The Friends of Taylor Hicks
In today's Beacon Journal I have a contemplation of Taylor Hicks that you can find here.
You can read reactions from Hicks fans, including one that caught me in an error, after the jump …
First, the error note:
Wow…..your article may have more impact if you would take the time to do some research, instead of just giving us your opinions, based on…..well, your opinions.
BTW…it was a tornado hit Alabama…not a hurricane…back to the drawing boards!
(I both did research and offered opinion. But the tornado/hurricane mistake was a bonehead move and I plan to correct it in tomorrow's Beacon Journal.) On to another letter:
Read your column today on Taylor Hicks. I understand your take on Hicks: it’s the American Idol take on him. And you’re a pop culture guy. But Taylor Hicks is definitely not the guy you saw on Idol. He’s not even the guy you see on much of that new album, of course. About ½ of it is representative of him, and the rest is Clive Davis. This will not come as a surprise, of course.
I sincerely hope you’ll attend Taylor’s show and see for yourself. I challenge you to come out of that show and see how many of your preconceived notions hold up! To quote Bucky Covington, “If you haven’t seen Taylor Hicks live, you haven’t seen Taylor Hicks.”
Another letter:
Everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion but I think you are entirely off the mark as far as Taylor Hicks is concerned. First of all, have you even listened to his self-titled CD, Taylor Hicks? I venture to say the answer is "no". Taylor has so much passion and emotion in his music and when he performs. I don't know how you can say "he is boring". He is truly a unique individual. Yes, he sings many "cover songs" during his show. Every show is uniquely different. He does not sing the same songs night after night. He is very versatile in his song selection and performance. What I like about Taylor is that he is modernizing the old-style music. Yes, he does appeal to the "boomer" generation because of this approach. I have not listened to the radio since the early 90's because what is being produced is "garbage" - in my opinion. Bring back the songs that actually have a tune & you can understand the words. Words that do not promote violence and are not sexually explicit.
Taylor's career is moving slow & steady. His career will endure all the negative press you guys want to dish out. Taylor knows where he is going and yes, the Soul Patrol is following right behind him.
I'm sorry that you do not appreciate good music when you hear it. It's your loss. "Cut the guy some slack" as he says in Heaven Knows.
(I did listen to the CD. More than once, in fact.) Moving on to other letters:
Another Daughtry fan I see — It is sad you to not want to experience the magic that is Taylor Hicks in a live concert. Your loss!
And:
It's a shame there can't be anything of value to Hillbilly Americans other than pop idols or country music. Terrible review of an excellent concert!!
(For the record, it wasn't a review. It was an analysis in advance of a local performance.)
I have read your article on Taylor Hicks and my only comment is go see him in concert, stay until the end, and then write your article. It will carry much more credibility and it just may be surprised at what your find. After you see him perform you are still not a fan so be it….It takes many different artists and fans to make the world go round.
Another letter:
The person you describe is not the Taylor Hicks that is selling out venues all over the country to rave reviews (yours notwithstanding).
I saw his concert in Knoxville and at the Ryman in Nashville. He is an unparalleled live performer! Those attending both concerts were mesmerized.
Have you seen Taylor live in concert? If not, you should–he is so much better than you describe. Here's how someone who saw him in Milwaukee last night described him:
"I hate to even mention this, but I couldn't help feeling last night that Taylor was the most legit thing ever to come out of idol and ever will be. He’s just truly in another league…. Somewhere in a musical galaxy far, far away…."
By the way, love his album.
Here's some detail about Hicks's live show:
Taylor Hicks and band set list for Milwaukee - March 28, 2007
(Too bad he doesn't have anything in his bag of tricks)
Soul Thing, tag: Night Life (Willie Nelson)
Give Me Tonight
Hell Of A Day
Wherever I Lay My Hat, tag: Nightshift (The Commodores)
tag: He Stopped Loving Her Today (George Jones), tag: Chain Gang (Sam Cooke)
Heart and Soul, tag: Can't Trust Your Neighbor (Johnnie Taylor), tag:Brown Eyed Handsome Man (Chuck Berry)
Just To Feel That Way
Gonna Move tag: Harlem/Cold Baloney (Bill Withers),tag: Movin On Up (Ja’net DuBois/Jeff Barry),
The Deal
Going Mobile
Dream Myself Awake
Heaven Knows tag: Ain’t That Peculiar (Marvin Gaye), segue into…
The Maze tag: Rough God Goes Riding (Van Morrison) w/scatting with Brian G., tag: Mystic Church (Van Morrison), tag: Let’s Get It On (Marvin Gaye)
The Right Place
The Runaround
Encore:
Badge
*******************************************************************************
Damn! This man needs to learn some music - it is different every venue. At this rate he may run out of things to sing. Man you need to drop your Idol fixation/frustration.
Please do not write about what you do not know - it is extremely aggravating, unfair and just plain, uh, unprofessional.
Another letter:
Why couldn't you say, Taylor's music is not my taste? Why couldn't you say his moving (he calls it dancing) does nothing for me? But, no, you have to degrade and say cruel things to get attention. How about-isn't it great that so many of the finalists from season 5 are doing so well. There's something to be said for all of them and their individual styles.
By the by, I am not a "granny voter" and take umbrage at that term. You seem to feel it is acceptable to malign anyone. I'd feel sorry for you, if you didn't take to much joy in being hurtful.
And more:
Regarding your review of Taylor Hicks I have one question.
Have you EVER been to a TH concert?
TH commands the band - not vice versa - with a hand gesture, a glance, a change of position on the stage. It is part of the "artistry" of seeing this group live. It is called performing (not stand behind a mic and sing or do the "boy band" choreographed dance crap that has sufficed for performing.)
The audience is not "grannies" but a diverse mix of ages from families with 6 - 7 year-olds, tweens, teens, and on up. Sure there are older people there as well. Are they not allowed to find some music they enjoy for a change? I love seeing the older couples at a concert. I love seeing a parent/parents bring their kids to a concert. I love seeing the twelve year-old boys in line at the bus waiting for an autograph on a guitar.
You, sir, do not "get" Taylor Hicks. It is all about the music and the performance for all ages. He never said it was about anything else.
Is music only for the pierced, tattooed, gangsta groups who want to be screamed at? Not any more! Ha! Not any more!
It seems you are reaching for something to write without knowing your subject. You really need some "hands on" observation to write an informed article.
(I haven't seen him in concert. I did see every performance on "American Idol" and,as I said, listened to the CD. I stand by my opinion. But here's one more letter so you know I don't mind letting fans have their say…)
You have to know that if you use the term "granny" votes, you're setting yourself up for tons of mail! (And to be honest, I'm a 54 yr. old granny!)
But, I'm not going to rag on you! It's just that when we read something like "Hicks too often lets the song control him" or "As a singer he has no character", that it's almost impossible not to respond!
You've either got to be kidding - or you have not seen the man perform live! And if you haven't seen Taylor on stage, performing the songs you think control him - then you should! When you do, write another column. If your opinion hasn't changed, and you can honestly say (with a straight face) that Taylor has no character as a singer, then we can just chalk it up to the old "different strokes" cliche.
If you don't see him perform, but continue to write such lame comments about such a passionate, talented artist, then shame on you.
Another letter:
That is the most negative review I've ever seen for Taylor.
Almost every review I have read on his live shows are overwhelmingly
positive. I think you ought to take in one of his shows. I do like his
CD but his arrangements in the live shows are more stripped down and
may be more to your liking. His two independent CD's may be more to
your liking also. Check them out. I really think Taylor is going to be
around for a long time.
(I may post some more letters later; they're still coming in. Since I have had some trouble sending e-mails on my work account, I have telephoned some of the writers and have sent a general thank-you to www.graycharles.com. We may disagree on this, but I appreciate people taking the time to let me know how they feel.)
March 29th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
I have seen Taylor in concert once and will be attending another show next week.He is the most incredible performer I have seen in the last twenty years. I can only describe his performance as electric,he is on fire through the whole show.His vocals are spectacular and you can understand every word of every song. He gives 100% and leaves you wanting more.What else is it that you expect from a performer? I will guarantee you,if you attend his concert you will leave with a much different opinion of Taylor Hicks! My husband who was not a huge fan of Taylor's was blown away by him live! Before it was me who couldn't stop talking about how great he is ,now it's my husband.Go see him and then write another review,I bet it will be totally the opposite of this one!
March 29th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
If you possibly can, go to the concert tonight! You really need to do that. Then write a "review."
March 29th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Please…please…go to his concert…
A recording on a CD does not make a performer…we all know how studio technology can enhance many performers vocals (can make scooby doo sound like Christina A.). The true review comes from live performances….that tells the story (if they don't lip sync)……go for…..I think you need to be taylorized….
March 29th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Well I'll have to say that I loved Taylor Hicks on the show, and he is a mighty powerful live performer. By god, he is an outstanding musician and band leader.
But….I don't like "Taylor Hicks" at all. It's just not the Taylor I grew to love. It's a watered down CD full of cheese-pop tunes (excepting his originals and The Right Place) and the production is less than stellar. I hope his next offering reflects more of who Taylor Hicks is as a musician and lyricist. "Got my degree in cryin'?" Please.
March 29th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
I believe you have a little case of Mc-Feeever…. You can not possibly think that Cat is anywhere near the performer that Mr. Hicks is. I am a guy…and she is cute…has a good voice…but so does every woman in the Miss USA pageant…doesn't mean they are the next music legend…not saying Mr. Hicks is…but….he clearly has the "it" factor…that little something…can't put my finger on it…I think that's when you know…
March 29th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Locals headed to the Taylor Hicks' House of Blues' concert can expect to see an entertainer who possesses the zeal and commitment of a seasoned tent revivalist. Like a fine fire and brimstone preacher, Taylor holds nothing back, leaving all he’s got on stage. Night after night, the harmonica-wailing blue-eyed soul singer from Birmingham, Alabama, transcends that reality television talent show he was on last year.
By the way, the name of the Alabama town, which was hit by a tornado on March 1, was Enterprise ("The Boll Wevil Capital of the South") - and Enterprise is no where near Birmingham. It's way down in extreme south east Alabama, almost on the Florida line, above the panhandle.
I'd LOVE to talk to you after you see this man work his magic LIVE. He is the heir to James Brown's nickname as "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business." And by the way, Taylor Hicks "opened" shows for James Brown LONG before he sauntered into the cluthces of "American Idol."
Thanks for giving Taylor Hicks' fans an opportunity to respond to your review of the CD…Bless your heart.
March 29th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
I know you have received many responses to your article, all of which have been well written and articulate. I feel the need to simply state the obvious in this comment and that is…. Sir, if you didn't "feel" it when listening to Taylor, trust me it is you and not him.
March 29th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Taylor Hicks is in a leaque of his own,with a voice that reaches into the very depths of your soul,he makes you feel the music,the reaction you would expect when you listen to music.I was literally stopped in my tracks the moment I heard his voice,it is that incredible! He is reintroducing people to great music,people of all ages.Music that says something,music that you will remember twenty years from now. Once you have seen Taylor in concert you will finally get what we already know and that is that Taylor is the BOMB!! He has the amazing ability to keep each concert new and exciting.He is truely unique and a most welcome addition to the music world!
March 29th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
I think you are riding a very interesting wave here, my friend! You have inadvertently tapped into an undercurrent that may just pull you away from your original opinion. At the very least, I bet you pop on one of those eyeglass/mustache combos and check out a TH concert. You found your way to Gray Charles, so you have the means to listen to the pre-idol Under the Radar and In Your Time. As a writer, your curiosity is surely teased by all this attention! Your contemplation was legitimately based on the limited amount of prepackaged Taylor that is out there on a wide scale - I am interested to see if you dip your toe into the world of Gray Charles and see another side. You do have to weed through a small amout of "fan" behavior, but there are some keen insights going on over there. Ignore all the defensiveness and just get you hands on the cover of "Georgia" or maybe "Hold on to Your Love". Interesting, very interesting.
March 29th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Just go to his LIVE show and then if you dare to admit you are wrong..come back and give a REAL review…then, if you don't "GET IT", we can all just feel sorry for you
March 29th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Had enough? I think you're outnumbered, dude. 20 years from now you'll look back on the Taylor Hicks catalog of music and realize your gross error of judgement.
March 29th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Taylor will be at the House of Blues in Cleveland on March 31. Why not go and see what all the fuss is about? Bet you can even put it on an expense account!
It will be the best way to spend Saturday night - oh, and take a friend. Find a good spot, since it is a standing venue, and hold on to your hat!
Speaking of hats, you can buy a WHOMP hat at the souvenir kiosk. What is Whomp? Go and find out for yourself.
DARE YA!!
March 29th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
i have been to taylor concert and he is a amazing preformer.when he was on the idol tour he couldnot do his style of music he had to do what american idol told them what to do. now he is out on his on tour and he can be himself and he does make the audienceresponse to him when he is on stage. i read the article and the guy dont know what he is talking about . if you havent seen taylor in concert you are a fool. your opinion does matter to the soul patrol fan you are a idiot. that is my opinion. whatever criticssay about taylor it want change my opinion about him. he is one of a kind i am going to two more concerts this summer and his conference in september. taylor dont worry we are behind you all the way soul patrol.
March 29th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
For all of the criticism your article has received, I find it surprising that the people complaining and telling you to attend one of his concerts failed to comprehend that your comments were strictly in regards to his album. How on earth would you attending his concert change your mind
about his album? Defies reason.
While I don't agree with all of your opinions, I do think you made
some valid points. He did connect with many older people. Your use of the word "granny" is probably what caused the uproar. His album is a modern (pop) spin of old-school style. It also differs from his performances on Idol. The album is primarily filled with ballets. Its not really pop and its not really blues or R&B. Not what you would expect from the Soul man. The new spin on old isn't a perfect blend. And I agree that Taylor needs to connect with younger age groups.
My disagreement with your views is that you assessed Taylor's talent strictly on his album. I don't feel his album is a true representation of his talent. He did not have total freedom in the making of this album. And while your opinion of his album would not change if you attended one of his concerts, I think you would recognize that Taylor is really a very talented guy and that his album does not reflect the depths of his true talents. All I would ask of you is to keep an open mind and give
his future endeavors a listen. Don't write him off based on your opinion of his album.
March 29th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
I have read your article and I have read the responses to your article. It seems that you are enjoying the attention that Taylor has brought to you. The reason for my assessment of such, is that you admit that you have not witnessed Taylor Live at one of HIS own concerts. Yet, you continue to base your opinions on premise and not facts. He has an incredible stage presence that compares to Elvis. No one really"GOT" Elvis. His clothing, dancing and style of music was made fun of and mocked. Then one day…he was a legend. Taylor is headed for the same legendary status as the one often commented on as he LEFT THE BUILDING…because there are a lot of fans that "GET IT". For some, ignorance is bliss…for others, it is just what it is…ignorance.
March 29th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
So, you think Taylor "has long since emptied his tiny trick bag?" Hmm…I think you need to empty your catheter bag. You're listening with the wrong ears.
March 29th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Premier said it the best. The Taylor you hear on the cd is NOT the Taylor you will experience at a concert. I encourage you to accept the challenge and attend a concert with an open mind and then honestly write another column. Ü
March 29th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
well I wrote a letter, was worried about saying things wrong, then forgot to send it and I see it doesnt even matter as you have now heard from many Soul Patrollers and I give you tons of credit for posting our responces and not calling Taylors management and asking his rabid fans to back off LOL But to be honest, you truely need to see him live, that is what hes about, the live performance, even american idol performances dont give you the whole atmosphere because you arent there. His cd is different then what we may have expected but in some ways it isnt. There are some original songs on there, some new ones that are more modern for the younger generation (but I know many of the younger generation that loved the older songs too) and the more I listen to it the more I like it. BUT I truely just want to see him live again because he has such a presence that just doesnt come out in a cd. Taylor doesnt need a bag of tricks, hes the real deal, and hes here to stay, just because hes not number one on the pop charts doesnt mean hes on his way out, not even close, hes a steady person, he is around for the long haul and his fans are too. Go see him live, watch him closely (as close as you can since he has so much energy hes all over the stage
) listen to him, he feels the music, and one thing I agree with he lets himself go in the music but that is what it is all about! If you feel it you move to it, you groove to it, you let yourself go, let loose, try it, you may very well find out you like it! And remember this was only his first cd since idol, this was one he had to do in 6 weeks time, between many interviews, right after a grueling tour with the ai top 10. Imagine what he will do on his next cd! He will have more time and Im betting it will be even better. Hes a man who will only get better with time. Any way thank you for giving us a chance to voice our opinions also ! now go see Taylor live 
(and maybe check out his cd`s before idol, "in your time" and "Under the radar" they are awsome too! and full of soul)
March 30th, 2007 at 2:30 am
You just don't get Taylor Hicks do you? Your article made me sick to my stomach. I have read some negative reviews and articles on Taylor but none as mean spirited and with the lack of accurate information as yours. Taylor has the "it" factor and will be around for many years to come. He is in a class by himself. Once you experience him live write another article, one that may be worth reading, cause this one was a waste of my time. Taylor is more than a gifted musician, he has a heart of gold. He gives from within and touches lives, not only with his music but with his soul and his caring ways. I couldn't be more proud of Taylor Hicks, I am a fan for life!
March 30th, 2007 at 4:00 am
Save yourself, Rich! Pin the damn wings on Hicks and call it a day!
March 30th, 2007 at 11:19 am
I have been to four of Taylor's concerts. He is an incredible live performer. I challenge you to go to his concert and come back and write a review. If the concert doesn't convince you nothing will!!!!
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