She finished second over the weekend in “Britain’s Got Talent,” in case anyone interested missed it, or you just want to cut to the chase.
When I first heard about Susan Boyle, I wanted to stay away from her. Her story reminded me a little bit of Eva Cassidy. Cassidy was a singer-songwriter – best-known as a singer – who was “discovered” primarily after her death in 1996. Segments on NPR and “Nightline” made her a sensation five years after she died at age 33.
People would approach me and ask if I’d heard Cassidy so much that I felt compelled to find out the consensus of which was her best release and pick it up. And ultimately, I was let down. I heard a good singer, but I didn’t hear the vocals that sent others swooning.
It’s interesting how much mass media can convince and influence us.
Boyle became a world-wide sensation on the program “Britain’s Got Talent,” one of the endless series of reality talent competitions. What set Boyle apart at first was her dowdy appearance and a face that kind people would say had “character.”
But then she uncorks a voice that’s amazing. And she tops it off with a saucy personality that seems to even melt Simon Cowell, the king of curmudgeons.
Boyle’s voice, predictably enough, doesn’t do much for me. But I’m not especially fond of the pitch-perfect Broadway style Boyle uses, as much as I respect the technical talent. I’m more won over by her sense of humor and her thrill at performing.
Boyle’s style, though, works for millions, and it’s those millions who will make sure that the weekend’s runner-up finish won’t be the last we hear of her.
Here are Boyle’s first and final performances on the show. If you want to see what the competition was like, YouTube has set up a channel.
Audition:
Finals performance:
June 1st, 2009 at 5:34 am
We all love to hear about a “rags to riches” story and Susan will surely become one. Her life has been a simple one and I only hope her instant fame doesn’t change her too much. She is a breath of fresh air to millions who love to hear her sing.
June 1st, 2009 at 8:52 am
I just read an article about Susan Boyle being admitted under some sort of mental health condition. The article implied that she had some sort of break-down. Sad…..
June 1st, 2009 at 9:50 am
I LOVE Susan Boyle!
June 1st, 2009 at 10:22 am
If you are unable to value Eva Cassidy’s singing, perhaps you are in the wrong field. Maybe you should be reviewing hearing devices.
June 1st, 2009 at 10:33 am
I don’t usually bother to write anything that you comment on, Tim, as I think your taste in music, if any of it is music, stinks. But to hear you say that Eva Cassidy, is just another good singer, makes me sit up and take notice.I have always been a fan of Norah Jones, and she made it to the top. Eva Cassidy was by far a better singer, and more listenable than Norah Jones, ot Adele, or many of the artists that seem to grab your attention. I have tried listening to some of the crap that you put in this blog, and quite frankly, most of it is trash. Had Eva resided in the United States, and not passed away so young, I am sure she would have made it as a shining star in the real music industry. Ted Coppell semmed to think so, but then again he is no Tim Cain.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:30 pm
And there you have it, folks. If you have an opinion, keep it to yourself unless you agree with the Sues and David L. Jordans of the world.
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David, Eva Cassidy DID reside in the United States. She was from Washington, D.C., which is where she played her last concert. She died in Maryland. Found that out all on my own. You could have too, by following the link I posted.
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People, this blog is full of my opinions. Just because you don’t agree with them doesn’t mean I’ve insulted you, or that you’re wrong, or (most important) that it’s going to change the way I approach any of this stuff.
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David, you’ve written about a half-dozen comments on this blog criticizing me and my tastes. I understand you disagreeing with me. I just don’t understand why you keep beating your head against the wall by coming back. But to each their own.
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But I promise, David, Sue and even Ted Koppel, I will never, ever tell you that your taste in music sucks. It’s YOUR TASTE.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Tim, also keep in mind what my dad always said, “Be kind to dumb animals.”
June 1st, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Children please…..can we try to get along?? If you don’t like Tim’s opinion don’t read Tim’s Blog! Write your own — I am sure that there are a few people that will be glad to disagree with you!
June 1st, 2009 at 4:18 pm
When it comes to pregnant pauses, Ted Koppel has nothing on Jim Rome.
That’s about all I got.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:39 pm
You bloggers at the Herald-Review all have the same attitude. If anyone criticizes your opinion, you have to make as issue of it. Is this to embarrass the person, or to make you look so wise and learned, and that we are addle brained idiots? At least Sue and I signed a name, unlike so many of your likeminded readers that adore you. I didn’t know that I would be chastised for my complaints and numbers quoted. Maybe from now on, I will just use made-up names, and it will look that you have several more critics. Do you want only persons that agree with your tastes and opinions, to reply with comments? I don’t feel that I have a talent for rating any artist or their music, but if I wish to read your blog, and criticize you, I think it is my right, without being told, “if you don’t like. don’t read it” If there was any other paper or column to read, I would gladly do so, but in the meantime, I will read and write, what I please, and express my opinion, the same os you do, I guess that gives you the right to not print my reply, if you don’t like it. that is your choice. If any one that writes a blog for the Herald-Review, thinks they are so good at their art of reporting and commenting, why haven’t they been offered positions at a large newspaper. instead of writing for the Beanville Blab. I would apologize for the sarcasm in his comment, but you started it with yours, Mr Cain.
June 2nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
wow….I think maybe David forgot his medication today.
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:07 pm
With all due respect, David, the problem is not that you disagree with Tim; it’s when you make blanket statements that are personal attacks. For example, ” . . . your taste in music . . . stinks.” “I’ve tried listening to some of the crap . . . and most of it is trash.” It’s one thing to disagree, which I sometimes do, but it should be done in a civil manner.
And who is Sue? I don’t see her comments in this thread.
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I will refrain from any more comments concerning your opinions, Mr Cain, as I do not want to offend you, or your loyal followers. Especially the ones that use nom de plumes, such as Peter O’Toole, or some other famous person they would like to be. Hiding behind an alias is a great way to say what you want, and never really let anyone know how you think. I use my real name because I am old enough to take the criticism. Most of the time, it is probably deserved, but that should be expected when you give an opinion. Oh, I am sorry. Not if you write a blog for our outstanding local newspaper. I will give one more opinion, then I will leave this syrupy blog to you experts. If you write a blog, or any other column, that discusses the talents, or lack of it, then you should have a thick enough skin to take what is thrown at you. Otherwise, “if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen”!
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
By the way, Peter, I meant Jen, not Sue. I just had cataract surgery in my one remaining eye, and I don’t have my new glasses yet. But, unfortunately, I can still see your comments.
June 3rd, 2009 at 5:03 pm
OK, David, I’ll try this one more time, then I too will leave you to whatever dislike of me you have.
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I am criticized every day. I have no problem with criticism. The problem I have is when it is blanket, or not constructive. To wit:
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This is a less-than-excellent way to make someone receptive to your point. I object to calling anyone’s favorite art “crap” or “trash.” It shows no respect for the individual, and denigrates whatever it is you’re trying to say.
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All I was doing, David, was pointing out you keep saying the same thing. I write about music, and you respond with a degree of regularity with negative comments about my tastes. I can take people disagreeing with me. I refuse to believe, however, that EVERYTHING I like is “crap” and “trash.” That just can’t be true. And since this is the first time (and the last time, believe me, because it’s not worth the effort if you can’t grasp the points I’m trying to make) I’ve responded to you, then I can’t be responding “every time” someone criticizes me, can I?
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As much as you might think it’s your right to criticize someone without giving them a chance to respond, you’re wrong. And if you’re going to misrepresent what I say or throw out what I view as personal attacks, I’ll defend myself. If you had been willing to leave the criticism at “Eva Cassidy was by far a better singer, and more listenable than Norah Jones, ot Adele, or many of the artists that seem to grab your attention,” the conversation would have been done. But you apparently felt compelled to add personal insults. That’s fine, but I won’t stand for personal insults. That’s NOT part of the job.
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I always like these kind of responses. The people who make them would have you think it’s an insult to writers and editors at this paper to be “stuck” in Decatur. I’ve worked at other papers, bigger and smaller, and I like this one. I wouldn’t work for a large metro newspaper even if one would have me. And they probably wouldn’t now. I stopped trying to “move up” a while ago, and decided Decatur suits my talents and goals. I don’t view that as a negative. If you do, again, that’s certainly your right.
June 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Okay, David, I won’t hide behind my nom de plume; my real name is Peter. So, I’m just like Jen - using my real name. I may be a loyal follower of Mr. Cain, but it is not for his opinions; it’s for his prose. I often disagree, but I don’t call his tastes crap or trash. I just say “I disagree, and here is why . . . “
June 4th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
So you can’t see or hear.
June 4th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Well. Tim, I guess I ruffled your feathers again. It must be comforting to have so many loyal subjects that are able to soothe your bruised ego for you. Your personal replies to me are flattering but then again, somewhat bothersome. I will apologize for the comments I made such as, “crap”, “stink”, or “trash” These were more of what I think of it, than your taste. If I had known you were going to take this so personal, and get so involved, I would have chosen my words more carefully. I do have a problem with the choices of music that you and the younger generation find so listenable. I will not be around to see if any of this makes the “old standards” list in the future, but I doubt the chances of that. I will say that it might be possible, considering the selections we hear now. As Peggy Lee sang “Is That All There Is?” Sorry to have created such a buzz. And to you, Margaret, I can see and hear. Too bad that is all you can say. You must have many words of wisdom. You never use any.