Talented Taylor Swift Needs To Disembark From Bitter Bus
8:25 PM May 23, 2009
She is just 19 years old, and has sold more CD's and downloads in 2008 than any other woman of any age. There is no denying the popularity of Taylor Swift, and I was pleased to see her become so successful, because at the dawning of her career; about 4 years ago....that indeed was Taylor on the KTLA Morning News, sitting at our desk with just a guitar singing "Tim McGraw."
She had it as a 15 year old, and her talent, especially as a songwriter has only improved. That talent certainly wasn't lost on a sold-out crowd at Staples Center on Friday Night. The crowd itself, was in some ways quite the crack-up. I know this has happened with Madonna and other stars; but of the 16,000 + inside Staples; I would say at least a third were dressed up as Taylor. With long blond hair of their own; or their trusty extensions; as well as some over sized glasses that Taylor wore in a video.
I guess I didn't appreciate the extraordinary connection Taylor has with her many teen fans; and while it is not my place to impose genre preferences on the younger generations; I am much happier that my daughter likes Taylor's songs better than say, T-Pain's.
So, Taylor can really sing, she can really write songs, and she can really play her guitar. Why then, especially at the start, did Taylor's show verge dangerously towards disaster? There is an adage that is often applicable to show-biz, and other aspects of life as well I suppose. "10% less, would be 100% more." The opening number "You Belong With Me," is a sweet song with a nice hook. A charming country-pop confection. The song was nearly murdered with a no-less-than-Cher inspired over the top opening with dancers and Taylor and her entire band dressed as majorettes. Yikes. Yuck.
There were some other elements of extreme staging; as well as an endless and deeply unfunny video mid-show that primarily served the purpose of allowing Taylor another costume change. Even more troubling; many of Taylor's song and much of her audience patter, was all about the boy(s) who did her wrong; the junior high peers that rejected her; and various other elements of teen drama. There is certainly nothing wrong with conveying emotional disappointment, some of the best songs ever written are inspired by heartache. But I think there is so much more to life, and so much more to Taylor's music, than just being bitter. She is better than that; and when the show finally changed themes, she got better. Considerably better.
About mid-way through, Taylor did what she needed to do at the start; she ditched the big over-the-top stage and performed, with just her guitar in a stairwell at Staples. Then she walked to a rear floor stage area; where, again, just with a 12 string, she played a wonderful version of the song that brought her to the dance to begin with, "Tim McGraw."
To return to the main stage Taylor did something I have never seen any other performer do at such length, or as well. She walked the entire floor of Staples, pausing to hug, autograph, and pose for cell-phone pictures with fans. Large video screens all over Staples captured this walk and this incredible "connection," with her audience. The crowd roared...and then maybe roared even louder when a previously unannounced guest, John Mayer, joined Taylor on stage. What was impressive here, Taylor more than held her own with a performer who is easily ten years her senior and has at least that much more stage experience under his belt.
During one of the many standing ovations, Taylor almost seemed on the verge of tears; telling the audience that this particular night in Los Angeles is one that she will never forget. Taylor will have many, many such nights ahead of her; if she relies less on "production" that she doesn't need; and instead focuses on the talent and the connection with her audience that she has in abundance.
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Oh..one last thing....an e-mail from a concert goer;
Hi,
Remember Me? I was the Taylor Swift looking girl at the concert on friday. Your wife is Tswift's look-a-like cousin. Can I get an internship or something this summer at the station? or like be on a show or something? or meet Taylor Swift or Kellie Pickler?
Thanks,
Taylor's Twin
Posted by Sam Rubin | Permalink | Comments (31) | TrackBack (0)
Previous Entry
Dear Sam,
I've been a KTLA Morning News watcher since they assembled Carlos, yourself, and that remarkable collection of talent into TV's most watchable newscast. I've been pleased to see that the local competition has recognized the quality of your fellow news journalists and I will often pause while channel surfing to watch someone like Sharon Tay continuing the fine work she performed admirably at KTLA.
Having said that, perhaps you can help me with a question that's been puzzling me: When is someone going to give you your own show? You're as knowledgable and objective as any entertainment reviewer out there, you have an on-camera warmth and appeal that few have, and seem to be held in high regard by many of Hollywood's most talented personalities. So what gives? Inquiring minds, as the saying goes, need to know.
I'm also wondering if you had a chance to see and review the film, "The Hurt Locker"? I had a chance to catch it the other night and was really impressed. Do you know anything about the film's producer? I think it may be the best film I've seen this year and I don't usually care for war movies.
As a parting shot, I'd just like to say...WAKE UP KTLA! People are tired of the same old reviewer shows pioneered by Siskel and Ebert. TV needs a fresh new entertainment show that not only showcases recent films, but the creative talent that gives birth to these projects. And I think Sam Rubin is the man to deliver it. What do you think?
Posted by: M. L. Carothers | 08/26/2009 at 08:41 AM
Well, probably that is the case. Thanks for posting.
Posted by: Affiliate | 07/08/2009 at 07:07 PM
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON. What a surprise. A beautiful movie filled with interesting characters that will make you laugh and cry. Of course, everyone knows the story is based on a F. Scott Fitzgerald story about a man who ages backward. Preposterous. Pure fantasy . . .
But, oh, so touching and beautiful . . .
If you haven't seen it and you're looking for a warm and fuzzy love story, rent this movie.
Posted by: jozielee | 06/17/2009 at 09:23 AM
FROSTY: "I read that Carl was modeled after Spencer Tracy"
Tracey and Hepburn. Yes, I can see it. No wonder those characters moved me to tears. Together they were funny and tender.
Tracey from GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=23790&atid=19359
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Posted by: jozielee | 06/09/2009 at 12:19 AM
UP made $137million at box office in the first two weeks.
It's nice that something from Disney is going to make money. From the look of the other films that were previewed when I saw UP were terrible when you compared to how good UP was. It looks like Pixar is the only quality division that Disney has now. Everything else is sub par to what they use to put out when I was a kid.
I read that Carl was modeled after Spencer Tracy, I can see that.
Posted by: Frosty | 06/08/2009 at 12:58 PM
Hey Frosty,
Good to hear you enjoyed UP. You're so right about the montage, so cute when they first meet and within minutes we know everything about the lovebirds.
UP made $137million at box office in the first two weeks. When you think of how long this thing will run plus DVD sales and related chochkeys, aiee-karumba, the bankroll will never end. I'm thrilled to see what Pixar will come up with next.
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Posted by: jozielee | 06/08/2009 at 11:05 AM
jozie,
I saw UP today and it was great. Pixar keeps setting the bar a little higher with each film they do. I found UP to be a funny and at time touching film. The montage at the start that show Carl and Ellie's life together was wonderful and I doubt that young kids would understand it as well as adults would. It was a very touching. To have Ed Asner as the older Carl was perfect casting as with Christopher Plummer and young Jordan Nagai as Russell. The film has everything to keep both adult's and kids happy.
As to who Phyllis is to Russell, I have three. 1) She is Russell's step mother/girlfriend, 2) She is a relitive of Russell such as a aunt, 3) She was hired by Russell's father to take care of him when he is away.
Posted by: Frosty | 06/07/2009 at 04:53 PM
FROSTY, looking forward to your review of UP. Enjoy!
Just saw an ad for JULIE & JULIA, about Julia Child and how her life motivated another writer. Stars Meryl Streep as Julia Child and Amy Adams as Julie Powell. Looks scrumptious. Release date Aug 7th.
JJ Trailer
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135503/
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Posted by: jozielee | 06/04/2009 at 11:36 AM
FORREST: "I don't like Taylor Swift I said nothing about the Boyle woman."
Sorry for the misread, Forrest. I misunderstood who you were talking about. Like you, I'm not a Taylor Swift fan. I like to think it's generational. The kids tend to go for flash, little substance. But that might have more to do with the promoters and who they push and not the artist's skill. I've been listening to a lot of Hip Hop while I exercise. The beat is so motivating, and while I'm enjoying the flow most of the songs sound the same. Maybe I'm just getting too old for music. LOL
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Posted by: jozielee | 06/04/2009 at 11:29 AM
No J girl I just don't like her music that much I have written songs and my Father and my Uncle we ave written country and pop rock and R&B ..... we have made money and still get residuals so i have some experience ..... I don't like Taylor Swift I said nothing about the Boyle woman. Taylor will be on the scene for many years and she will undoubtedly get better.
Posted by: Forrest | 06/03/2009 at 09:39 AM
Susan Boyle is special. I wish her a speedy recovery and hope the recording deal that Simon is signing her to will help ease the pain of not winning BGT. She is an inspiration to all of us who dare dream. Live long and prosper Susan.
jozie, I look forward to seeing UP this coming weekend, so I will let you know what I thought of it.
Posted by: Frosty | 06/02/2009 at 03:45 PM
FORREST: "All her music sounds like the last. I don't think she is very special. "
Surely you didn't intend to be insensitive or mean, but statements like this is why Susan Boyle had a temporary emotional breakdown. All the pressure to live up to her first performance. International attention thrust on a person, who for 47 years had lived a relatively reclusive lifestyle. People tearing at her - wanting her attention and time - and having to endure critique of her beautiful gift. She's not made of kryptonite.
Susan Boyle is a symbol of what is good, sweet, unspoiled in a volatile and sometimes scary world. She gave us hope that the little guy could win. To compare two performances we've seen on YouTube and deem her ordinary is far too simple. 200million people downloaded her video in two weeks (far more than any other video has been downloaded since YouTube launched) and world-leaders referred to her performance (PM Gordon Brown wished her well the day before her final appearance on "Britain's Got Talent"). Susan Boyle is definitely a unique person. We need to give her a little compassion and care or we'll wilt this delicate Scottish bluebell.
Posted by: jozielee | 06/02/2009 at 12:51 PM
It appears to me she is a one song pony. All her music sounds like the last. I don't think she is very special. Boooooooring
Posted by: Forrest | 06/02/2009 at 09:42 AM
FROSTY: "I love the Pixar films"
Hope you've seen it. If not, you'll love it. Pixar never disappoints. If so, would love to read your feedback and WHO was Phyllis? Russell says, "Phyllis isn't my mother." I have an impression totally different from folks on the IMDB message board.
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Posted by: jozielee | 05/31/2009 at 07:39 AM
I plan to see UP, I love the Pixar films. But I just a big nurdy kid at heart. LOL
Any thoughts on how well Conan O'Brian will do with The Tonight Show? I don't think he will do well, his type of humor is not the same as Jay Lino's and not the audince of The Tonight Show which is older.
I do hope Susan Boyle wins. It gives hope to those of us who are not the beautiful people on the outside.
Posted by: Frosty | 05/30/2009 at 07:50 AM
Susan Boyle. The fabulous singing contestant on "Britain's Got Talent" competes for the big prize tonight. She's the favorite to win, but then, of course so was Adam Lambert on "American Idol" and he didn't win. Bitter. Yes, I'm too broken-hearted and disillusioned to discuss Adam's loss. There I wrote it. Pshaw! What a bitter pill to swallow.
Susan. She's been embroiled in a dog fight with "fans" barking at her and criticizing her over the last week. It's been ugly. But I hope none of that spoils her performance tonight and that she sings like an angel to win the competition. She deserves to win. She's inspired so many people with her angelic voice and her "everyman's" roots. Go long, Susan. We're rooting for you in California.
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Posted by: jozielee | 05/30/2009 at 06:40 AM
As predicted UP seems to be gathering momentum and a lot of praise for story, color, poignancy. Wonder how much money they'll earn at the box office this weekend. Let's see, what other movies are in the competition? STAR TREK, TERMINATOR, ANGELS & DEMONS, DANCE FLICK . . . UP should be this weekend's #1 movie because the story appeals to all ages.
Last night I was over at the IMDB message boards. Lots of good buzz, but some parents report parts of the movie could be too scary for some kids. Parents reported having to remove children during the dark moments, or they had to explain too much to the child they left so as not to disturb other movie goers. Something to keep in mind for parents who have skittish children. I remember being frightened by scenes in BAMBI and THE WIZARD OF OZ but I cried and continued watching the movie. Kids are pretty resilient. And as one commenter stated, kids have to see that the scary moment is resolved. Otherwise folks are thrilled with the film vowing to see it again, real soon.
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Posted by: jozielee | 05/30/2009 at 06:30 AM
Hey Sam:
You've talked about UP on TV lately so you may not blog on it. UP is the most wonderful movie Pixar/Disney has made to date. The story is plausible and actually relevant to boomers who're getting to Mr. Frederickson's age. What to do when you're transitioning from one life's experience to another, the world is changing around you and the only answer is Oakwood Retirement Village? And the little boy, Russell. What a hoot! The storyline moved along at a nice pace . . . we're told upfront who these characters are so there's no need to fill us in as the movie moves along. You're correct about the time spent on writing the treatment (3 years). It shows. Not one thread is left hanging, not one scene superfluous. UP is compact, sweet, adventurous, funny, slightly dangerous, intelligent, colorful, an all-round beautiful experience. I'll see it again for shear wonder and joy. And I may even take my little 3-yr-old sweetheart because it's made for him, me and everyone in between.
And for those of us who talked about Disney's lack of mothers in books and movies, you'll be happy to know one mother features prominently in this story as she's determined to protect her young brood. And another mother who likes to play "let's see how long we can go without talking." LOL
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Posted by: jozielee | 05/29/2009 at 06:53 PM
FROSTY: "blazon with NCC-1701 across the finsh line. How cool would that be?"
There you go. You'd be right in the groove.
Posted by: jozielee | 05/29/2009 at 05:09 PM
I ran the 5K the first year they added that category - people with kids on their shoulders, strollers, costumes, roller skates, just about anything that moved "ran" that race -
Costumes? I could wear my Star Fleet uniform (classic series of course) and ride my Segway emblazon with NCC-1701 across the finsh line. How cool would that be?
Posted by: Frosty | 05/28/2009 at 07:31 PM
FROSTY: "do you think I could use a Segway in the next one?"
Takes one person to start a trend. Hahaha.
You know, it's really nice they've opened participation to folks who aren't avid runners. Gives more people a chance to feel part of the city, inclusive. I ran the 5K the first year they added that category - people with kids on their shoulders, strollers, costumes, roller skates, just about anything that moved "ran" that race and it was heartwarming to see so many thrilled to be running down the streets of LA on an overcast, almost spring, morning.
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Posted by: jozielee | 05/28/2009 at 03:14 PM
The LA Marathon is about making money, so they've divided the race into several categories: bikers, 5Kwalkers/trotters/strollers, wheelchairs, runners, etc.
Gee, do you think I could use a Segway in the next one? LOL
Posted by: Frosty | 05/28/2009 at 12:17 PM
MARSH: "critique their replies for spelling, sentence structure etc."
You didn't ask me, but blogs are about sharing ideas not diagramming sentences. If you're looking for exact "spelling" and correct "sentence structure" you're looking for text that's scrutinized by an editor. Most folks who blog don't have time or budget for that luxury. If you find a blog that offers such a service, please drop me a line.
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Posted by: jozielee | 05/28/2009 at 11:43 AM
I wish the people that write these blog replies would critique their replies for spelling, sentence structure etc. It is embarassing! Just look at how many errors there are and I am not an English major.
Sign of the times, too much focus on celebrities and not enough on education, sad!
Posted by: marsh | 05/28/2009 at 09:35 AM
FROSTY: "Los Angeles Marathon? I thought it was about running? "
The LA Marathon is about making money, so they've divided the race into several categories: bikers, 5Kwalkers/trotters/strollers, wheelchairs, runners, etc. Organizers sell more t-shirts and related paraphernalia, collect more money and offer the majority of run enthusiasts the opportunity to participate. Also, gives runner's friends and family something to do while they wait for their homies to cross the finish line. :o)
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Posted by: jozielee | 05/27/2009 at 10:34 PM