idea for this year’s awards was good. Move them to Vegas, party hard in the suites and gamble away the money from this summer’s arena tour. Let me tell you I’d have given my right pointer finger to attend JT & Timbo’s Southern Hospitality party. JT was the big man of the night. He walked away with two moonmen and closed the show that Brit barely opened with style. He even took a jab at MTV, challenging them to play more videos and less “Simpsons” (aka Ashlee and Jessica) reality shows. Ouch. Especially since the stars of “The Hills” presented him with the award. Now that’s funny. Take a cue Ms. Silverman.

Hot: JT, Timbo, Nelly Furtado, Kanye West, Chris Brown, Alicia Keys.

Not: BRITNEY, Sara Silverman, Rihanna (although she rocked out to “Shut Up and Drive” and her dress was to-die), Nicole from PCD, L’il Mama, and last but certainly not least…..the MTV VMA’s 2007.