Favorite recordings: Casey Abrams–I think it’s tough to do jazz justice in a minute thirty. The recorded version is outstanding and so much better than the shortened live arrangement. I usually hate the way the producers record Paul McDonald’s voice, but it sounds decent this week. Haley Reinhart does some nice vocal work on “Call Me”
- American Idol 10 – Top 8 Compilation – $5.99 – iTunes
- Paul McDonald – “Old Time Rock and Roll” – Pretty much like everything about this–the arrangement, the way Paul’s voice is recorded, the live feel. The live performance felt all over the place. iTunes
- Lauren Alaina – “The Climb” – This is a’ight. Lauren has some great pipes, but she lacks confidence and self-possession. But that’s ok. She’s only 16 – iTunes
- Stefano Langone – “End of the Road” – I don’t even know what to say about this. I can’t get into these corny R&B joints. Not my thing. I know it’s kind of a staple of the style, but when Stefano began toward the end, I laughed out loud – iTunes
- Scotty McCreery – “I Cross My Heart” – Beyond mentioning Scotty’s great recording voice, I got nothing. Scotty’s been covering his heroes for years, but he’s not at the point yet where he brings something original to the proceedings. – iTunes
- Casey Abrams – “Nature Boy” – Casey’s vocal is gorgeous, musical, compelling. LOVES IT. – iTunes
- Haley Reinhart – “Call Me” – Haley’s take on “Call Me” is not a rip off of the great Deborah Harry. Vocally, she has her moments here, revealing the kind of vocalist she’ll be with a more experience. – iTunes
- Jacob Lusk – “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Jacob’s quivering vibrato bugs the hell out of me. He ain’t got nothin’ on Aretha. Just sayin’ – iTunes
- James Durbin – “Heavy Metal” – James has a massive metal voice. If Idol doesn’t offer him a recording contract, he can join the cast of Rock of Ages, or front a metal tribute band. Seriously – iTunes
