Behold, the wild Daly

I probably shouldn't like this. But I'm such a vainglorious headcase, I totally dig being talked about like a misunderstood beast roaming the Serengeti. My friend/bad-habit enabler Wade Tatangelo, music critic at Creative Loafing, the alt-weekly in town, debates why daily (and Daly) music critics bother writing about such pap as American Idol. He figures that, in the dismal newspaper climate, it's now a matter of survival -- and a whole lotta music (movie, TV, book, food) critics aren't surviving these days. There's a rather hilarious debate in the comments section (wow, and here I thought readers didn't like me), plus the origin story from L.A. and the fallout story from Toronto. READ IT HERE.

Wade and I are hanging out at the Knopfler show tomorrow, so we'll probably discuss this + bad habits during the intermission. But lemme say this: I'm a pop music/culture writer for a general interest newspaper. American Idol is without a doubt the most influential pop-culture phenomenon of the 21st century, a franchise that has shaped how we watch TV, how we buy music, etc. I don't have to like it -- but I do have to try and understand it. And, of course, to make as many Funyun jokes as possible.

But Wade is very right in saying the climate for critics has become dire. It's bloody out there. And that's too bad. Sooner rather than later, with only so many warm bodies on a staff, I could be writing about everything, whether Simon Cowell's involved or not.

Comments

[jane]

Really interesting articles -- and comments -- with some thought-provoking points.

In the case with American Idol -- it has become, in a sense, a participatory sporting event that has permeated the country’s collective consciousness. Like it or not, it’s everywhere, a behemoth that moves in to our world in January and holds court straight through until May and beyond. From a business perspective, it makes perfect sense for a general interest paper to provide coverage on this, regardless of the level of “brow” (high or low) it maintains -- it would be foolish not to.

That being said, it also makes me very sad to note the endangered species of the arts/etc. critic. I for one seek out critics’ work, not to validate my opinions or otherwise, but to get the line on what’s new in their worlds that I might not otherwise have discovered. I develop a virtual one-sided rapport, so to speak, with critics with whom I find I share similar tastes -- or whose opinions I come to respect. Maybe I’m odd in this area -- my tastes in music and other pop culture genres is admittedly eclectic and I’m always craving new cultural experiences. But without these conduits between the public and the artist, we’re all going to get the short end of the stick.

[Greg Jones]

Sean,
Are you a writer who writes about Pop Culture, or are you a Pop Culture critic? And is this really a fine distinction?
Hey, if times get tough, it could be Pop Culture/Obituaries/Education Beat. Hey, maybe even the Women's pages, too!

[Sean Daly]

I'm actually a Chippendale's dancer with a cool day job.

[Miguel]

American Idol or any other Idol out there (ours is just called Idolos),is obviously cheap reality TV.I don`t watch it but you are right on saying it`s a cultural phenomenon,so it ends up being natural some coverage from newspapers(mostly tabloids around here).

I have a huge curiosity for several forms of art,from cinema to music,from painting,sculpture to photography,i try to breathe as much art as i can(i`m a museum geek for sure).I do pay attention to some critics,agreeing or not,it´s good to read the oppinions of people professionaly dedicated to those art forms.
When i turn on the Tv to watch here a show dedicated to cinema being hosted by teen pop stars,instead of people who could say something actually about the upcoming movies it bums me.
I still remember watching the Golden Globes a year ago hosted by this pathetic journalist and a movie critic and listening to comments like:
"Critic:That`s Evangeline Lilly from Lost.

Journalist:But she is not lost.And Timberlake isn`t lost either.What do you think?

Critic(very embarassed):hum...very classic style.

Journalist:It looks like he wears the smoking everyday!

Critic:No,but he doesn`t."

When Scorsese won the best director award.
"Critic:Sharon Stone as a great film in her career with a great director,Scorsese.It´s Casino,where she had the performance of a lifetime.

Journalist:Martin Scorsese is really a shorty.

Critic:He`s a director of great stature for sure."

About the room:
Journalist:"What do you think about the room? It caught my attention,and don´t if you at home became curious,that they have round tables,i see the glasses,but i don`t see the plates.Do you think they eat?"

Journalist:"Let`s talk about Jack Nicholson.

Critic:Sure.

Journalist:Does he really live in the same street than Warren Beatty?"

About Gillian Anderson.
Journalist:"Gillian Anderson won an award in 1997.

Critic:Yes,in Bleak House.

Journalist:Another curiosity about Gillian Anderson.I just tell you that when she was doing X-Files,she would always shoot on top of a fruit box."

This was taken from portuguese Premiere magazine.I have more from that mythic evening if you want.

[Mike in Austin]

First off, forgive me for not having a way with words, as in sleek prose, eye catching phrases, whitty comments and uhh... clarity...in my response. I'm a runner and a lover, not a writer.

Your comments: "American Idol is without a doubt the most influential pop-culture phenomenon of the 21st century, a franchise that has shaped how we watch TV, how we buy music, etc. I don't have to like it -- but I do have to try and understand"

I see pop culture as what "is in" via the telly, what people are wearing, who is on the cover of the mags at the check out counter, latest gossip (who the heck is Amy Whinehouse and who cares?)and all that jazz. Certainly your comments I've quoted are valid but ONLY to those who watch Idol (and like programs) and allow such programs to shape/influence their lives.

American Idol is extremely popular and inflenetial to those individuals that WATCH T.V. and take what is flashed across the screen as what is "in" within culture, etc.

That is not meant to be a negative, condescending comment.

Granted, the weekly numbers on American Idol, proves me wrong, to a point. What about the number of individuals that don't watch AI and other pop culture type shows? Is what they do considered pop culture or simply not worthy of reporting due to lack of flair, flash, glitter or not "in"?

Personally, I've never watched one episode of American Idol and frankly could care less about what it represents. I have much better things to do than sit in front of the telly so I can have the ability to talk shop at the water cooler. Spending time with the family, going for walks, long dinners, reading as a family, MENTORING, coaching, teaching and guiding my children (not the telly) is my priority. I guess you can call it the Martinez Pop Culture.

I agree with your buddy.
Unfortunatley, in the big scheme of things, people enjoy AI. AI entertains. It just so happens that the avenue of AI/certain pop culture is T.V. T.V. is a vehicle that people can "do" without doing anything. An effortless task to turn on a T.V., sit down and not lift a finger. Individuals who turn to AI/Pop culture shows WANT to watch it. If not, they'd turn off the T.V. We know what that means....nada dinero.

P.S. Don't tell Spears, I'm taking my video recorder to Vegas. Spears Wanger + Martinez Wanger = RED DAWN WANGER!!!

All the love,

MinA

[Wade Tatangelo]

My pal Sean is the only person in town who might have an ego the size of mine, which is saying something, because mine is bigger than a Buick.

[Marissa]

If watching American Idol is what it takes to bond with awesome people like Sean, Jane, Jeff in Cuba, Starfish, Dede, Sparky, Bassnote, etc, then count me in every damn night it's on (and that I'm not forced to work late.)

If Sean allowed us to chat live on his blog for, say, discussing new episodes on the upcoming TV season, I'd be here. I just dig pop culture and snark.

I know I didn't say anything truly important or poignant. But, hey! They don't pay me to be smart.

[Spears]

Hey Mike ...

"WOLVERINES!!!!"

[Marissa]

Red Dawn didn't have any sword fights.

[Joran]

Wanger?

[SM]

I admit, I was a snob when American Idol first started. I thought it was cheesy. Wanted nothing to do with it. But then I started watching it with my husband one night and was surprised to discover that it was actually fun. I see it as a nice mental break. A little escapism, if you will.

One thing I love (yes, I went from snubbing it to loving it) about AI is that we can watch it with our 8-year-old daughter. We all try to predict what the judges will say before they give their critiques. We don't expect any groundbreaking music from the show; just goofy fun.

And Mike in Austin- I relate to your viewpoint. We also stay busy with work, exercise, school, hobbies, volunteering and other activities. But here's where I go astray. We know many families like ours; just because they enjoy a particular tv show, it doesn't mean tv is a priority in their lives.

We certainly don't view AI as a cultural guide that shapes our lives, dominates our thoughts, or dictates what music we should like. Instead, it's more like a guilty pleasure. Chocolate without the calories!

Sean, I'm just curious-- how does the Times track which blogs get the most responses? Or perhaps I should say how do they interpret and weigh that information? I feel as though that sounds naive; I guess I'm thinking along the lines of Q ratings for news anchors. I would imagine, judging by the various blogs I read here, that you're a top performer. I think one thing publishers tend to overlook when they're trying to 'go lean' is that people don't read the paper solely for the crime stories. We need a break from the vitriol of the election and the depressing financial reports. Personally, I look forward to your columns; they're a *bright* and *humorous* spot in the dismal state of current affairs.

[Marissa]

yeah, what SM said in those last few lines. Double that for me.

It takes me hours, days, weeks to form cohesive, meaningful thoughts. I'm so glad I can jump a wave like SM's.

[Jeff in Cuba]

SD,

The last time I checked, the 'pop' in 'pop music' was distilled from the egalitarian notion of 'popular'. So you don't get to pick what's 'pop' anymore than a sportswriter gets to pick who wins the Super Bowl.

Besides, I don't always trust critics with too strong a point of view. I always fear that they are taking a position just so they can use the copy they're dying to submit.

Real critics find the words for the positions they're dying to take.

[SM]

Marissa, thank you. As for what you bemoan as not forming cohesive thoughts-- just stop the crazy talk! Your comments are so witty and funny, I always look forward to seeing what you say next.

[Marissa]

Thanks, SM.

My kindred spirits on Pop Life give me plenty to bounce off to and fro.