Silversun Pickups on St. Patrick’s Day

Posted Mar 20, 2007 by Stephen Hammill

Updated Mar 20, 2007 at 09:45 PM

It’s the night of St. Patrick’s Day. It’s also a Saturday.  The bars couldn’t be happier about this convergence. Walking down 7th Avenue in Ybor, it’s parade time - the floats putt along the blocked-off road, blasting out sounds of once-top 40 songs from their hidden speakers. Hands reach up to catch airborne beads.

This, after all, is Ybor City, the bead-catching capital of the world. I’m keeping hands in my pockets, walking west towards 17th street, toward Crowbar, where Silversun Pickups are playing tonight. It’s sort of a one-off for the band - they’re on tour with Snow Patrol, playing big venues - so this is a chance to see the sounds of native L.A. 90’s-influence indie guitar up close and personal.

It occurred to me on that walk that there is a palatable change taking place in the “scene.” Down here on the ground people are standing around in a will-call line that goes around the block, all to see a rock show. 

This is the same Crowbar, a venue that is almost single-handedly making 2007 a very good concert year in Tampa. Deerhoof played here not long ago, to a hungry and crowded room.  Brooklyn’s Earl Greyhound played the club’s opener here in November and they can’t stop talking about it. On a recent trip back to town, EG bassist Kamara paused during their set at New World Brewery to commend Tampa for rocking so hard.  Tonight it’s Silversun Pickups in town.

If the story of Tampa’s infantile music revolution is a question, then for tonight at least, the answer came in the guise of Giddy Up Helicopter. The five-piece was in great form and they gave some touring bands an idea of what kind of music is percolating here with little outside aid or fanfare.

Hella are playing there on March 22. I might make it.  If I don’t I know many others will, and that’s a nice thought.
Crowbar is located at 1812 17th St. N. in Ybor.

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American Idol—- 03.20.07

Posted Mar 20, 2007 by Chris Kuhn

Updated Mar 20, 2007 at 09:02 PM

We’re celebrating everything British tonight on American Idol (FOX/Tuesdays) and we’ve got two obscure has-been singers to help out our singers. Lulu of “To Sir with Love” fame (and the former Mrs. Maurice Gibb from years back) will guide the ladies and Peter “I’m Henry the 8th I am” Noone of Herman’s Hermits will lead the dudes. Okay, you know that these kids have never heard of either of these people but I like them because they have great attitudes, still sound good after all these years and seem determined to give helpful advice (which isn’t often the case with celebrity mentors on this show).

As always, I’ll be blogging as I watch. Be sure to jump in here with comments and tell me what you think. Or visit our Idol Forum to really speak your mind and chat with other Idol watchers.

But on with the show…

*******************
Haley Scarnato
“Tell Him”

I Say – She can’t really keep up with the song and trying to move around while singing just doesn’t work for poor Haley. I still think she sounds like a weaker Olivia Newton-John. She wouldn’t sound too cool singing this song either. She truly has absolutely no soul. But she remembered the words this time, so that’s something.

Randy – Says it was the perfect song choice for her and that she’s back in the competition.
Paula – Agrees it was the perfect song for her and that she’s adorable.
Simon – Tells her it was young, fun but a little shrieky in the middle.

*******************
Chris Richardson
“Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying”

I Say – I like it. He sings it in his own style but is still faithful to the original melody. I really like it. The kid’s so nice and I just want him to do well. I think he’ll get high marks from the judges. This is by far the best I’ve heard him sing so far.

Randy – Says it showed a different side to him, was in-tune and deems it his best vocal.
Paula – Calls the performance sexy and charming.
Simon – Tells him it was his best performance ever because of the control he showed…then Simon completely stumps me and says he never heard the song before—- what?! Are you kidding? It’s a Gerry and the Pacemakers classic! How can a forty-something Brit not know that song? Geez! This Chicago-born thirty-something knows it…

*******************
Stephanie Edwards
“You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me”

I Say – I love this song and Dusty Springfield, so I’m going to have high expectations. Yikes, after the big dramatic opening, she needs a really big note and she’s singing it timidly instead, That’s the totally wrong approach to this song. As the song builds, she gets worse – a bit squeaky and very lethargic. I don’t like it at all and I’m surprised. I would have thought she could ace this one but she really stunk up the joint.

Randy – Says it was pitchy.
Paula – Tells her she picked a great song and an awesome outfit but she lacked the spirit she normally has.
Simon – Says that it was a bit night-clubby and she’s losing her edge and raw passion.

*******************
Blake Lewis
“Time Of The Season”

I Say – This song gives him an excuse to do all of his spitting and beatboxing. He sounds okay but there’s far too many people on background vocals. We can’t really tell if he hits the high note because of the loud ladies in back. And then he does his little spitting interlude, and I’m hating him again. I can’t take much more of this guy. I used to appreciate his vocals but now he’s just become a cartoon of himself.

Randy – Calls the performance cool, vibey and edgy and gives him props for making an old song sound contemporary.
Paula – Tells him he raised the bar and that he could release that song.
Simon – Says it was a million times better than last week and that it’s the strongest performance so far tonight (WHAT?! Chris Richardson was much better…I disagree.)

*******************
LaKisha Jones
“Diamonds Are Forever”

I Say – Didn’t realize this was considered a British Invasion song. We got to see LaKisha go back and forth trying to decide if she should do this song or “You’re My World.” I think she made the wrong choice selecting the James Bond classic. She doesn’t sing it badly but it just does nothing to show her range. It was just okay to me.

Randy – Says it was alright but didn’t blow him out of the water.
Paula – Tells her she picked the right song and calls her a smart lady for picking a song allowing her to wear a million dollars of diamonds.
Simon – Says it sounded like LaKisha fifty years from now and it wasn’t his favorite performance.

*******************
Phil Stacey
“Tobacco Road”

I Say – This seems like an odd choice for him. It’s much more rock than any of his earlier performances. Again, the background vocals are far too loud. I just don’t get this performance. There’s not much opportunity to highlight his ability to sing really pretty songs. He’s one of the only guys left who could do that but instead of showing us that, he picked this dud. How bizarre.

Randy – Says he really let it all hang out and calls it a pretty good performance.
Paula – Tells him it was a good song choice but notes some pitchy parts.
Simon – Calls it a third division bar band performance and says he doesn’t have the grit in his voice to pull off that song. He tells him he’s vulnerable (and this time, I agree with Simon).

*******************
Jordin Sparks
“I Who Have Nothing”

I Say – This is a really big song, so I hope she can pull it off. I really like this girl. She has a real vulnerability in the song and she knows just when to be quiet and when to belt it out. I love this performance. I actually got goosebumps from that last part. She’s acing this one and it’s by far the best of the evening. I would completely buy that song. Melinda and LaKisha had better look out.

Randy – Calls it a controlled, great performance and one of the best of the night.
Paula – Says her age doesn’t matter, she’s just a wonderful performer.
Simon – Tells her she sang it beautifully but that the song was so depressing.

*******************
Sanjaya Malakar
“You Really Got Me”

I Say – This is such a bizarre performance. We get to see this one kooky kid in the audience crying over him. Clearly, this is why he’s still in the competition. This version is just so horribly bad that I keep forgetting that this is the same timid guy from last week. What took over this little twerp’s body? It’s the coolest thing I’ve seen him do yet bizarre and surreal all in one. Man, what was that?

Randy – Calls it his best performance to date.
Paula – Says he went for it and it was fun to see him like this.
Simon – Tells him that the little girl’s weepy face says it all (and that has to be the funniest line all season!)

*******************
Gina Glocksen
“Paint It Black”

I Say – I’m so happy to see someone pick a Stones classic. She sounds right at home with this song. It’s one of the most fun performances of the night. This totally showcases her style and she makes it sound like a really cool contemporary rocker. I like it. I hope America does, too.

Randy – Says it was pitchy in spots and it was just alright.
Paula – Tells her that she looked like she was having fun and that it suited her.
Simon – Says there were moments of complete torture and that it was style over content…and now I know that Simon is just crazy! It sounded great…

*******************
Chris Sligh
“She’s Not There”

I Say – This is a great song and I hope he does it justice. He weaves through the audience at the start and he sounds good. It’s not the best of the night but definitely good enough to warrant some positive comments from the judges. When he reaches the high notes, he brings a nice energy to the song. I like it. (Now, he just needs to tuck in that shirt.)

Randy – Says it started off rough but it ended strong.
Paula – Tells him he’s dressing nicer and that his vocals were good.
Simon – Says he did a good job with the audience, that it showcased his personality and was fun.

*******************
Melinda Doolittle
“As Long As He Needs Me”

I Say – What an obscure little number – from the play and movie, Oliver. She sounds okay but she seems about 45 tonight and even looks it, too. This performance doesn’t pull me in but of course, she hits all of the notes. She never misses them.  And I’m laughing hysterically as they show the same crying kid who wept over Sanjaya STILL crying in the audience. The audience loves the performance and she’s clearly the fan favorite. But I still liked Jordin the best tonight.

Randy – Says it was the best vocal of the night and calls her a pro.
Paula – Tells her it was beautiful and she really told a story up there.
Simon – Says he took a very boring song absolutely sensational and he still can’t believe that she’s really that nice.

*******************
So that’s it for tonight. Who did you think really stood out the most (other than that little crying freak of a kid)? Certainly, the most unexpected performance of the night honor has to go to Sanjay and his hard-rocking sound. Only one singer gave me goosebumps tonight and that was Jordin. She so stole the show, in my opinion.

Tomorrow night, we’ll find out who’s going home. I think Phil, Haley and Stephanie are the most vulnerable. But I’d love to see Sanjaya or increasingly annoying Blake go bye-bye. We’ll find out for sure tomorrow. Stay tuned…

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To Be Exclusive Or Not

Posted Mar 20, 2007 by Wes Phillips

Updated Mar 20, 2007 at 03:52 PM

Capcom announced late Monday that it will be bringing “Devil May Cry 4” to PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PCs later this year. The series has been a PlayStation exclusive up until now. While this may excite Xbox fans, the groans you hear are those of Sony fanboys after losing another platform-exclusive AAA title. ( See: “Grand Theft Auto IV” )

Have no fear, it’s the wave of the future. In the past, when PlayStation 2 had a much larger install base than both GameCube and Xbox, exclusivity made sense. With the success of Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 the playing field is more level, so it doesn’t make financial sense for publishers to go exclusive.

Oh, you can stop smirking over there, Xbox fanboy. Your day will come. Do you think Xbox exclusives such as “Dead Rising” and “Lost Planet” will stay that way? When it comes to big business only one notion is exclusive. Profit.

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Dancing with the Stars—- 03.19.07

Posted Mar 19, 2007 by Chris Kuhn

Updated Mar 20, 2007 at 04:36 PM

I still can’t believe that this show decided to do a spring version after a big fall season and a national tour, which I caught by the way. (And if you missed that review, you can check it out here.)

A few of my favorite professional dancers are missing this season like Ashley DelGrosso and Louis van Amstel but it’s definitely an interesting bunch of celebs. Tonight’s scores from the judges and audience votes will be combined with next week’s to determine who goes home next Tuesday night. As usual, I’ll be blogging away as I watch, giving you my take as well as the wacky judges. But I get the last word (and why not?). Your comments are always welcomed here, too, so please be sure to chime in with your own opinions, okay?

Let’s get started…

————————————————————————————————————
Ian Ziering & partner Cheryl Burke
Cha-cha-cha

The former 90210’er is a perfectionist and can’t stand failing. He knows that he has the best possible partner in two-time champ Cheryl, so their success falls largely on his shoulders.

I Say:
She’s awesome as always but he’s not the most exuberant partner she’s had so far. It’s okay but I have a feeling that someone or a few someones might do better of the celebs to come. I give them a 7.

The Judges Say:
Len- Calls Cheryl a lucky little devil for getting good partners but says Ian needs a little hip action.
Bruno- Tells Ian to go see a Chippendale’s show for tips on the hips.
Carrie- Liked the energy though she was worried Ian might stress himself out.

Scores:
21 (7 across the board)

The Last Word:
I thought they might do better given the judge’s comments but it’s a pretty low number for Cheryl.

————————————————————————————————————
Paulina Porizkova & partner Alec Mazzo
Fox Trot

She’s excited about the opportunity to prove she’s outgrown that awkward stage of the young teenage girl. Yeah, right. This is coming from a former supermodel. Alec was season one’s big winner, so maybe he can help her do just that.

I Say:
She’s surprisingly flowy and graceful. I like it. It’s a bit slow but quite elegant. Definitely better than the previous performance. Give those two an 8.

The Judges Say:
Len- Loves her arms and lines but not thrilled when the two dancers come together.
Carrie – Says she has great potential but they’re a bit awkward together.
Bruno- Tells her she has breakfast, lunch and dinner at Tiffany’s and has class all the way.

Scores:
19 (Len and Carrie – 6, Bruno – 7)

The Last Word:
Man, they were harsh. They did glide along the floor nicely. What more do they want for a first week dance? Geez.

————————————————————————————————————
Billy Ray Cyrus & partner Karina Smirnoff
Cha-cha-cha

The country singer and actor calls himself a hillbilly will two left feet so it’s a good thing he has tough Karina to whip him into shape. She’s not nicknamed the drill sergeant for nothing and she did make it all the way up to second place last year.

I Say:
I thought Billy Ray would be a better dancer than he is because of his musical background but boy, was I wrong. He’s choppy, far from smooth and really doesn’t do much of anything except gyrate occasionally. Getting stuck in his partner’s hair extensions on the last move doesn’t help him either. Oy. I give them a 4.

The Judges Say:
Carrie – Says it was rock and roll but not cha-cha and tells him to go back to work.
Bruno – Calls it like watching a crazy bear lost in a swamp.
Len – Tells him it was more like a hoe-down but challenges him to do a fantastic quick-step next week.

Scores:
13 (Len and Bruno – 4, Carrie – 5)

The Last Word:
Yikes. And Billy Ray do a quick step? Are you crazy, Len? Billy will be hanging on by a thread for a week or two because of who he is, not because he deserves to stay here.

————————————————————————————————————
Leeza Gibbons & partner Tony Dovolani
Fox Trot

TV personality Leeza Gibbons knows she’s the oldest woman in the bunch but makes a good point. If Jerry Springer can do it, so can she. Partner Tony didn’t get to finish last year as Sara Evans left the competition to deal with marital problems. I wonder if he already asked Leeza about the status of her relationship, just to be safe.

I Say:
I predict that she’ll be a fan favorite unless she absolutely tanks. She’s not as sure on her feet as Paulina but she hangs in there. It’s again a little dull but not nearly as off as Billy Ray. I give them a 7.

The Judges Say:
Bruno – Instructs her to relax and says she looks like she was dancing on the edge of the grand canyon.
Len – Says she has an elegance about her but she must relax more.
Carrie – Tells her she brought the character of the dance to life but she needs to loosen up.

Scores:
15 (5 across the board)

The Last Word:
The judges are definitely not handing out the high scores tonight. Cheryl’s 21 is beginning to look pretty good.

————————————————————————————————————
Joey Fatone & partner Kym Johnson
Cha-cha-cha

The ‘N Sync singer and actor wants to lose weight throughout the process but first he has to get serious and stop joking around. We’ll see if his dancing is as funny as he is. Last year, Kym got stuck with Jerry Springer. My guess is that she’ll tolerate the constant joking.

I Say:
I’m impressed. He does an awesome job in spite of his own wardrobe malfunction – a flying microphone pack soaring behind him while he danced. Awesome job. I give it a 9.

The Judges Say:
Carrie – Calls it fun and energetic and says the competition just started.
Len – Tells him it was really good.
Bruno- Says he sold it in spite of the mike accident.

Scores:
24 (8 across the board)

The Last Word:
It’s the highest score of the night and I’m happy for him. I can tell already that he’ll be one of my favorites this year.

————————————————————————————————————
Laila Ali & partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Fox Trot

She’s a pro boxer and is tough and hard. Maksim is a tell-it-like-it-is dance coach who plans to tell her when her dancing is disgusting. Guess he wants to get punched. They’ll be in a fistfight within a few weeks, I predict already.

I Say:
She seems more relaxed than some of the others but maybe a bit too relaxed. She loses her form quite a bit, but you can tell she’s having a good time and that helps the often loose performance. I like it better than most of the other celebs but she’s no Joey Fatone. I give her an 8.

The Judges Say:
Bruno – Says her fox trot oozed sex appeal and that she commanded the stage.
Carrie – Liked her fluidity and strength.
Len – Tells her she floated like a butterfly and glided like a swan; calls it fantastic.

Scores:
23 (Len and Bruno – 8, Carrie – 7)

The Last Word:
That works for me. Just under Joey and Kym. I’ll agree with the scoring so far.

————————————————————————————————————
John Ratzenberger & partner Edyta Sliwinska
Cha-cha-cha

The actor had even less time to prepare for tonight’s performance (a mere two weeks). Edyta admits she’s more nervous than ever given the limited time. But old Cliffy Clavin’s got a great positive attitude and I’m actually rooting for the guy to surprise everybody.

I Say:
Edyta is wearing barely anything, I assume to distract the audience. He’s as good as Jerry Springer was last year and he moves pretty good for a guy who’s only had two weeks to learn this stuff.  He’s definitely better than Billy Ray Cyrus. I give him a 6.

The Judges Say:
Carrie – Calls it surprisingly good and says he was charismatic.
Len – Says for two weeks’ lead time it was a good job.
Bruno – Tells him that apart from some heel leads, it was a good job.

Scores:
17 (Carrie and Bruno – 6, Len – 5)

The Last Word:
That’s probably a fair score but I think he’ll be safe and sound unless he completely blows it next Monday.

————————————————————————————————————
Shandi Finnessey & partner Brian Fortuna
Fox Trot

This is the only couple that I don’t know at all. She’s a 2004 Miss USA and I’ve never heard of her. And Brian is a new dance partner on the show, but he has a Harry Connick quality about him. These two could be fun to watch but she may struggle to get votes due to her anonymity.

I Say:
She moves nicely on the floor but it’s not the most exciting performance I’ve seen. The crowd isn’t exactly mesmerized but something tells me that the judges (Len, particularly) will be smitten with her. I give them a 7.

The Judges Say:
Bruno – Calls them Barbie and Ken in our living room but warns her to watch her feet and arms.
Carrie – Says her upper body work was good but she needs a lot of work on the lower half.
Len – Wants a little less aggression but calls it a good effort.

Scores:
19 (Len and Carrie – 6, Bruno – 7)

The Last Word:
I think she’s going to have to get higher marks to stay in this competition because no one in their living rooms will know who the heck she is.

————————————————————————————————————
Clyde Drexler & partner Elena Grinenko
Cha-cha-cha

NBA great Clyde is a giant in every sense of the word – try 6’7” – the tallest participant in the show ever. How on Earth will these two dance together? This I’ve got to see.

I Say:
Clyde doesn’t have any real rhythm and he moves cautiously like he’s afraid he might fall on her. If he stays in the competition it will be only for the circus nature of this act. It’s like watching Goldilocks and a big Giant dance together. How bizarre. I give them a 4.

The Judges Say:
Carrie – Says he’s dancing too shy and small and encourages him to use the whole dance floor.
Len – Calls it a charming performance (what the heck was he watching?)
Bruno – Tells him it was a warm performance but he can sell it better (maybe he and Len are afraid that he’ll stomp on them or something).

Scores:
16 (Bruno and Len – 5, Carrie – 6)

The Last Word:
He should be thankful the scores were that high.

————————————————————————————————————
Heather Mills & partner Jonathan Roberts
Fox Trot

She’s being labeled a charity activist and campaigner but we all know her as that woman suing Paul McCartney for alimony. Oh and the lady with the artificial leg. Enough has been written already about how she’ll dance with it, will it fall off or fly into the crowds, etc. I’m more fascinated with the fact that she’s a much hated woman internationally for taking advantage of a beloved Beatle. Isn’t that reason enough to root against her? Isn’t it?

I Say:
She’s as fluid as some of the other celebs but clearly there are some moments that are a little choppy and stiff (understandably). I’m more bothered by the ABC cameramen who insist on giving us far too many close-ups of her leg. It’s beginning to feel creepy – as if they’re just waiting for it to fall off or something. Anyway, I give them a 7. Not bad.

The Judges Say:
Len – Liked the choreography and said it was inspirational.
Bruno – Tells her she’s gutsy but that she needs to watch her arms and frame.
Carrie – Wants her to have more faith in her partner because she clearly tenses up when she’s worrying about her leg.

Scores:
18 (6 across the board)

The Last Word:
They definitely didn’t sugarcoat it or score generously. But she’ll probably be here next week.

————————————————————————————————————
Apolo Ohno & partner Julianne Hough
Cha-cha-cha

He’s an Olympic medalist speed skater so we know he’s got endurance. I got to see Julianne this January on tour as she filled in for Kym Johnson who was out with a broken bone and she’s the youngest dance competitor ever on the show – just 18. I like her energy and I think she can help him. Unless he has no rhythm whatsoever.

I Say:
He has really good hip action and they look cute on the dance floor together. It’s a good pairing and I think I’ll be rooting for these two throughout the competition. He’s a bit stiff at times, but I see some real potential here. They’ll be in the top three for the night. I give them an 8.

The Judges Say:
Bruno – Says he’s got the most potential of everyone tonight.
Carrie – Likes his hip action but tells him to watch his turns.
Len – Tells him to work on his posture before next week’s quick step but says his cha-cha-cha gets a “well done.”

Scores:
21 (7 across the board)

The Last Word:
I think they should have scored them higher. But given the very low scores tonight, I guess they should be grateful they got that.

———————————————————————————————————
And that’s it for this evening’s first night of performances. To me, the biggest disappointment was Billy Ray Cyrus. Biggest surprise was that John Ratzenberger could dance at all - and Joey Fatone moved better than I expected.

No predictions here on who’s going home just yet since it is based on two performances. But what did you think of tonight’s show? Any favorites just yet? Already I’m looking forward to seeing Joey and Kym and Apolo and Julianne. We’ve been promised plenty of quick steps from the men and mambos from the ladies. So stay tuned…

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Splinter Cell Co-Op Theater

Posted Mar 19, 2007 by TBO.com

Updated Mar 19, 2007 at 03:39 PM

I’m reviewing “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2” this week, and it’s got some really fun co-op modes on Xbox Live. Playing those (especially when I find myself teamed up with a moron) reminded me of those hilarious “Splinter Cell Co-Op Theater” spots on G4‘s “X-Play.” You probably don’t need to have ever played “Splinter Cell” (or any other co-op shooter, for that matter) to appreciate the geeky comedy here, but it wouldn’t hurt.

Here’s my favorite episode, featuring Thor-Axe the Impaler, who never speaks in jest.

Fare thee well, you angry little gnome.

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