Archived Edition of Chromatic Musings

American Idol on Fox

Tonight, I watched American Idol for what I think had to be the first time ever. And what a time to decide to watch. The Funk Brothers -- the Funk Brothers!! -- performed as the backup band.

I want to extend my sincere and complete sympathies for each and every member of the FB's for having to sit through the complete and utter train wreck that was most of these people singing (if you can call it that -- I would call it raping some classic Motown tunes. Raping them, calling them bad names and then throwing rancid pickles at their dogs).

These wanna-be's (and I was not impressed with any of the singing that I heard from the Idol tribe) really did not deserve to share the same stage -- or really even breathe the same air -- as these actual legends of music. However, true to the legacy of the Funk Brothers, the singers got all the attention and the actual musical talent was largely ignored (and, unfortunately, used as a backdrop).

Some of them were so bad (yes, John Stevens, I'm talking about you) that I was hoping there was a sniper team hiding in the shadows somewhere. Alas, no such luck. And, other John? You're not on this list because good snipers only use one bullet.

If you watched this show, do yourself a favor, and check out the actual Funk Brothers in their own glory. They really deserve all the attention they could possibly get.