Tuesday 29 September 2009

For the Bestudded Glittery Anoraks


It's a good day for Adam Lambert & fans as his album - which we've still heard precisely fuck all from - has hit the top of the US Amazon chart. Woohoo!

Since we're all famished, here's a little something for us anoraks to nibble on while we wait. It was shortly after the end of AI and before the start of the tour in that bored gap, much like now, that I wanted to watch all the dress rehearsal clips to see how they compared to those of the live performances. Edit: The dress rehearsal clips were those shown in the recap package at the end of the show. I wanted to obsess over how every performance was unique and I wanted to compare Adam's notes and runs. But after scouring the internet, I realised they were nowhere to be found. Surely I couldn't be the only one who wanted this? The seeds of the idea for this post were planted and would germinate on a rainy day. After days of downloading the full episodes just to get those few seconds, here's the resulting video:



I remember that Satisfaction was a performance in which Adam really outshone the rest of the pack and stood out as a star with his jaw-dropping vocals, his sense of fun and his exhilarating infectious energy. I just felt that he didn't belong on Idol and deserved a bigger stage and audience. The live final note was incredible - its length, the run and the rough guttural rock edge of its tone. I didn't know at the time that they showed footage filmed from the dress rehearsal for the numbers at the end, so on seeing it that first time, there was a slight discord with my previous impression and I was a little underwhelmed because I'd thought I'd remembered it being better. The rehearsal wasn't as elaborate, but what was more noticeable to me was that there was an off note sandwiched in the middle which made the glory note sound just a little flat. His posture seemed a little tentative and comparatively amateurish, but the rehearsal did give us that gem of an expression at the end, going from fierce sexy to sweet smile - the subject of many gifs. The reprise note was much simpler, more sustained and powerful. Instead of riffing, he slid into the glory note for a wail that sounded a lot like Axl Rose.

The live performance of BoW was angrier, more impassioned and included higher notes, but the rehearsal had a slightly different feel to it that was more fun. Adam bounced up the steps, gave us an extra dance move instead of reversing backwards and added a 'Wooh!' at the end. He also missed out the 'Yes you do, yeah yeah!' but in exchange, we got some signature head tipping.

The vocals in the live performance of RoF were impeccable whereas in rehearsal they weren't as smooth but utilised more of his rich and gravelly tone. There wasn't the same level of camera engagement from Adam and it didn't have the infamous shirt-lifting moment, but the camerawork was a lot less dizzying and perhaps would have made the pearl-clutching prudes slightly less queasy.

I'd always thought ToMT was one of the weaker performances from a vocal perspective and is one where I prefer the dress rehearsal to the live. This is because of the tone, which sounded slightly less strained and more on pitch, and I also prefer the extended trill on the last 'tears'. Adam seemed to have more fun during the live version of PTFM but crucially, it missed the pelvic thrusts and snarl of the rehearsal. You have to wonder how often there was a party going on downstairs whenever they filmed above the waist.

It was only after MW that I became aware of the existence of the separate rehearsal clip when I heard a different, pitch-perfect ending and not the one I'd heard just seconds before. In the rehearsal, the penultimate 'Ma-ad' was given two notes and he didn't reach for the third, higher 'Mad world' at the end which gave him the trouble in the live performance.

BTBW showcased some astonishing high notes which seemed to all have been saved for the live performance because the glory note shown in the rehearsal clip was considerably lower. The power and pitch of them still amaze me now. There wasn't a lot of difference between the IICHYs apart from slight differences in timing with the timbre equally beautiful in both.

The big difference between both FGs is the length of the glory note. The live one is much longer albeit a little thin. I prefer the slightly shorter glory note with the longer descending run in the rehearsal but I thought the last note of the run wasn't quite as perfect. Still, who the fuck else can hold a note like that? And let's not forget the close-up shot of his disdainful and slightly sinister sneer at the end of the rehearsal.

I was blown away by WLL first time round, so it's a bit strange watching it now after seeing 52 different versions from the tour and their aggressively sexual manoeuvres. He looks so restrained! There's very little difference between the live and the rehearsal apart from the camera angles where we get a better view of Adam's neck snap & swivel.

Both versions of One are very similar and that glory note never fails to impress me. In rehearsal, he didn't palm the air and went into the glory note from a slightly higher note and didn't go so low at the end of the run. There's a minor difference in the length of the final notes from Cryin' but they're otherwise identical. The MW reprise is much slower in tempo during the rehearsal, which includes a great shot from below with the 'moon' behind Adam. I much prefer the live version of ACIGC where the descent is smoother and I really love the way that the run re-ascends. Apart from the camera angles, there's no noticeable difference between the live and rehearsal versions of NB where even the hand gestures at the same. I guess there's little to play with when you're handed such a piece of uninspiring crap.

Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed obsessing over the live vs rehearsal notes with me. I've had a miserable time, am tired of editing videos and have had writer's block, unsatisfied with anything I've put together so I thought I'd just wrap up the rest of the AI stuff and draw a line under it as we impatiently await a new phase, legs a-shaking, fingers a-tapping, ready to lose our collective shit. I think I need loss of said shit for gain in inspiration!

39 comments:

  1. Wow, you did an amazing job! I loved seeing all the dress rehearsal clips again, comparing every little detail, seeing how he always manage to change things a little, or a lot! Loved your comparisons too! I disagree on one point, though: I thought No Boundaries sounded marginally better on dress rehearsal. He seemed more nervous and less in control in the live version, IMO.

    Thanks again, that was a great way to release the tension from the wait...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful work! It is so fascinating to go back and compare the live performance with the dress rehearsal. And not just the choices in vocals, but the physical aspect as well. He really is just an instinctual performer.

    Thanks so much for all your hard work creating this!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you so much for your brilliant video. Your editing is superb, and I love your comments on each song.

    It seemed like he slowed down the tempo for the live TOMT v. the rehearsal. And though the live one sounds thin, vocally, it's still one of his more beautiful performances. He sounded more rich in tone during the Ford Day performance of this.

    I love your first sentence in this post. You're in the UK aren't you. Hope you keep us apprised of the goings on in the UK if/when Adam gets there.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are UNREAL, thank you, thank you... THANK YOU! He is the best...Thank GOD for Idol.

    Lorenzo

    ReplyDelete
  5. You are UNREAL, thank you, thank you... THANK YOU! He is the best...Thank GOD for Idol.

    Lorenzo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for this amazing video! And you comments are no less brilliant! I hope you will meet Adam one day because he really needs to know you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Excellent!! I am one of many or few who do not know there are two versions. Thanks for putting this together.

    Look forward to Adam's new tracks on the single and the album, oh, and also the Time For Miracles; and equally look forward to your comments on them.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You are a video goddess!! A WONDERFUL diversion while we await the coming Adam Storm.

    For me, the NB comparisons were painful either way. The rehearsal shot was smoother, but it was still like comparing a smoother trainwreck of a song to a chaotic trainwreck of a song. (I NEVER want to see Adam in that much pain on stage ever again!!)

    Otherwise, the comparisons were amazing! Thank you for doing this.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh the stunningly beautiful Mr Adam Lambert.
    What can I say that hasn't already been said. That voice is pure heaven!!
    Someone just get rid of October already!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I LOVE you for making this! Seeing all the dress rehearsals is almost like having new Adam performances to watch....almost.

    ReplyDelete
  11. That is a great video :] I posted it on my site! (http://www.adamistherealidol.com) I was wondering if you'd be interested in being affiliates! email me if you're interested (adamistherealidol@gmail.com) Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I admire you for using your obsession in such a productive way...of creating a blog...learning the video editing and so much more. You've become an expert! Meanwhile, we, the readers of your blog find a great new video to watch as a diversion.
    Is there ever a side of Adam that we can not obsess about?
    Thank you so so much!

    ReplyDelete
  13. maddie, after watching again, you are so right - he sounds much shoutier in the live performance of NB.

    w, yes, I'm in the UK so hope his spaceship lands on this side of the pond soon.

    You're all welcome!

    ReplyDelete
  14. As always, deepest gratitude for feeding our Adam obsession :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. copish.
    I am currently in Japan. Still, I cannot help myself, but to grep a machine and check on your blog. I will miss your blog.
    Sending strength to you for your decision making and job hunting.
    Good luck to the new chapter of yours.
    Tnks & TC ~k65535 oooooo

    ReplyDelete
  16. How very wonderful of you to share the fruits of your labor with us. I enjoyed the video immensely and I am sure I will watch it many times. TY TY TY!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wowza! Wowza! I loved this! I noticed the performance difference when Fox reran the Michael Jackson night. I NEVER thought to check out all of the episodes though! This was brilliant and made my day. I love every tidbit you have supplied - I really appreciate your dedication to the obsession! Adam was Number 1 on Amazon....we have lots more ahead. Hope all is well with you!

    ReplyDelete
  18. You are "adamazing"...what an eye and an ear you have. I so enjoyed this post. Thank you for all you do.

    ReplyDelete
  19. We, the Adam-Obsessed" need a convention....it's frustrating being obsessed alone. Thank again!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Adam Bombed, still on the road, so I am not able to watch the youtube that you have up there. Just by reading the comparison have made my day.
    Wow, you actually pay attention to the details and be able to come up with this analysis / comparison. I love it. Thanks.
    :D ~k^65535 ooo

    ReplyDelete
  21. Mad, Law Mom, Adamspirit, you're welcome! I'm just spreading the Lambert love.

    k65535, I feel honoured that you're still visiting and commenting from abroad! Hope you get the chance to see it soon. Don't worry, I haven't decided to close up the blog, just finish off all the AI bits.

    Lynn, haha are you volunteering to organise one?!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wonderful job. I think you are the best out there that can analyze his performances. Do you have a central place that actually ranks his performances by song for best vocals, best performance, most fun with props, best slinky moves, etc....I know throughout you have commented on whether or not he did well in those areas...just didn't know if you put it together in one area....again....I am so grateful for the hard work you put into this...Belle

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm still confused. I had no idea, after months of obsessing over Adam, that we could see rehearsal videos! Were the entire clips of each rehearsal available, or only the short ones that you included in this video? Where were they posted? If the entire songs are available, I'm just obsessed enough to go watch them! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Adam Bombed, Yep, I finally got to watch the youtube and that was an amazing job. Thankyou.
    To be honest, I did have doubt about wether they were two different performances or not. I then confirm by rewatching the cat scream performances of Danny. Yes, the one shown in the end was in fact less distracting than the live one. :) That is an amazing observation.

    Apart from the comparison, this clip also made me relaize how truely amazing he was. He was so consistence and completely in his own ledge. He did not belong there. Anyone could tell that he should have won. :(((

    Oh well, after hearing what Brain May said about Adam's performance on Time for Miracle, I could not wait. This is where he bleong to.:D
    ~k65535
    ooo

    ReplyDelete
  25. OMG. That was amazing!!! Thank you soooooo much for giving us that present!! I really enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Belle, I'm afraid I don't have a list of those, the main reason being that I ended up watching over half the tour in the space of a few days so I got a bit lost and it was all a bit blurry. It'll take a lot of time to go through everything to rank them but I think it's a good idea you have and I'll definitely consider it. While I'm working through the videos, I'm also putting together the ultimate playlist which should make it a bit easier.

    Anonymous, I've now added the answer to your question to the original post - The dress rehearsal clips were those shown in the recap package at the end of the show. I've included everything I have of them in the video. The entire rehearsals were never aired but I'd love to see them.

    k65535, Did you read my comment about the Danny's cat mauling on another site? You're so on the ball!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Adam Bombed, no, I haven't. Nowadays, I mainly visit your site for the information and a couple IDF's threads for laughters. However, if you are the author, I would like to read it. May I have the link please?
    ~k65535
    ooo

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hello Adam Bombed!
    I want to thank you for putting together this amazing video!
    Also, i want to tell you that i have added it to youtube. Of course, i credited you, and stated that it wasn't I who made it but you. I also put the link to this page, and to your blog.
    Here's the video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfD31YkL5Uo

    If you disagree, I will naturally delete it from the website.

    Thanks again.

    -J.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hey Adam's Bomb .. 1st i want to tell u how much i respect ur group and luv all ur vids :) and 2nd thank u so much 4 this vid .. i wanted to see the dress rehearsal so bad but i was shocked no one had it before !! so u made me happy with this vid :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you - we truly are obsessed (and you're right, FAMISHED!).

    ReplyDelete
  31. k65535, it was only a short comment I made a couple of days ago in response to another that there wasn't a separate rehearsal during rock week:
    "from what I remember during rock week, they didn’t manage to do whole performances in the dress rehearsal but they did manage to put together short snippets – enough for the package. I definitely remember them being different because I cringed when Danny tried to copy an Adam headbanging move in the rehearsal clip that we didn’t see on the live version."
    It must be that we think alike!

    Jneen, I'm glad you like the video but there's a reason why I didn't put it on my YouTube channel. It matches 3rd party content so it's either disabled or blocked in most countries. I decided to play it safe and host it somewhere else as I didn't want my account getting suspended.

    Jory, you're welcome! Thanks for all the work you do on your channel.

    LisaH, let's hope we can gorge ourselves silly soon!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Adam Bombed :D. Thanks for the link.:D Like your comment as always, plus the post was kinda funny. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. p.s. oh, it was k65535.
    ooo

    ReplyDelete
  34. Fantastic job! I love your video and comments (edition too), amazing job!
    I love all versions but I prefer the Live versions in the first place, but all performances of Adam were uniques, inspirationals... his voice and interpretations touched my heart. Thanks!
    Greetings from all LatinGlamberts!! We enjoy your videos and information!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi LatinGlamberts! *waves* Thanks for dropping by to say hi!

    ReplyDelete
  36. this video is awesome, i was always curious about how much of his live performances were somewhat improvised

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow is right!! I recognized the differences early on as well, but didn't grasp the rehearsal concept. OUTSTANDING job! Only a true fan could put this together. Will save this clip for evea!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Great analysis and so fun to revisit after almost 2 years! It's amazing how he's grown as both a singer and performer since then, and he was just about perfection then. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  39. mtnwomanbc, I'm sure we'll still enjoy marvelling at this even after 10 years! Love that every performance is still so unique and unpredictable.

    ReplyDelete