‘The Star Spangled Banner’ Broadway Bares midnight show 6/23/13 – Video by Sam Bernero
Following a busy June with appearances at Pittsburgh Pride, all sorts of New York events and at Universal Orlando, Adam is back in California for a few open air concerts. The first one is in his childhood home of San Diego on July 2nd and then it’s on to Paso Robles on July 19th. Let’s hope that between concerts (and after) that Adam gets into the studio to work on new music.
For this month’s banner, I listened to luval‘s advice and posted a video – an impressive “Star Spangled Banner” that Adam sung before a very appreciate Broadway crowd. It’s perfect for the July 4th holiday but it’s just as amazing to listen to any time of year!
If you have any photos faves, please post them and I’ll add them below the video.
Enjoy the chat!
Aely, I think that this is a very astute thought on your part.
When I think if Adam was to leave RCA, I immediately think of Katy Perry. It was a while ago now but I remember her saying that she was going to put together her own recording company. I don’t follow her so I don’t know if she’s given up on that idea or if it’s still in the works.
I don’t think that she would hesitate to sign Adam to her label.
There are so many record labels out there that I should think would offer Adam a contract. I’m not concerned at all about him in that area.
I don’t see him selling CD’s out of the trunk of his car having recorded it in his garage.
I think that what I’m trying to say is that if Adam was to part ways with RCA, it might be a good thing.
Considering how RCA handled – or, rather, mishandled – “Trespassing” and didn’t support it … it might be a good thing.
I have to wonder – did RCA not even submit it for Grammy consideration? That would go a long way to explain no nominations.
Speaking of Queen – Paul Rodgers and Bad Company will be in Solomons in August – heat in July with Daughtry was bad enough – but August in southern MD usually even worse. May wait till end and get cheap ticket and sit on outskirts of venue.
mmm, an 80’s cover album….
Mixed feelings…definitely think RCA wants a cheap way to fulfil the 3 record contract…once he does it they will drop him.
But I think he would be better off with a smaller label.
But his covers are what get all the media attention at his concerts. And I still love listening to all his Idol songs which were all covers.So maybe it just might work. I would buy it just to hear his voice, he sings any song better than the original artists anyway.
And cover albums do sell… just ask Michael Buble and Subo…
As for that list that Mils posted, I will confess to liking a lot of them. In fact I have just spent the last 4 day going through our iTunes list making a whole new playist for my ipod, and many of those 80’s songs are on it.
There are several on there that he has already covered, a couple of Queen songs, lets dance, shout etc….would like to see livin on a prayer, or sweet child of mine added to that if they want it to have a more rockier vibe.I’d actually like proper studio recordings of them to listen to rather than internet downloads…
Liked that ‘Adam branding’ article.
Cute pic with the dog…I actually think his beard looks better when his hair is down.
I would really like to know who goes by 2039marl on YouTube
Are you here? Do I know you?
At any rate, if you ARE here, I want to thank you for the comment you left for me. I was a little taken aback but very appreciative.
Maybe the next album could be a cover of 80’s Christmas music?!
“Last Christmas” by WHAM, “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”, The Ramones – “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)”, and lastly a duet with David Bowie doing “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy”.
And there are lots more too!
This is my opinion and my opinion only. I think that an album of covers is an awful, almost bordering on catastrophic, idea. How could this move his career forward as we all profess we want this next album to do. I do not want Adam to be the King of karaoke or sing standards like Buble or Connick Jr. Sure he can change things up and twist them around but it still was created by someone else. I have been encouraged that younger people are attending his concerts and dancing and singing along. 80’s covers are a complete backward step. Again, in my opinion only.
How about “Adam Sings Mitch Miller”.
Hi AL
http://cartermatt.com/72120/american-idol-adam-lambert-and-the-80s-cover-album-debate/
Hi Kradamour
You have mail.
I’m bracing myself for a mountain of speculation and haters having a field day. Hope it won’t affect Adam personally too much. These things are part of the business he is in and I am sure he has witnessed it many times. He has much to be proud of and should just think forward.
AL: I stated years ago I will jump ship at “Christmas Music”. Everybody has their personal limits.
Ha! Years ago my neighbor’s grandkids got on her golfcart, and pressed the pedal, it was over Christmas time, well the golf cart hit her and knocked her down, and hurt her bad, YA you got it, we went around all during Christmas singing, Grandma got run over by a golf cart!!!!
Adam and Covers, at first I thought, Ya that will work. But upon thinking about it, no, dont want him singing covers. Now a EP or something like that singing some old FM music, or Queen music, Cool, and he needs song writers to write him some awesome music, for him, what kind, who the heck knows!
Now there’s a good song title if I ever heard one! Someone write some music around that for Adam.
Miss Chaos – you’re a riot.
ChunkeyMonkey:
“Guys he is gonna cover ZZ Top and the album won’t be ready till his Melvin reaches his sternum”
Ready to cackle at this whole thing – the suggestions on twitter are cracking me up – Air Supply – Wang Chung – Night Ranger – Men Without Hats.
http://youtu.be/KCLXy-vSu3o
She tweeted this – pretty good actually
http://twitter.com/IliannaCohoc/status/354426300481556480/photo/1
Just a pretty picture.
Ah thanks, Kradamour!!
Gorgeous, aely – the facial hair actually emphasizes his beautiful mouth.
ZZ Top is awesome! The Melvin would then be a Gibbons.
“Heading to bunker to shelter from wank explosion lol /o\”
“He should flounce from RCA”
Peeps are rollin’ on twitter.
Here’s an 80’s beauty I would love to hear Adam sing, my fave Police song: Wrapped Around Your Finger. Love the rhythm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svWINSRhQU0
How many times have you said, ‘Oh, I’d love to hear ADAM sing that?” Me, many many times. But not limited to 80’s. For example, “Nights in White Satin” from 1967, “Kiss You All Over” by Exile (70’s??) And Prince? YAY.
Mind you, I’m not advocating for a covers album. A mix would be OK maybe.
Must say, every single one of Adam’s Idol Studio Recordings is a masterpiece, the vocals off the charts (he hits notes in “Play That Funky Music” that are stratospheric, his “One” is better than the original, the glissando in “Whole Lotta Love” is a masterpiece of technique).
But then, we have glimpses of brilliance with his originals. Even old ones, like “Pop Goes the Camara,” the Citizen Vein songs, and “Down the Rabbit Hole,” “Voodoo,” “Shady.” Others from FYE and Trespassing.
But turquoise is right, the controversy has already started.
I agree with aely too, this is the way out of RCA. For me, good riddance. They dropped the disco ball with Trespassing, like idiots. Fulfill the contract and get the hell out of there! Sad, because Sony Global seems to appreciate Adam, but RCA sucks. IMHO.
I’m laughing, then getting annoyed again – thought this was going to be a calm music-writing summer – so much for that.
Just say no, Adam. Not comparing them in any way musically but RCA did that to Clay Aiken. His third album was mostly covers and it bombed. I love Adam singing covers at concerts but not the majority of any third album. Maybe an EP of his favorite covers, but only maybe. Who am I kidding I’ll buy any thing he does and think its wonderful.
So maybe he can stay with Sony and go with a smaller label under the Sony umbrella. Sony is surely not going to just write off his international fans. China anyone? Just doesn’t make sense to me. I need to put the wine down.
Singers who have sold millions of albums, all covers: Elvis, Sinatra, Streisand, Bocelli, Tony Bennett, Sarah Brightman, many others. Really, there are no boundaries, nothing is cast in stone, Adam has good songwriting friends like Bonnie McKee, Ginny Blackmore, Ryan Tedder, Sam Sparro, Nile Rodgers, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and more. Don’t think he will be trapped on either side.
True, aely. No one has the “in” in China like Adam, doubt they would want to give that up! And he is loved all over Asia and Eastern Europe, South Africa. Many many int’l fans.
Interesting comment from another blog:
aely: That is a gorgeous picture – goes straight into the collection.
Yes, I do, and it was such a lovely surprise!
Did any of you buy the Aura magazine? If so how is it and would you buy it again? Still debating on it myself.
eyes are going funny from reading all the comments about the covers album…..
How about a double album, one side covers, one side originals….that should please everyone
Well I’m not sure what to think.
Don’t know whether this idea is real or not, or primarily speculation on Shirley Halperin’s part. I can believe that there is at least some uncertainty or disagreement about the direction for Adam’s next album; I have noticed the evasiveness of Adam’s responses when asked about new music, so I do think that “discussions” are still happening. I can believe that there are a number of options on the table being considered; that doesn’t mean that this covers album will come to fruition, though. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
If it does happen, I am of two minds about it. One the one hand, he would do a killer job at it and it could be a fun listen and attract attention. I have to believe that Adam would put some kind of interesting or creative twist on the concept to make it unique and artistic. I would definitely buy it. But on the other hand, I LOVE Adam’s original music, and I especially love the songs he has had a hand in writing and I want more and more of them. I’m also not sure what a covers album, at this stage of his career, would do for building his credibility as an artist or for building his younger and international fanbase. And I would wonder whether this is a first step toward parting ways with RCA.
I was just thinking yesterday about making a list of songs I would love to hear Adam cover. Odd coincidence. I would prefer to hear him do a variety of covers live as part of his concerts, though.
The thing that bugs me the most about that article is the acknowledgement that RCA was not particularly supportive of Trespassing. Damn idiots. TSP is a freakin’ awesome album, and Adam, his fans, and the critics know it. RCA appears to have not gotten that memo.
The reactions from fans to the idea of a covers album seem to be all over the map. And I agree with turquoisewaters that we have to brace ourselves for this media cycle to play out – there will be plenty of haters coming out of the woodwork over this.
Whatever, I trust Adam to make the right decision. I just want him to have all the happiness, success, and respect he so richly deserves. Is that too much to ask?
I’ll just add one more piece of angst to the mix.
One of the aspects that is the most troubling is that the CD, whatever it is, is almost certainly not going to see the light of day for this holiday selling.
Another big gap between CDs, and this one without a US tour to (partially) fill the gap. How many new fans have been created in the US with no radio play, and no tour?
Some, of course, with the fair gigs. And perhaps some at the Pride events.
So if Trespassing sold only a fraction of FYE sales (and we know that many of those sales were multiple purchases by
batshitdevoted fans, what can be hoped for CD #3, unless the label puts money and promotion behind it?Adam was horribly wronged by RCA in regard to Trespassing, and it is hard to even figure out why. He had proven that he is an amazing live draw, and can sell out decent venues. He put together a stage presence that included backup singers, clearly thinking that a tour was in the offing, but it never materialized.
Re the evasiveness now when asked about new music. A recent redcarpet interview had the interviewer off screen to the left and Adam didn’t/couldn’t answer anything – I can’t remember the setting, unfortunately, but it was this month somewhere on this thread. Like the rest of us, I have watched so many interviews that it is easy to pick up on nuance, and there was an underlying tension to Adam’s replies; not at all the former smiling “don’t ask cos I can’t tell”. There was a definite harder edge that struck me at the time.
CD#3 has to sell more than Trespassing (IMHO), and it will be hard to beat that CD for musical value.
I am thinking that his label should work with an advisory group of his fans. I honestly believe that we could do a better job than they are. We know Adam better than they do, and we almost certainly spend more time
overanalyzing every aspect of his life and career than they do. Unfortunately, that is not an idea that would be embraced by the label.It is likely that CD#3 will be the deciding factor in whether Adam is a superstar in the US, or whether he will only play the stadiums abroad. There is a lot at stake, and doubtless Adam is feeling that.
Either way, he will be able to keep his feet shod in Rick Owens; our boy isn’t going to be relegated to selling CDs out of the trunk of his car, as someone posted above.
But like cwm, I want for Adam everything that he wants and so richly deserves.
I also want him to shave. It is time.
Great post, cwm! I agree with you that Adam would kill a covers album. After all, didn’t I read here a few months back that Robert Plant said Adam’s WLL was the best ever? But is this the best type of album to put out at this time? I just don’t know. It might get Trespassing some more well-deserved attention.
ITA that I want him to have all the H,R&S that he definitely deserves!
Kradamour – How incredible that we both respond to cwm’s post from 4:39 am at the SAME EXACT TIME!
As to the media cycle (or circus) – it certainly has people talking, which isn’t a bad thing. What’s the latest with AI? Can’t believe he’s not going to be a mentor or judge – he’s AI’s only hope, as far as I’m concerned. Hope TPTB saw the clip of him on Joan Rivers’ show.
We could really use more info on the Queen and TV gig right about now!
Sometime’s I think back to when Adam was on AI, I was as sure as I’ve been about anything, that here is a artist that is going to be HUGE. Although he is a name that is reconized, I just can’t believe the people that are , and have been, handling his career, have let this voice, just slip through their fingers. Not to say he has not had some awesome opportunity’s along the way, as we all that follow him know, but is this it, really, covers of others past hits? Maybe no #3CD?
Trying not to be a downer but I think Kradamour is right, they should just ask us!! Then I think, well maybe I’m such a fan, that I’m not looking at this clearly, but then I hear this crap of today, thinking, they aren’t real singer’s like Adam, they are just manufactured for today’s flavor of the month. Sorry if this does not make sense, I’m frustrated!
It’s your fault ron! I arrived yesterday two hours late in a little prop plane during a small break in the storm. My cousin couldn’t get out to pick me up, my aunt had no electricity, and I stood in line for two hours to get a taxi. Then I offered to share my cab with a charming young woman whose flight had been cancelled. She was on a business expense account and insisted on paying for the cab. So I arrived just after the lights cane back on at my aunt’s house and all is well.
As you guys may be aware mj’s has a thread about Adam and the possible cover album. So many opinions. Almost 240 now. Here is a link about making money as a singer.
http://www.thestreet.com/story
Eta: link may not work. Will try something other than my iPhone.
http://www.thestreet.com/story/11972010/1/the-digital-skeptic-justin-timberlake-is-just-getting-by.html
Here you go luval
Do I know how to conjure up a storm, or what?
I’m very relieved that you arrived safely – I’m sure you are too! – because that was a deluge yesterday!
33,000 homes lost electricity and commuters on a transit train found themselves ankle deep in water and had to be rescued. 5 inches/12 centimeters of rain poured down on Toronto in less than 2 hours. Thunder and lightning – everything short of an earthquake!
I was on the phone with TLKC talking about you – hoping that you’d already arrived – when the power went out in her office building.
I’m so sorry you had to go through all that you did to get here!
But look on the bright side … you get to meet me.
Boy, I’d better be on my best behavior Saturday!!
Welcome to Toronto, rs.
Power still out at my house, too. I’m at work now, where the power came on at about 11:00 a.m. Breaking a cardinal rule about recreational accessing/posting online but I can’t help it. Since San Diego, my computer was hobbled by a virus for a couple of days, then half my programs wouldn’t reload, then my power was out, then my iPhone battery died and I have been desolate since Ron told me on the phone last night that Adam is making an 80’s cd. Yikes!
It is interesting to read the Hollywood Reporter AFTER reading everyone’s comments. The article sounds a bit more tentative than I expected, as in: the label is kicking around lots of ideas.
Being maximally optimistic, perhaps they see it as a way of getting something out in a timely manner (18 months between cd’s is the best way to keep yourself in the public mind. RCA failed miserably with Adam and David Cook on this.)
Another positive possibility is that they want to go rock and figure that this is the best way to get the attention of that particular music fan: mainly male and older.
Realistically, aely’s glass half empty view is the most apt. Only we will buy it and a lot of the critics will use it to compare his versions unfavourably with the originals. Oldies is all about nostalgia and the way a song makes you remember a period – right down to the note. That’s just the way it is.
If Adam is going to do 80’s stuff he should just go on the road with Queen.
I’m worried about the fall-out and don’t think I can bear to check out MJ’s at the moment either, turquoisewaters.
Have to say, though, the HR article sounds pretty tentative. It seems to be a reading of the same interview that Kradamour referred to; the one where he refused to go on the record about anything. Shirley may be going on nothing more than that.
The heart-breaker is that news like this doesn’t enhance his profile at a time when Idol is looking for a panel and assessing that sort of thing. On the other hand, Jennifer has the same cd sales problem. She sold 127,000 in her first week a year earlier than Adam and hasn’t released anything since.
It’s like having a kid. I can’t stand it.
What really irks me is for Get Lucky, Pharrell and Niles, to suddenly be all the rage on the radio. Shady is soooooo much better, and as Billboard said, Trespassing and Kickin’ In are great Pharrell collabs, and Adam was his best muse in years. All because RCA has NO BALLS. Remember when Adam said that Trespassing was the kind of song that struck fear in a label’s heart? It was his anthem, and I truly believe they went with the “safe” Claude Kelly and Bruno “boring” Mars. Grrrrrrr!!!
But that is the past, and the future is ahead. Great idea, HK fan, about the half-and-half album. Really at this point, who-the-f**k knows what will come. In any case, I will support him. I would never punish the label, as that would only punish Adam (unless he leaves them, then all bets are off).
Btw, I read all of the thread on MJ’s last night up to 3 a.m. and it was mostly positive, only a couple of minor a**holes. Almost everyone made a point of saying how talented Adam is, even non-fans. Very surprised. Will go there now to see if it has changed.
Also, btw, Trespassing is back on the iTunes Pop top 300 at 280. It had dropped off for a few days.
I have no “speculatory” two cents to insert here.
I would just like to say this: I find Adam to be an incredibly intelligent man. I have FULL faith that he will carve out a career for himself, and likely on his terms; haters, naysayers and record execs be damned!
In the meantime, I will continue to support him unconditionally no matter…..hair cut or not, facial hair or not, earrings/jewelry or not, more tattoos or not, what he does or doesn’t wear and how it looks, make-up or not, goofy faces or not, what he chooses to speak or tweet about, what songs he chooses to sing or not, how often he goes out partying or stays home, if he’s in the studio or not, sexy or not, funny or not….I think you get my drift.
He is the master of his destiny. I simply feel humbled to be able to partake in his talent and beauty.
So happy to have met so many of you lovely and kind people. I sure hope we have the opportunity to meet again.
BTW risky I peddled your theory you spoke of in San Diego to another fan, and we are both in full agreement. You are one smart cookie, and I’m glad to know you!
Why, thank you, Reese!! Love your post, agree 100%. I believe Adam really needs our support now – we’ve come through so many things and more to come, for sure.
Reese , I also loved and agree with every word of your post. Yes, risky is one smart cookie. We have spent hours together, in person and on Skype discussing all things Adam and the universe. BTW, I loved meeting you in San Diego. It really was an amazing few days.
Here are my new thoughts. I am sticking with – this story was planted in whatever way to set up the parting ways/creative differences meme…. The complete silence from Shoshanna makes me feel it is true and she has been on twitter today ignoring tweets. But, remember when she tweeted a couple of weeks ago that this was just the beginning? I wonder if he already has a new deal and they are going to announce the parting ways along with the new label announcement. Such as, “Adam wanted to move in a different direction and we at RCA wish him the best” and “the new label will allow me to go in this direction…” Win/Win for everyone. I am BACK to half full!
Reese Agreed. I don’t give a rats ass what he does as long as he sings and I can see him live and he is happy. Throw in a little Queen + Adam and I am a very happy fan!
aely, from your lips to God’s ear…
I actually like that scenario the best of all of them. Now, how fast can Adam get an album out there under this scenario?
Hmmm…I wonder if he could have been actually working on an album that wasn’t the way RCA wanted to go? And thus his decision to keep it on the down low (not at all his style, I have thought) and not talk about any music at all.
And maybe it is well under way and could be released in a decent amount of time.
Actually, I am kinda loving the speculation. I think it is good for the fandom to have these conversations about Adam’s future and would be suprised if he is completely unaware of them.
I love all your comments! Thanks, aely for that JT link.
I got an e-mail from a gal who I met for the first time in Paris at GN who is very worried about Adam’s career. She lives just a couple of miles from Adam, has followed him from day one, was at Diva’s and thought Ray of Light was awful (as did her friends with her). Anyway I am going to tell her all you guys have said. How all of us here are even more loving our guy than ever before. Will tell her of the San Diego trip, fans, etc. She was at San Diego and was worried about the empty seats & $8.00 tickets. I think our group…which is growing in leaps and bounds rather than shrinking will surprise her & make her feel better.
Anyway, can’t wait to see what’s next on the horizon!