Tag Archives: 2006

American Idol Butchers The Music of Queen

Queen Group Press Shot
The Sound You Hear Is That of Freddie Mercury Spinning in His Grave

Next week on American Idol, the contestants try their hands at completely butchering the songs of Queen, one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Holy mother of god, I can see that 60 minute train wreck approaching right now. How much do you want to bet that Ace (the contestant who most makes my skin crawl) attempts to take on “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Chris does what amounts to Creed’s reinterpretation of “Tie Your Mother Down”?

Actually, I am betting that Chris is the only one of the bunch who will have ever even heard of Queen beyond the ridiculously overplayed sporting event anthem “We Are the Champions/We Will Rock You” and an eight-minute, mini-rock opera that was released before any of them were even born (with the possible exception of Taylor, who I suspect is actually in his 40s) and brought in to contemporary pop culture consciousness by its inclusion on the soundtrack of Wayne’s World.

Just for shits and giggles, here’s my fantasy Queen playlist as I’d hope to hear the show go down:

Chris: “I’m In Love With My Car”

Taylor: “Good Company”

Ace: “The Night Comes Down”

Elliott: “Bring Back That Leroy Brown”

Bucky: “Stormtrooper In Stilettos”

Paris: “Killer Queen”

Katherine: “You’re My Best Friend”

Kellie: “Fat Bottomed Girls”

Personally, I can’t wait for next Tuesday.

The Advantage Help You Get Your Geek On

Advantage Elf Titled

For the past few weeks I have been telling everyone I know about my new favorite band, The Advantage, a rock quartet from Sacramento that plays only covers of Nintendo Game Theme Songs. Oh my god, they are so way beyond genius. I’ve never played video games in my life, but these songs’ bizarre sonic amalgam of Yes, Frank Zappa and Oingo Boingo thrill me completely. I just can’t stop playing their new CD, Elf Titled, which comes out on January 24, 2006. The Advantage fucking rule, and you need to get your geek on and check them out.

Gail’s Top Ten CDs of 2005!

Top Ten

As a special New Year’s treat, here’s a preview of my Top Ten Favorite CDs of the year, to be elaborated on in my upcoming 2005 Year End Rewind! Enjoy!

Crash Kelly Penny Pills

1. Crash Kelly, Penny Pills (Liquor & Poker)

When I got the advance of this album last winter, I predicted that Penny Pills would be my favorite CD of the year 2006 and, no surprise here, I was right. Embracing a full-on 70s sensibility of Alice Cooper’s School’s Out and T Rex at its most glam, Penny Pills is the only drug you need.

Lake Trout
2. Lake Trout, Not Them, You (PALM)

Baltimore’s Lake Trout bring us acid rock for the aughts and are one of the best live bands around. Continue reading Gail’s Top Ten CDs of 2005!