Idol Envy: Top 13 Results Show

After sleeping on last night's performances and trolling the interwebs and reading what others had to say about the show, I've decided to name the following three as tonight's potential Bottom 3: Karen Rodriguez, Lauren Alaina, and Paul McDonald (I think he's safe and won't be in the bottom 2). Am I right? Let's watch and see....

8:02 pm So, we learn the Judge's Save is back this year, and if they use it tonight will be a shocker. Musical guests are Dirty Diddy Money and Adam Lambert

Now on to a video rubbing it in to all those cut last week. The tour of their Beverly Hills Mansion sponsored by Ford (that pool table was sweet though).

Oh look the first Idol group performance of the season. A tribute to Michael Jackson, and here's the interesting things I noticed with this performance
- For Scotty having such a deep voice, why could I not hear him??
- Karen sounds ten times better, but is still in trouble from last night.
- Stefano please go home, that was bad I'm switching him for Paul.
- Naima & James were awesome

8:13pm And now the Ford Focus commercial were the kids get to practice their lip syncing skills

8:15pm Hello Amanda Seyfried, you go push your movie

8:16pm More push to have us see the Twilight inspired Red Riding Hood, which I will probably end up seeing.

8:18pm okay down to business for the week.
Ryan calls Jacob, Karen, and Stefano to the center of the stage. If only one is in the bottom, Karen's performance was probably the worst of the three so my guess is Karen, but I hope it's Stefano.

8:21pm As I thought Karen is revealed to be one of tonight's bottom 3

8:22pm Adam Lambert after a word from our sponsors

8:26pm And we are back. Welcome back Adam. Aftermath is one of the few songs I enjoyed from his album (overall wasn't totally in love with it). But I did love this performance.

8:30pm I love it when Ryan flirts with Adam

8:35pm Can we get this show rolling?? Okay, Lauren, Ashton, and Hayley are called. Of the three, Lauren probably had the weakest performance going first is not always a good thing especially on a 2 hour show. I am liking the fact she's admitting she made a mistake and thank you Ryan for not dragging it out (Lauren is safe). So, I hope Ashton is in the bottom because I did like Hayley more.

8:40pm Ashton & Hayley are in the bottom, and everyone else is safe. I feel cheated now that was too fast. Stupid two musical guest cutting in on my nervous Idol time. Anyway, last night I had guessed Karen and Ashton were in trouble and I was right. But of my choices for tonight's bottom three I was 1 for 3.

8:45pm Diddy Dirty Money performance, this I could have done without.

8:55pm Okay who's going home... Not Karen (I thought it was gonna be her)... Not Hayley so it's Ashton!!

8:56pm Ashton is given another chance and has decided to sing Diana Ross again and it sounds worse tonight for some reason. This is your time to shine, this performance was so dim. If the judges use the save tonight they are stupid, it's way to soon in the competition and besides America did not vote her through last week for a reason.

8:57pm Song is done and onto the Judge's

8:58pm The judge's final answer is... Not to use the save

8:59pm Here is Ashton's final montage and David Cook's rendition of the classic Simple Minds hit "Don't You Forget About Me"

IDOL ENVY IS BACK!!!

That's right kids, I'm back. And just in time for this week's Top 13 performance. Now, I did watch last week's results show and got a chance to listen to the "wild cards" sing and honestly the only one that caught my attention was Naima. So with a fresh ear, I'll be giving you all my thoughts on the lucky 13.

This week's theme was to sing a song by the contestants personal Idol, let's see how they did.

Lauren Alaina
Idol: Shaina Twain & Song: Any Man of Mine
Not the best way to start the show, it was kinda karaokeish. I think You're Still the One would have been a better song to sing since that song would have showcased her tone. If Lauren does stick around she will need to take it to the next level, a pretty voice only gets you so far in this competition.

Casey Abrams
Idol: Joe Crocker & Song: A Little Help From My Friends
I'm not a fan of the beard, but I can overlook that since you gave a damn fine performance. Casey is a natural on the stage and has great charm/charisma. A very solid performance, Lauren dear, I'd be worried.

Ashton Jones
Idol: Diana Ross & Song: When You Tell Me You Love Me
I'm gonna be honest, Ashton did not wow me last week with her version of And I'm Telling You and tonight was the same. She's trying to hard to give us Diva, honey just sing. Yes she has great stage presence, a lovely voice and can hit a Power Note when she needs to, but her lower registry is just so/so. There is a good chance she'll stick around but not quite sure just how long.

Paul McDonald
Idol: Ryan Adams & Song: Come Pick Me Up
Okay Paul, I'm not a fan of Ryan Adams and I'm pretty sure most of Middle America has no clue has who he is too, so I'm gonna be worried about this week.
The pros: very nice and unique voice; looked great; he's different
The cons: boring performance

Pia Toscano
Idol: Celine Dion & Song: All By Myself
You know there are certain songs and singers you get tired of hearing butchered of shows that this and Celine is probably number 1 on that list. I will say Pia sang it well but to me there was nothing new brought to the song. Again, Power Notes were her friends and she will most likely return next week.

James Durbin
Idol: Paul McCarthy & Song: Maybe I'm Amazed
I believe I found my Idol crush for the season, what a freaking cutie!
And he can SING!! A boy after my own heart. This was a solid performance and yes, he is this season's Adam Lambert (which isn't a bad thing). James is very diverse and am looking forward to what he'll do next. Oh, and I totally loved when he smiled and winked at the camera, swoooooon!

Hayley Reinhart
Idol: LeAnne Rimes & Song: Blue
I mentioned earlier about Power Notes and how some of these ladies rely heavy on them, while Hayley here doesn't need to. This girl can sing and I was loving the roughness/scruffiness in her throat. Great tone.
Randy said he thought the song was sleepy, my response, take a nap!

Jacob Lusk
Idol: R. Kelly & Song: I Believe I Can Fly
Here's another one of those Idol song that seem to pop up every year at some point in the competition, but Jacob did try to make it his own. He started off a little shakey but found his footing. Man, this boy has a crazy range and can give Ashton and Pia a run for their money in the Power Note department. Best day in church ever!

Thia Megia
Idol: Michael Jackson & Song: Smile
What Thia has going for her is an amazing tone that is beautifully showcased when she goes Acapella. She has a lot of potential and will do well. But I do believe the pressures of this show is going to take a toll on her sooner rather than later. You saw last week when she was getting her results how shaken up she was and again tonight in her post performance interview her nerves were showing. Being 15 and on a competition like this is never a good combination.

Stefano Langone
Idol: Stevie Wonder & Song: Lately
Again, I wasn't blown away with his "wild card" performance from last week and didn't think he should have been given a spot. So, with that said I think he'll make it through because he did an okay job with the song and was hitting those Power Notes. I do think the dance beat was out of place and I was not surprised when Jennifer praised his performance.

Karen Rodriguez
Idol: Selena & Song: I Could Fall In Love
Chicana Pride! When I heard she was doing Selena I kinda wanted her to sing Bidi Bidi Bom Bom; maybe she won't have struggled so much. There were a lot of problems with the performance and honestly was not feeling it at all, she's gonna be in trouble.

Scotty McCreety
Idol: Garth Brooks & Song: The River
His voice kinda freaks me out, damn that is DEEP! His voice aside, Scotty gave a very solid performance. He is country all the way and I am not the demographic that will be calling in for me.

Naima Adedapo
Idol: Rihanna & Song: Umbrella
Okay, I'm super surprised that Rihanna is her Idol. That aside, the song was pitchy. but I so enjoyed it. Loved the dance moves, loved the Jamaican rap in the middle, and I loved the energy that she was giving us. It ended the show nicely. Whether she makes it through will be up to you America!

Okay kids, final thoughts are that the Guys brought their A game tonight. Like every season song choice is always key, why can't they remember that??

I can see the following in danger to go home tomorrow: Paul, Stefano, Ashton, Lauren A, and Karen.

My precious votes went to James and Naima!

ENVY OUT!

Ear Candy: Favorite Albums of 2010 part 2

And now the rest...


#10: GLEE!
Come on, did you honestly think I'd skip the goodness of Glee?? Not only did the show release 3 full length albums last year, (Glee the Music vol. 3 & 4 and The Christmas Album) we were also treated to 3 EP's for the episode's The Power of Madonna, The Journey to Regionals, and The Rocky Horror Glee Show. Now, if you love the show these soundtracks are a must, but like the show, not everyone will enjoy you blasting these songs over the loud speaker on repeat. Now some of my favorite songs to sing along too didn't make it on these soundtracks, but can be easily downloaded via Itunes/Amazon. Chris Colfer's version of Le Jazz Hot will not disappoint.


#09. Rihanna: Loud
Rihanna's Loud brings her back to the Pop world with a bang, as much as I enjoyed her last release, Rated R, it's nice to see/hear a softer Rihanna. Don't get me wrong, the girl still has some edge and can be a bit naughty, as seen in the track S & M, which starts the album. Besides having some pop gems like Only Girl in the World and What's My Name, we're treated to a reggae infused Man Down and a more Rihanna centric version of Emenim's Love the Way You Lie, which brings this release to its close.


#08. Blood Red Shoes: Fire Like This
This listing is dedicated to my gal pal, Tamara. If it wasn't for her, I would not have discovered the Blood Red Shoes or got the chance to see them perform this past October. Fire like This is the duo's (Laura Mary Carter & Steven Ansell's - he's such a cutie, oh how I heart me English boys) sophomore release and is the perfect mix of modern and classic rock. Both band mates do their fare share of vocals, as heard on these Ear Candy worthy tracks: Heartsink, When We Wake, Don't Ask, Light It Up, and One More Empty Chair.


#07. Simon Curtis: 8Bit Heart
I did a little post on Simon Curtis a while back when his self-produced album 8Bit heart was originally released. I loved it then and am still loving it now. Major props to Mr. Curtis, not only does he have an amazing voice with a killer range, he's uber talented and is a force to be reckoned with. 8Bit Heart is a perfect pop album filled with beats that will get your ass moving. Personal favorites: Delusional, Beat Drop, Super Psycho Love, and the title track 8Bit Heart. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this guy.


#06. Zac Poor: Let's Just Call It Heartbreak
Not only is Zac Poor very easy on the eyes (can you say swoon?), but on the ears as well. I fell in love with his voice when I first heard She'll Be Hearting Hearts, which is an amazing good pop song, but he also can makes me melt, especially while listening to Silver Screens. Let's Just Call it Heartbreak is a 7 track EP which perfectly showcases his voice/range. If you're able to track this disc down, it's a must to own (I purchased mine through Itunes, but it has mysteriously disappears from their databases???) My other faves from the disc are I Don't Wanna Be Alone Tonight and Meet Me By the Stairs. Like Simon Curtis, Zac Poor has a very very bright future ahead.

IT'S THE TOP 5, BITCHES!!!!


#05. Scissor Sisters: Night Work
Thank you Scissor Sisters for returning to your Disco Pop roots! Night Work is pure gooey pop fun, filled with tons of fucking rhinestones! This is one of those albums that just gets better with each new listen, I discover new favorites every time. Jake Shears is a force of energy that will not be tamed. Key tracks for your listening pleasure: Invisible Light, Skin Tight, Fire With Fire, Sex & Violence, and Whole New Way.


#04. Goldfrapp: Head First
Allison Goldfrapp, I love you! Head First is a nostalgic trip back to the era of leg warmers, head bands, neon colors, and blue eye shadow called the 80's; filled with synthpop beats that give you those feel good feeling only the songs on 1984 can give you. It's like listening to a soundtrack from a cheesy teen comedy where the only saving grace was the music. Do you feel me? Head First is filled with wonderful gems including Rocket, Dreaming, Believer, Alive, and it's title track, Head First.


#03. Janelle Monae: The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monae is a breath of fresh air, I say this because I feel every song on the radio of late sounds identical, with the same auto tuned voice singing to the same backing beat. So it was nice to actually hear an artists voice and Janelle Monae has a beautiful one, which she uses to bring you into the futuristic world of Cybergals and star cross lovers she's created for The Chase Suite (the overall concept for this album and her previous EP Metropolis). I miss concept albums. The ArchAndroid showcases just how talented Janelle Monae is, tracks that are worth a listen; Wondaland, Mushrooms & Roses, Tightrope, Locked Inside, Cold War, and Sir Greendown.


#02. The Limousines: Get Sharp
Get Sharp is a wild ride (get it, cause they are called The Limousines... oh forget it), taking the listener on an emotional journey. From start to finish this album does not disappoint. The album could be broken into two halves (Side A and B), with Side A on the "lighter side"; yes, I do see the irony in this with a song like Dancing at her funeral as track 2. But take a track like Very Busy People, here we find a perfect example of what I'm talking about, the entire song is about getting together and enjoying the friends you have and the new people you will meet along the way. And Side B is a little darker and harder, as you can hear on songs like Get Sharp, Fine Art, and my personal favorite Swrdswllngwhr (wishing well). These later tracks channel the New-Wave, Electro-Pop goodness my goth heart craves. So, whatever your mood calls for Get Sharp is the perfect disc to ease you through the day.

and my favorite album of 2010 goes to...
MARINA & THE DIAMONDS: THE FAMILY JEWELS


It's no surprise that Marina and the Diamonds got the number 1 spot, since discovering her I've listened to this album countless times and have forced many people to listen along with me. Marina and the Diamonds' debut album The Family Jewels is an amazing piece of pop music. I loved it after the first listen and still love it with now with my (infinity number) listen. Marina has an amazing voice, it's beautiful and mesmerizing as displayed on these jewels; Mowgli's Road, I Am Not a Robot, Oh No!, Hollywood, and Rootless (this track is only available on the deluxe version). If you are lucky enough to see her perform live, you will not be disappointed. Marina is an amazing live performer.

Until next time, Envy Out!

Ear Candy: Favorite Albums of 2010 part 1

Now that we're two weeks into the new year, I find this to be the perfect time to start my list of the albums I overplayed, warn out, and annoyed everyone I know with. Now without further ado here is The Haus of Envy's favorite albums of 2010 part 1 #20-#11.



#20. TIE: The Vampire Diaries Soundtrack & Twilight Saga: Eclipse Soundtrack
Vampires were big this year (really when aren't they big?) and these two soundtracks found there way into my collection, damn them for having some amazing songs.
Personal favorite: (VD) Goldfrapp's We Radiate
Personal favorite: (TSE) Florence & the Machine's Heavy In Our Arms (this song by the way was my absolute favorite song of 2010).


#19. Karen Elson: The Ghost Who Walks
This was one of those albums that I picked up, enjoyed, but never really came back to. The title track is haunting and beautiful and worth taking a listen too.



#18. V.V. Brown: Travelling Like the Light
British Pop/Soul singers have become the rage the past few years and V.V. Brown is one to watch out for. Travelling like the light is a fun ride, check out the following ear candy delights: Back in Time, Game Over, and Shark in the Water. I'd also recommend tracking down her amazing cover of The Smith's classic This Charming Man.


#17. Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday
Anyone who knows me, knows that Hip-Hop/Rap is not a genre I frequent in, so I was pleasantly surprise to find myself picking up Pink Friday. Honestly, I didn't think I was gonna like it at all, but by the second go around I found myself enjoying Ms. Minaj, she's quite the character. Her voice is beautiful and hard, my favorite tracks include Save Me, Your Love, Fly, Check it Out, and Blazin'.


#16. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Soundtrack
If you loved the movie, the soundtrack was a must have, an awesome collection of new and old. Plus, I got my first listen to the band Blood Red Shoes with their amazing rock track It's Getting Boring by the Sea and Metric's version of The Clash at Demonhead's song, Black Sheep, is an must have download too.


#15. Neon Trees: Habits
I love me bands with a heavy new-wave influence and the Neon Trees definitely channel the 80's bands I love. This 8 track EP is filled with some great gems, that you will easily find yourself humming along too. Ear Candy goodness includes, Animal, Boys & Girls in School, In the Next Room, 1983, and Calling My Name (the later was a free download if the disc was purchased through Hot Topic)


#14. Robyn: Body Talk
Robyn, had quite the year. She released 3, yes 3, albums throughout the year, all of which are amazing pop albums. Her latest release Body Talk brings together the best tracks from her previous two albums (Body Talk pt. 1 & 2) with 5 brand new tracks. Your body will be moving along to the beat. Tracks that will get you moving: Dancing on my Own, Hang with Me, U Should Know Better, and Indestructible*.
*An acoustic version is on Body Talk pt. 2, I highly recommend giving it a listen.


#13. Kylie Minogue: Aphrodite
Kylie and Pop music are two tastes that were made for each other, and Aphrodite is truly an amazing piece of pop music. From the opening tracks of All the Lovers and Get Out of My Way, through Illusion (the standout track and I'm not just saying that because it so happens to be my favorite) to the finale of Can't Beat This Feeling, Kylie takes you an a Pop ride that will bring a smile to your face.


#12. Dragonette: Mixin' to Thrill
Dragonette is one of those bands you come across and think why haven't I been listened to them? They are amazing! This past summer saw the release of Mixin' to Thrill, a remix album of the band's 2009 release Fixin' to Thrill, which once discovered was on an endless loop on my Ipod, that's how good it is. But, I digress, along with a ton of new remixes, Dragonette also included 3 new tracks (Volcano, Our Summer, and My Things) to Mixin' to Thrill and they are filled with all the electro pop goodness a kid could ask for. Two Thumbs way UP!


#11. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson: Original Cast Album
Musical theatre is one of my passions, I just can't get enough of it. So, a musical about our 7th president, Andrew Jackson (he's on the $20, people) wasn't exactly high on my list, but once I did a little research and discovered it was set to modern rock music ala Spring Awakening I was intrigued. So, how happy was I to be given this cast album as a gift this year?? Very! Now, the albums running time is around 30 minutes or so, but it's so damn good, you want to hear it again. If/when this show starts touring I'll be line buying up seats and you should be too.

Check back later for #10-#1
~ Envy Out

So This is X-Mas

Christmas, it's one of those holidays that can bring people together, ruin relationships, and expose all that dirt you've been hiding the past year. Expectations can be a real bitch. So, to help me unwind and de-stress I listen to a crap ton of holiday music, yes, My name is Harry Envy and I love Christmas Music!!

For the last few years I've created mixes that infuse traditional holiday music, modern pop and rock, campy and over the top, and random stuff that I enjoy. So, without further ado here's my 2010 edition of "So this is X-Mas!"

Chris Colfer & Darren Criss: Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Rihanna: It Just Don’t Feel Like X-Mas (Without You)
Something Corporate: Forget December
Owl City: Peppermint Winter
Pet Shop Boys: It Doesn’t Often Snow at Christmas
Lenka: All My Bells Are Ringing
Neon Trees: Wish List
Gatsby’s American Dream: Christmastime is Here
Alvin & the Chipmunks: Hang Up Your Stockings
Kay Starr: (Everybody’s Waiting For) The Man with a Bag
Loretta Lynn: Country Christmas
The Killers: Boots
The Carpenters: Merry Christmas, Darling
Miss Piggy: Santa Baby
Guster: Tiny Christmas Tree
Sense Field: Happy X-Mas (War is Over)
MXPX: Christmas Night of the Zombies
The Supremes: Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Little Jackie: Mrs. Claus Ain’t Got Nothin’ on Me
RuPaul: I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus
Dolly Parton: Winter Wonderland
Britney Spears: My Only Wish (This Year)
ABBA: Little Drummer Boy
Glee: The Most Wonderful Day of the Year

And because I enjoyed my previous year's mixes, here they are for your amusement.

2009 Edition:
Berlin Symphony Orchestra: Nutcracker Suite Baz Kutz Break Mix
Lady GaGa: Christmas Tree
Ike & Tina Turner: Merry Christmas Baby
Queen: Thank God It’s Christmas
T-Rex: Christmas Bop
Carla Thomas: Gee Whiz It’s Christmas
The Waitresses: Christmas Wrapping
Alana Allen: Turkey Lurkey Time
RuPaul: Santa Baby
Twisted Sister: White Christmas
MXPX: Christmas Day
Glee: Last Christmas
Leighton Meester: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Selena Gomez & the Scene: Winter Wonderland
Rita Faye Wilson: Sleigh Bells, Reindeer, and Snow
Owl City: Christmas Song
Harry Connick Jr.: When My Heart Finds Christmas
Gayla Peevey: I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
Trisha Yearwood: Reindeer Boogie
Patti Page: Boogie Woogie Santa Claus
Reba Mcentire: Up on the Housetop
Loretta Lynn: A Gift of the Blues
Kermit the Frog: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

2008 Edition:
Big Dee Irwin & Little Eva: I Wish You a Christmas
The Wombats: Is This Christmas
The Killers: Don’t Shoot Me Santa
Twisted Sister: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
The Kinks: Father Christmas
Rogue Wave: Christmas
Siddal: In the Bleak Midwinter
Weezer: The Christmas Song
Alvin & the Chipmunks: Sleigh Ride
Ray Anthony & the Bookends: Christmas Kisses
Carrie Underwood: Last Christmas
Elton John: Step Into Christmas
Loretta Lynn: To Heck With Ole Santa Claus
Ian Moore: It Just Don’t Seem Like Christmas
RuPauk: You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
Band Aid: Do They Know It’s Christmas
Sugar Ray: Little Saint Nick
Fountains of Wayne: I Want an Alien for Christmas
London After Midnight: The Christmas Song
Vanessa Carlton: Greensleeves
Phantom Planet: Winter Wonderland
Kay Starr: I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (STUHR Remix)

2007 Edition:
London Festival Orchestra: Carol of the Bells Starchild Excalibur Remix
Spice Girls: Christmas Wrapping
Paul McCarteny: Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas
Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Christmas Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)
Jimmy Eat World: Last Christmas
Jon Bon Jovi: Please Come Home for Christmas
Sheryl Crow: Blue Christmas
The Raveonettes: The Christmas Song
Blink 182: I Won’t Be Home for Christmas
Stand Still: I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Clause
The Ramones: Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)
The Killers: A Great Big Sled
The Pretenders: 2000 Miles
Eurythmics: Winter Wonderland
Kylie Minogue: Santa Baby
RuPaul: All Alone on Christmas
Kelly Clarkson: My Grown Up Christmas List
Death Cab for Cutie: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Smashing Pumpkins: Christmas time
Twisted Sister: Oh Come All Ye Faithful
Love Spirals Downwards: Welcome Christmas
The Cruxshadows: Happy X-Mas (War is Over)

Happy Holidays from the Haus of Envy

I want to Hear You SCREAM!

When it comes to Horror franchises, A Nightmare on Elm Street is the one that I hold closest to my black heart, but a very close second is Scream. So, how excited am I that Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven have teamed up again to reunite Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and David Arquette with my favorite stalker, Ghostface Killer, for an all new chapter in the Scream mythos?? Words can not describe my joy. The following trailer first premiered at this years Spike Scream Awards, enjoy!



And yes, that was Anna Paguin and Kristen Bell! Rumor has it that these ladies will have the honor of being this films infamous first kill, all the more reason to mark 4/15/11 on your calendars. I'll be there opening night, will you??

~ Harry Envy

What was your favorite book as a child?

I read a lot as a child and honestly can't pin down one book that I would call my favorite, but will note that R.L. Stine's Fear Street Series was my favorite book series will in junior high and high school. I heart horror, no matter of good or bad it be and this series certainly had some bad moments.

Ask me anything