Jury Still Out on X Factor

I've watched American Idol since it premiered in 2002 with Kelly Clarkson walking away a winner, with the exception of the season in which Ellen Degeneres was a "judge". I guess I still watch it for the new crop of talent that arrives each year making it seem fresh and new.
I am still undecided after watching a couple audition shows of X Factor whether I am interested in yet another singing competion show.
To me it seems like a cross between AI and that other show that debuted earlier this year, The Voice. After the auditions X Factor puts the contestants that passed their auditions into a boot camp in which the judges will narrow the glut of people down to 32 and divide them up, which compares to The Voice where the judges picked who they wanted to work with, which is exactly what the 4 judges on X Factor(Simon, Paula, Randy...er L.A., and Nicole) will do when that number becomes 32.
So far XF has not had the gaudy numbers that AI put up, but it has the potential to be a thorn in their side, even though it doesn't look like they will be going head to head...yet.
The wanna-be multi-millionaire recording artists are likable for the most part. I mean you get a wide range of personalities and characters, as you would with any other group, but I am interested in getting to know these people more in the coming episodes.
Even though Factor has its parallels with Idol, it is beginning to distinguish itself as a show that can keep the Idol fanbase who were no doubt bummed when Simon left before last season, and next week's boot camp scenerio will at least keep me tuned in...at least for now.

New Release Tuesday

Here's just a small sampling of CD's that were released today.
The Whole Love  Wilco
Chickenfoot III  Chickenfoot
Neighborhoods  Blink 182
Nevermind (2CD Deluxe Edition)  Nirvana
The Hunter  Mastodon
Lady and Gentlemen  LeAnn Rimes
Sweetheart of the Sun  The Bangles
Vice Versus  Switchfoot
Kicking and Screaming  Sebastian Bach
Yeah I know what you're thinking. I didn't know The Bangles were still together either. Anyway, if you're a fan of these bands make sure you go out and buy their CD(the one you can actually hold in your hands),but even if you didn't already, you're planning on it because that's what true fans do.  

Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory" is a winner.

I admit it. I am a fan of Lady Gaga. Ok, so I am not one of her "little monsters", as she calls her fans, nor am I gay(not that there's anything wrong with that). However, after about four or five listens to her new album "Born This Way", it has become quite clear to me that her best song on the disc sits at the end.
When I first heard "Edge of Glory I was struck by how over the top it seemed and reeked of 80's pretentiousness, but I realize that's just why it's so darn good. Her album is chock full of songs that could be hits in each of the last four decades, and "Edge of Glory" has a beautiful melody and memorable hooks that make it a timeless piece of work.
I am a sucker for her interjections and stuttering nonsense that stick in your head and has become her trademark. You won't find any nonsense in this song but you will discover a seriousness that she employs and succeeds with a straight-forward approach apparent here: There aint no reason you and me should be alone. And then comes the cherry on top: ...toniiiiight yeah baby, toniiiiight yeah baby. Then the rest is...let's just say glorious.
As I write this review, I have already heard the song featured as theme music at sporting events and television shows, which have obvious drawbacks, but this gem will be heard on the radio and various other mediums for years to come.

We just better get used to it. I already have.