UHadMeAtWooHoo put up a link in the Rumor thread [her Post #40] that prompted this piece. After writing it I realized that it was somewhat "off topic" for that thread so have started this one and moved it over.
Am putting it in Taylor's music section because while there are other issues addressed, it is ultimately about Taylor's extraordinary live performance skill and charisma.
Video at the end is one I don't think I've linked before and apologize for that.
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Thanks Liz - - usually only music keeps me wandering down the side tunnels but this was an interesting scroll - -
Particularly liked this comment - and it raises a bigger issue for me
There's nothing wrong with being a good interpretive singer, even if the songs are written by other people. Actually, it's kind of funny when the Idols perform beautiful classic songs in stellar voices, and then some hot singer-songwriter of the moment comes on the show and can't sing his or her way out of the paper bag.
I am in full agreement - but not just "of the moment" singers either - there have been some embarrassing live performances from others, some of them music icons, in "Clive's Pet's Stable" - -
What bothers me more is that I have the same type of problem when I watch things like Austin City Limits, Dish Network's RAVE concert channel or HDNet concerts. I watch very little regular TV but check the lising information and have caught some performances on the talk shows that I wish I had missed.
I'm old enough to remember when there was a lot of live music on TV and no one needed to lip synch to guarantee a good performance.
It makes me appreciate even more just how good a singer Taylor really is though.
The one time I didn't wish Simon the fleas of a thousand camels in his bedding was the night Taylor sang Something and Simon said
" You know what, Taylor, it's very easy to forget with all your balminess, that you're a very,very good singer."
Yes Simon, yes he is! - - and too bad you weren't called out on your personal predjudice in your petty sore loser rants since the show.
With all the concerts I've been to and all the video I've watched from the others one would expect to have some "ouch" moments. But while there may be open season on the lyrics or the original melody line (that's a "flaw" I personally love btw) - it is rare that Taylor's singing isn't close to pitch perfect for the entire show.
Okay - - I'll stipulate to Same Old Lang Syne - - but would any of us in the audience that night have wanted to miss one second of that ? Didn't think so ! 
Given Felix's actions when he took the stage, I'm thinking we owe our favorite drummer a big Thank You for us getting that impromtu piece of gold.
Point to this ramble - -
as the music industry continues to reinvent itself there are a lot of indications that touring and live performance are going to become even more important
That scenario is perfect for someone like Taylor. I enjoy all of his albums, but the recordings from Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta, One Night in Nashville, the taper's capture of the Columbus concert, and a few other good quality concert audios are the ones I play the most. They take me the closest to the experience of his live performances.
And if anyone is reading this that has not seen Taylor perform live, the word experience was chosen for a reason. Taylor with the tour band is all the energy, excitement, and great music one could ask for - - of all the concerts I caught - Cohasset stands out as the epitome of that side of Taylor.
Have come to realize that with today's technology just about anybody can spit out a studio album - - Paris Hilton anyone ? - - and a lot of people can front a great high energy band - - but very few can walk onto a stage and capture an audience's loyalty forever with just a guitar, a blues harp and their voice.
Taylor has proven he can - - and I hope we are priveledged to see more of that side of his music mixed into in his next album and tour. Could do a long list of reasons I support Taylor but the bottom line is that I was captured by "that voice" and am in hopes it will be showcased in a lot more original songs like The Fall and Somehow as well as covers like Georgia and Ain't No Sunshine.
Seeing and hearing Taylor in live performance is indeed "an experience" - - one not to be missed if you love good music.
Sidenote: my personal Wish List still has a cover of I Shall Be Released at the very top. Have not found a version by another artist that comes close to the small bit from the 2006 Christmas Jam suggesting what Taylor could do with that song.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1wBcktlT-7A
I wish I could remember where I had recently read a comment (I look at soooo many websites) that what we need is more singers who can sing and not those "pansy indie boys with guitars" who basically whine their way through a song. We need more vocal power!
I'm thinking it was probably AVClub or Slate... and it was probably in an article about Michael McDonald. I'll see if I can't find it.
ETA: I'm not as brain-dead as I look!
It was indeed AVClub, and it was in a comment, not the article.
"Michael McDonald's no Sinatra, but they share this fundamental trait: Their voices are effing H-U-G-E. Totally unlike all these warbly little indie-pop mouse farts that pass for vocals nowadays."
Most of the comments are pretty stupid so if you bother to read through any of them looking for more gems like that, you're a strong person... but here's the link anyway.
http://www.avclub.com/content/blog/the_c...n_or_how_i
AH wrote:
It makes me appreciate even more just how good a singer Taylor really is though.
The one time I didn't wish Simon the fleas of a thousand camels in his bedding was the night Taylor sang Something and Simon said
" You know what, Taylor, it's very easy to forget with all your balminess, that you're a very,very good singer."
Funny to see this here. Yesterday as I was taking down more Christmas decorations (I have too many) I decided to put a DVD of Taylor's AI performances in to watch/listen while I worked. Unfortunately the DVD starts with the top 12 and skips my fave performance....Trouble.
Anyway, I made a mental note of all the compliments Simon gave to Taylor while in the top 12. There were approximately 6 moments of praise and 3 (maybe 4) not so nice comments. Overall during season 5, Simon complimented Taylor more than not.
The
voice is what took me in and has kept me here for so long. I have never been so into ANYONE's career in my life. Aside from craving Taylor's originals, I want to hear Taylor sing all of my favorite songs because he performs magic with them....feeling, passion, rawness....it's mesmerizing.
You are right about so many popular "artists" today. They can
sing no better than me....and that's not a good thing!
Just realized I still had this piece from one of the comments on my notepad - -
I haven't watched any of the award shows in quite a while - - consider they are all pretty much either outright label arrangements [you scratch my back - - etc] or a battle of who is willing to spend the most advertising dollars.
And my only interest in AI was because of Taylor - - but agree with the sentiment expressed.
Also found the YouTube video of the sound system failure at Ms BS's concert in FL to be one of the funniest and yet saddest things I had seen . Too lazy to go hunting but am sure most know what I am referring to.
Am not attributing because not certain what the poster would want but the link to the page is below the quote
. . . . .I was just thinking that even on the music industry's big nights, which would include The Grammys, The CMA's, the ACM Awards, the American Music Awards, and the MTV Awards, it is becoming increasingly rare that we see anyone actually singing live. Thanks to Ashlee, we have learned that even on SNL, the performance could be suspect. And I'm sure that we both agree that this is rather pathetic and *might* even have a tiny bit to do with the public's decreasing interest in these award shows at a time when their interest in AI continues to skyrocket. I'd almost always prefer to listen to a weak singer trying to warble through some piece of drek on AI than see some supposed "talent" lip-syncing elsewhere.. . . .
http://www.velvetrope.com/forums/ubbthre...=1&fpart=4
My favorite LP's in my stack are: Tom Jones LIVE (1960's)...Osmonds LIVE (1971/1974)...Paul Young and Q-Tips LIVE (1980;s)...all the above we 3000 times better LIVE...as they too fed off their audiences...is it LIVE or MEMOREX???
I have to agree with you, Seger. While I enjoy all of Taylor's originals, I love to listen to him sing all my favorite songs. In fact, as Im sure you do, as Im listening to different artists, I try to imagine how Taylor would perform the music.
His voice, the soulful way about it, thats what got me. Ive always liked blue eyed soul--hell, any kind of soul really. I can go on forever about who I like, but I will mention Hall and Oates. And I mean 70s Hall and Oates--like "Rich Girl" or my favorite, "She's Gone." Actually, I like that they have gotten more soulful, not so pop, since the late 90s. I recently saw a concert. It was great. I also remember when they were on AI when Taylor was on and Ryan pointed them out in the audience and both Darryl and John thought he was great and he "had it." I dont remember exactly what they said, but I know they really liked him.
I can go on and one about soul performers I like. Ive gotta be able to move to it, groove with it, feel the artist's dedication to the music in their performance. Its more than a good voice, although that certainly has a whole heck of a lot to do with it.
I enjoy different genres of music for different reasons. I like 60s British Invasion Rock and 70 Classic Rock, but I dont listen to them everyday. I like 80s music--hair bands, pop, you name it...I guess thats because it reminds me of high school!
Still in all, Taylors brand of small club/bar/small venue of soul and the others before him, I find, as I get older, I enjoy more and more. Its not too loud, but funky enough and you enjoy getting your groove on!
Taylor was right--it is all about Heart and Soul! (that wasnt meant to sound corney, but real!)
I remember listening to"' Aint No Sunshine " and thinking why are those people talking in the background and not listening to what I consider a vocal masterpiece. Taylor's version that night is the most hauntingly beautiful version I have ever heard. One can hear the weeping of the harp It's simply stunning ! As I sit and listen to this version in the privacy of my home,I think this would have been a moment to have been in that room,on that night ,surely they would have had to pick me up off the floor LOL
JAG
The thing that excites me the most about Taylor doing the club is the thought that there may be some more of those magical moments captured. Realize it can never be the same, but who knows - Taylor is still evolving as an artist - maybe it'll be even better.
Most of the comments are pretty stupid so if you bother to read through any of them looking for more gems like that, you're a strong person... but here's the link anyway.
http://www.avclub.com/content/blog/the_c...n_or_how_i
mari, thank you! !
just got back from my little excursion and I am still grinning - - there were indeed more gems - - was very impressed that the blogger was actively involved in the comments thread - - and that he doesn't take himself too seriously - -
"uiovaisl, I have one big complaint with your complaint: My above blog was in no way "thoughtfully written."
and you know I just have to appreciate him when he says something like this
".......last night I found myself once again forced to agree with maternal wisdom. Michael McDonald kicked ass."
Will be looking for more of his stuff !
Am guessing a lot of his followers are probably in his age range and like who they are discussing for artists - that old pendulum may swing yet
a favorite bit from his blog piece since it reinforces the importance of an artist's voice when talking about live performances
He’s 55 and rocks a full head of hair and gets laid more than you. Better yet, good lord, his voice. Even when sleepwalking through the most threadbare Marvin Gaye songs last night (“I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing”), McDonald’s pipes were on fire.
AH....I have seen artists whose recordings I loved,only to be completely turned off by their live performance.A live performance is an art,and Taylor excels at it.I would give anything to be in attendence at any club or bar thatTaylor may decide to sing at ! You're right it is exciting just thinking about it !
I remember listening to"' Aint No Sunshine " and thinking why are those people talking in the background and not listening to what I consider a vocal masterpiece. Taylor's version that night is the most hauntingly beautiful version I have ever heard. One can hear the weeping of the harp It's simply stunning ! As I sit and listen to this version in the privacy of my home,I think this would have been a moment to have been in that room,on that night ,surely they would have had to pick me up off the floor LOL
JAG.....I feel the same way! Idiots were they! 