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Simply Wrong Food: IHOP's Holiday Pancakes
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Alice Cooper, Ace Frehley @ Nokia Theater 10/28/09
Though not exactly LA-centric, Rockstar: INXS was filmed in town. Because of that, and our unabashed obsession with the show, we're reporting on the finale.
Last night, bad boy J.D. Fortune won the opportunity to front INXS, after a very close race between Mig and Marty. We had a special place in our heart for Suzie. She was easily the best vocalist of the bunch, but it appears INXS wanted a man to front the band.
Nobody will replace the charismatic (and talented) Michael Hutchence. That being said, INXS had an opportunity to break new ground. Either Suzie or Marty would have afforded INXS an opportunity to escape the "cover band" label. Marty, especially, had a clear vision of where the band needed to go to stay relevant. Likewise, his songwriting chops shone brightly on Trees. Mig, though we loved him, was far too theatrical for the edgier INXS. That leaves us with INXS' new golden child, J.D. Fortune. Our feelings are mixed. Unlike Marty, Mig and Suzie, we're not convinced that J.D. could cut it as a soloist. However, we do think he excels at arranging songs, singing old INXS hits and fronting a band. So, while not exactly groundbreaking, his image is fresh and will breathe new life in the band. We also think he can grow into the role of frontman. Also, in a small way, we actually hoped that Marty would lose... he has a bigger solo career awaiting him. INXS may have held him back.
Our number one regret is that this little-watched show fell off the Neilson's radar. Apparently people like seeing amateurs compete (à la American Idol) rather than seasoned musicians. As far as reality series go, this was pretty solid. We look forward to hearing the new album with Fortune. Time will tell if INXS can still mystify us all.
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Though not exactly LA-centric, Rockstar: INXS was filmed in the CBS Studios in the Fairfax district.
Are you sure the above is accurate? I thought they taped at the Mayan Theatre in Downtown.
Yes, while produced at CBS, the solo performances took place at the Mayan [see the INXS site]. Thanks!
JD seems like a "E Behind the Music" waiting to happen. His ego and his "last minute effort" style will almost certainly clash with such disiplined musicians and writers. It almost seemed like from the start INXS (and JD) somehow knew who was going to win.
Of course the way they did the elliminations reminds me of a bad card trick that is supposed to amaze you when the magician picks your card from 3 piles. Hey the trick never ceases to amzae a 10 year old.
J.D. was the best fit for the band and we all know it. He's got mass appeal and that's why they chose him. He's passionate about his music. A little crazy and on edge. So was Hutch. It's clear that of the final 3 J.D. had to be the clear choice and INXS is the real winner now that they are a band again!
While I like Mig as a person he doesnt have the charisma and an "edge" that J.D has. Marty was a distant third, with or without his "crazy maestro".
BTW, we all need to see more of Brooke Burke (and her lack of wardrobe) and less of her reading the telepompter. I wonder if Carmen Electra was pissed that her hubby got the gig and she didnt.
JD is the spark that the band needs. I am looking foward to it even though I am not a huge fan of that style of music.
Coming Soon to TV: future versions of RockStar..
RockStar.AliceinChains
RockStar.TheDoors
RockStar.BlindMelon
RockStar.Nirvanna
RockStar.Janisjoplinsband
RockStar.JimmyHendrixExperience
RockStar.Sublime
Rockstar's ratings make a sequal/spin-off unlikely.
Also, Rockstar: Nirvana is just sacrilege. Perhaps one version of this show is enough.
Yikes. Wasn't suffering through Sublime the first time punishment enough?
And as for Alice in Chains, Lane Staley blew up microphones with his voice. I don't think they'll find anyone to replace him, or Jimi.
J.D. is right for the band - this is undisputed. "Pretty Vegas" is a catchy, hook ladden tune that I found myself singing. INXS can use this rockabilly infusion from JD to forge a new path, reminiscent of Iggy Pop and maybe even Social Distortion. As for Marty, he is an absolutely electric performer, and I am hoping he and the Lovehammers get some production help because that band is going to break big very soon.