| drafted |

Well, kinda. I'll be ramping up my music duties blogging elsewhere, so I've decided to put this project on hold until I find a way to free up the spare time to keep posts here consistent, thoughtful, and original. After all, there isn't exactly a shortage of cookie cutter music blogs around the interwebs these days.

Thanks to those who kept musiclives.Here alive for the past year or so. 
I hope to be back sometime soon.

| so much for subtlety |

*Psst, I think she wants you to lay it on her.*

Kudos to Kelly Rowland for her latest musical rebirth, but I think it's bad sign when I mute her and un-mute only to hear Big Sean's verses.

I would've appreciated some wordplay in the lyrics; maybe a clever tip of the hat to something other than Kelly's burning loins. Yeah, we get it - you want one of those oily bodybuilders to rail you! Can't help but wrinkle my nose upon realizing that the song really just about that, and only that.

Ho hum, mute, enjoy her solid attempt at the Jessica Alba pose, repeat.

| sing off > the rest |

Some examples of why The Sing Off is the best vocal competition on TV.

// Delilah - Whataya Want From Me? (Adam Lambert Cover) //

The original is a hit, no doubt, but hearing this from a female perspective lends a greater sense of vulnerability. The mark of a great cover is when a previously untapped - or even unintended - aspect of the song is discovered and brought to light. The harmony balance here is so delicate and I was thrilled to see how it unfolded so well. Delilah is a group of fantastic ensemble of solo female vocalists, and this performance showcases the top three leads perfectly.

// Afro Blue - American Boy (Estelle Cover) //

Just sick! I'm glad Shawn Stockman pointed out the scatting in the beginning, but that part of the performance was incredible. I watched this by myself and actually started to applaud at the end without thinking about it (I guess I do that now). Never have I ever clapped at the TV, but I think this warranted an ovation. "There was nuthin' wrong with that performance!"