Today’s the Day!! – the first single from Lines, Vines & Trying Times, “Paranoid”, is fully out. Released to radio on Friday (at least the meds-free, Radio Disney version), the album version is up on iTunes and Amazon today! I assume hard copy versions are out there, too?
Anyway. We know we all love it…but is it a hit?! More thoughts after the jump…
We’ve already had some great discussion in the comments about the song – which most of us seem to really, REALLY enjoy (mildly put).
I was reading a review of “Paranoid” from “About.com/Top 40″ on KevinJonasOnline.com and they mentioned that this song didn’t have an instant hook.
To which Coolmom helpfully replied:
“Hook” is defined as “a device in music that catches the attention”.
Hooks are typically the very first thing you hear when the song begins. In “SOS” for example, its the first eight notes you hear, that motif is repeated again and again under the verse. A hook could also be used in the chorus.
I would disagree that Paranoid does not have a hook. I think the opening descending “eighth” notes on the guitar would be the hook. They’re the first thing you hear after the single sustained tone that happens right at the beginning. They are repeated throughout the song under the verse. They’re even under the chorus if you listen hard.
Nice! I am no music expert myself, but I can certainly agree with the sentiment that it ensnares you pretty hard after a couple spins. On my first listen, I think my head was kinda cocked to the side, much like Joe on the new album cover.
Nick’s lower voice was a new element that seemed to immediately strike everyone (some say he sounds a lot like Joe – I don’t disagree, but I still think there is a[n awesome] flintiness to Joe’s voice that will always be exclusively his, not to mention all the ample nickliness of Nick’s that remains! Just my personal take on that). But it didn’t take long, as usual, before there was no other song I wanted to listen to on repeat and pick apart more. EARWORM!!!
I am hoping the song has this effect on Jonas neophytes when it really hits radio. Which reminds me of the ongoing entanglements regarding radio success…will it be a bigger presence there than the others? Lovebug seemed surefire to me; so did Tonight. But, the Jonases don’t get too much love on radio, except when fans are forcing the issue, and up until now it hasn’t seemed to matter all that much, except from a point of pride and the old-fashioned desire to boast of a huge #1 hit single. So some onlookers have wondered about the choice of the song as the first single off the record, even as they praise it.
I have to just admit I have no idea if it will take off in that regard or not. My only real relationship with the music industry is as a consumer and fanatic, and I am a notoriously bad judge of such things, seeing as I am not very into most of the music that does really, really well on the charts. Like, at all. Sometimes, I just don’t get it.
I am hoping that the steady rhythms and not-overwhelmingly bubblegum, danceable catchiness of “Paranoid” will win over that amorphous mass of Top 40 radio listeners, whoever they are (I am not one of them). I feel like the song was picked because those qualities make it a good contender to do so, while not cheating us of what the Jonases do so well – taking any theme, even a dark-tending one, and relating it in a way that remains musically upbeat and perfectly – perfectly - enjoyable.
That About.com article summed it up best, saying
“Paranoid” will fit well on pop radio, and it is likely to earn the trio new fans who will not immediately recognize this song as the Jonas Brothers. However, those who relished A Little Bit Longer will recognize the sound instantly, but see it as welcome evolution. Growing up with the Jonas Brothers has been a good ride so far.
I completely agree.
What are your thoughts?!
Oh, and BONUS, if you missed it – first live performance of “Paranoid” at the Atlantis in the Bahamas, last Saturday, May 9, 2009!
Oh, and if you see reviews of the song out there, please post links below for all to see!
[Via: dysfunctionalmcr (YouTube); ilikecheese77 (YouTube); h/t Barbara, Coolmom & Sonnnn/Flamom!]
cpaig
mememoi
coolmom823
I like it! It has kind of a chill, summery vibe to it.
I agree, S@R@H!
Thanks for your comment.
It pains me to say this, but the song is still growing on me. On the first listen, my head was cocked to the side and my nose was wrinkled. Given the influences JB cited and the enthusiastically proclaimed “new direction,” I was expecting something entirely different (more layered sound, less “synth”) Once I got over the initial reset of my expectations, I can appreciate it as a solid pop song and a job well done.
Nick’s voice has matured so much! I love listening to him. It is odd to hear Joe sing so little on an upbeat song, but it works. Lyrically, it is a change. It has undertones of a relationship song, but is more “grown up” in its perspective, speaking to the stresses of fame and the life they lead. I appreciate that. I don’t think it showcases their ability as musicians as well as it could. However, I must admit, I am biased and I would really like to see them not be as “safe” in their choices. My hope is that the other songs on the album will be a bit more daring. I know they can do it! They are incredibly talented. I want to see them show that to the world.
Will it be a hit? I don’t know. I hope it gets more airplay than previous songs. I hope it recruits new fans. I hope the boys get the critical acclaim and recognition they deserve.
My album is already pre-ordered and I know it will listen to it on repeat endlessly and over-analyze every note. They are worth the obsession.
I hate to sound like such a Joe-fangirl but the relative lack of Joe is disconcerting to me, as well. I am pretty much obsessed (as usual) with his parts, though. He just always…nails it, in terms of what I am looking for, I guess.
It will be really interesting to see how representative this song is of the whole album, whether this is The Sound, overall, or just the record’s most radio-friendly tune (I think the synth aspect makes it more radio friendly than the previous singles).
I agree with you on the “safe” thing, too. But that said, I was unsure at first, too (don’t know what I was expecting) but I honestly deeply dig the song now. Not sure if it will be my favorite, but we’ll see!
I am also glad it doesn’t sound ridiculously a lot like any other band they admire (Kings of Leon, Zutons). I had a concern about that…but it is still very fundamentally THEM. Phew.
So worth the obsession!
I think it’s weird to hear Nick singing so much on the song as a single if only because it doesn’t give Joe much to do during live performances. I watched the YouTube of it from the Bahamas and it seemed like Joe was wandering somewhat aimlessly around stage waiting to sing his few lines. He didn’t even play the tambourine. It just seemed odd.
I’ve also always been somewhat back and forth on Nick’s voice. I like it on some songs, sometimes I feel it to be a little bit grating on others. Even though Nick’s voice has matured, it still sounds young to me.
I agree…sometimes I have to be in the mood for Nick, much as I love him. I am pretty much always in the mood for Joe, even when I think I’m not. If that makes any sort of sense?! 0_o
I think, no matter what the lyrics are, Joe has a certain emotional complexity in his voice and manner that I think Nick is still too young and straightforward to have, even though he is a brilliant prodigy, admirably intense and (probably) more technically skilled. At least that is my reasoning as to why Joe is my preference. Really, it is probably just that Joe sometimes sounds a bit like other vocalists I’ve loved in the past too (Richard Ashcroft or whatever), just a lil more raw.
And I don’t mind Joe’s stage wandering…I find the Bahama shows somewhat odd in and of themselves, but the sparse way they present the songs kinda reminds me of the olden days. Sometimes, even if he had the tambo, Joe had no choice but to wander for a moment, wave to the crowd, be sweet. LOL.
you can fangirl Joe all you want, baby!
As a Kevin girl I just want to hear him sing by himself anything
It sure was special hearing him sing on his own at the Ryman! And we got to hear Ryan sing too – beautiful voice!
You went to Ryman? Was it a small venue like I picture in my head?
a few of us on here went! Yes, it’s very small. It was a church originally. It seats about 2300 people. I was in the second pew from the stage on the center aisle directly in front of Joe! I still can’t believe it. It was an unforgettable and honestly a lifechanging experience for me. It sounds dumb but they really have changed my life. Anyhow, I’ll stop embarrassing myself …
In the past, I’ve analyzed who sang what on each record and it’s pretty amazing, but it’s SO close to 50/50. Even when I think oh Joe is singing everything on this.
I love how they sound together and the singing is one area where I really don’t have criticism (so rare LOL) and I just take it in, and figure they know what’s best for them (esp. by now). I remember at 1st I was saying to my DH – why do they just not take turns – I’ll sing this song and you sing the next one? Now I get it.
I don’t think they have choreography and the full arrangement worked out for Paranoid, so that is why Joe was a little distracted maybe on Sat. night. I did really get into how emotionally he sang his lyrics and how he was feeling the song. I loved that.
We can’t judge the CD on one song that’s for sure. There’s been songs where that would be very misleading considering my “study.” LOL
I wish we knew who wrote each song though – that would help me out.
I guess I luck out having fallen in love with Joe and Nick since no matter how it goes, and how much of the reins either one is taking, its win win for me. And I think Nick does take the reins a lot but Joe certainly is right in there. He’s loving what he’s doing, so so much. I mean, his biggest nightmare is not being able to do it anymore, or being abandoned by his fans.
And funny enough Lovebug appears to be their most loved song as far as MySpace, and iTunes and celebrities (and people I know) who like it the most … and I would NEVER EVER have guessed that. I love it but I definitely like other songs much more. That song was very risky IMO but def paid off big time.
I always loved Lovebug…I felt like it should have been the onesitting at #1 for weeks and weeks, as opposed to Katy Perry (or even Taylor Swift, much of an improvement as she is over KP.)
PS what does radio mean nowadays anyhow? I’m just not sure.
I don’t listen to the radio personally and a lot of the stations are owned by the same people, and they are paid off to play the records they play. Maybe the JB/Hollywood don’t pay the bribes and that’s why they don’t get the airplays.
I feel like it shouldn’t matter…but so much music media still rates it. Having a big splash at #1 for a couple weeks, or just really sticking in the Top 10 for a while because of airplay & sales and whatever still seems to mean something to the industry watchers.
Nick’s voice is 16 years old, and it is still immature. He has been blessed with a fantastically beautiful child’s voice (hence his Broadway career starting at 6/7) But that voice is now changing and maturing. Nick’s voice can tend to thin out on top sometimes, something I’m sure he works on constantly. However, that sense of teetering on an emotional edge can be enormously effective in the right musical context. I think of his voice as soulful and searing.
Joe’s voice is actually unusually mature for 19. He has what is called a “fat” voice – meaning one that is not thin but robust in quality. Fat voices tend to be the same all throughout their range, a high note will have the same powerful quality as a lower note. I think of Joe’s voice as warm and enveloping.
I love the way you describe their voices, coolmom! How would you describe Kevin’s? I think of him as more “bluesy” or classic rocker, because he is a little raspy, but we only get to hear him in bits and snippets. I just know I like what I hear!
Awesome. A fat voice. Not phat? Well, both I guess. (Uh, “phat” is soooo 90s, isn’t it?)
Ooooh coolmom, I love it! I never would have been able to come up with a way to describe their voices. You’ve said it perfectly (at this point, I should no longer be surprised)!
I’m also interested to see how you would describe Kev’s voice. It’s much harder I’m sure, as we only get small samples here and there.
Before I comment, I want to remind anyone reading how much I adore and love Kevin. I hope noone takes offense as my assessment.
I think of Kevin’s voice as folksier and more raw than either of his brothers. It is well suited for singing the country songs he loves.
It ’s not as focused a tone as Nick’s, nor as expansive a tone as Joe’s. His voice is less unique than either of his brothers, therefore, his voice blends extremely well with his brothers (the timbre that they share as biological siblings helps with the blend as well). I heard them sing SOS “a capella” (without instruments) once, and Kevin’s voice is like extra grounding for Nick’s and extra power for Joe’s. I haven’t heard as many three-part harmonies in their recent (ALBL) stuff, and Kevin has been quoted as saying he backed off on singing to focus more on playing.
He is extremely good at singing back-up while playing an instrument, something that makes him indespensible in live performance.
He genuinely seems to prefer playing the guitar to anything else, I don’t see it as some conspiracy to keep Kevin from singing, he is, I believe most comfortable playing guitar and singing back-up.
I didn’t mean to put you on the spot, coolmom! I know you love Kevin. I am just so Kevin-obsessed that I wanted your opinion, because I have abslolutely no education in the means of classifying voices.
I agree, it isn’t a conspiracy. If he wanted to sing more, he would.
No problem!
I know you would’t overreact to perceived negativity, but someone might, so I wanted to remind everyone of my Kev-lovin’ credentials, lol!
I was too late on my comment above.
I love your assessment of their voices. You’re dead on! I love how you describe Kevin’s part in the performances. What is does on stage is often taken for granted which is so upsetting to those of us who see how amazing he is…he is such an important part of the puzzle. He’s the perfect anchor for both Nick and Joe- always dependable while playing guitar and singing backup which is not an easy thing to do I’m sure!
This makes perfect sense and sounds good to me!
And lest it seem like I’m undermining what it takes to sing backup, let me say that it’s not easy to do. He has to play all the time, and then pull pitches out of the air to sing.This takes skill!
He has said that singing bacckground is more complex and interests him. I didnt understnad that comment until you said “pull pitches out of the air.” Now it makes perfect sense!
I see all your points. However, I cannot escape the reality of how ofter fans and reviewers ONLY talk about the singing from Joe and Nick. They never seem to credit Kevin for much, sadly
I think that’s just a backup vocal thing, no insult to Kevin. the other guys sing backup too, and Nick and Joe backup each other LOL.
I think you lost me at the 2nd backup
LOL! Sometimes I am quite unclear in my JB hysteria
Well of course I LOVE Paranoid. Just like many others, at first I listened with a questioning look on my face because I wasn’t sure where to being. After a couple more listens, it totally and completely grew on me.
It’s so simple in terms of the music but so complex in terms of the lyrics. Lyrically, it’s unlike anything else we’ve heard from the boys. I think that’s what threw me off at first. Not that I wasn’t expecting something more mature from them- I just had to listen a few times to really hear what they were saying.
Nick’s maturing voice caught my attention first. I love that his voice has changed from record to record- he’s completely grown up before our eyes.
I wish radio play had nothing to do with how successful critics view a band or artist is. I never even listen to radio at all. For me, songs that get BIG play on the radio get overplayed for me and I never want to hear them again. I Kissed a Girl, Umbrella. Sure these songs were at the top of the charts for awhile (why they are viewed as good music is beyond me), but now every time I hear them I turn them off. When a radio station plays a “hit” song three times in an hour, people get tired of hearing them. The boys create music that leaves a much longer lasting impression. I can listen to JB songs over and over again and never get sick of them.
I just cannot wait to hear more of what’s on the record, as well as who wrote each song. YAY!
The word is begin in paragraph one. I forgot to proofread.
Love your thoughts on hit radio.
So true (and why I don’t like/listen, either…).
Well molly, you are often so kind to say that I express what you are feeling, now I want say: back at ya’!
Right on with everything you said!
Why thank you!
OK, gotta read all this stuff…but I would say as far as Nick goes, I couldn’t tell you why people who don’t really love him like his voice. (obviously a lot of fans do)
I always figure lots of people like Bob Dylan’s voice and Marilyn Manson’s voice, so you know, anything goes …
But for me, when I listen to him sing, it’s just Nick – being all trying-so-hard, and so vulnerable and so into-it-all and I love anything he does. But that’s me, and I think I’m a case in and of myself. LOL
Joe’s voice is beautiful – a rock and roll voice – and I could listen to him all day. His voice – I can’t imagine anyone not liking it. What is not to like?
Yes. I agree that Joe’s voice is beautiful and perfect. Heehee.
And I think Nick’s voice is totally appealing. He can be squeaky for obvious reasons but he is just so disciplined and methodical. Nonfans I know often admire his “little yodel sounds” as I have heard them called. HA!
and people like and dislike his riffing too. So funny. He has these little yelps on the black CD that take some getting used to.
Joe does a lot of (sexy) breathing if you KWIM on that CD as well. Not so much anymore. Joe Elliott from Def Leppard actually explained why singers do that on VH1 Classic – it was interesting! He also explained DL’s lead and rhythm guitar parts.
speaking of perfect, Joe’s version of Free Falling is scads better than JOhn Mayer’s. Just sayin’. I always HATED that song until I heard Joe sing it. I honestly think he could sing anything and make it great.
I love Nick’s voice. Not just because I love Nick, but because it’s so unique and soft and… soulful. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the new songs, because he sounds AMAZING in Paranoid. Just amazing.
Of course I love Joe’s voice too. But not more than Nick’s.
Together they’re the perfect mix!
Speaking of guitar – who plays the lead guitar? JT, right? so does Kevin play rhythm guitar then? Sometimes I wish I could see them both at the same time and figure out what they are both playing.
It depends on the song. Sometimes Kevin is lead, sometimes JT.
I wish I knew how to tell. Is there an easy way?
Listen to the guitar line and watch their fingers. That is they only way I know how to tell.
Maybe it is just me looking too closely, but it seemed like Kevin played more lead earlier on. My only guess is that the demands of being a third frontman (no offense, anyone, I can’t come up with a better term) interfere? We know Keivn has serious skills, most evident when he plays an acoustic guitar. Take me with a grain of salt, I know I over-analyze.
Oh, and that leaves Nick – does he always play rhythm guitar as well? 3 guitarists is kind of a lot, and sometimes Joe plays too.
Nick tends to play less involved parts than either Kevin or JT. Joe usually doesn’t play guitar unless Nick is on piano.
Again, I don’t want to offend anyone, but Nick is not the guitarist that either Kevin or JT are. He has been playing drums longer than any other instrument, including piano. He came to guitar last. Don’t get me wrong, he’s great, but not as accomplished as his brother or backing bandmate.
I actually would like to know when he started each instrument and why. We know Kevin’s story with guitar, but not Nick’s and not Joe’s. I’m interested in that.
I really can’t judge guitar skills whatsoever – I respect anyone who can play at all, really.
(since I can’t)
But I would imagine that JT and Kevin would be more skilled than Nick just based on time practicing. I think what Nick offers is a broad understanding of music, he seems to pick stuff up very easily.
Do you have an opinion about JT and Kevin as far as their guitar talents go?
From what I have seen, all of the backing band members are extraordinarly talented, with mulitple skills to bring to the table. Kevin seems like a natural with the guitar and he will only get better.
I would say that JT is the most skilled guitarist in the band. And he is also the musical director for the band, which means he in involved in all the musical arrangements for all the instruments, not just playing guitar. That’s a whole other level of skill and involvement.
I think Kevin is very good, but not as accomplished as JT.
Nick’s musicianship is very complete – and he can and does play many instruments well. But, this also means that he won’t play any one as well as someone who concentrates on that discipline.
I wish these statements were not made here cause these are the very reasons why some “fans” say Kevin can easily be replaced by JT and he isn’t needed. For this reason alone is why I think that in that one chat, Kevin is considering “some” lead singing parts. He may feel he has no choice to “stay relevant” like some “fans” say
Anna, Kevin can’t be replaced. He’s Kevin Jonas! one of the Jonas Brothers. There is no replacing a Jonas Brother. LOL
I don’t think Kevin has any problems whatsoever. Nor do I think Joe or Nick lose any sleep or suffer any angst over their roles in the group. I take them at their word. A lot of fans seem to want to paint them all emo and sad but I do not see that at all.
Keith Urban is a very accomplished guitarist, been playing for what? 30 years? and he has a lead guitarist in his band. He plays ganjo and still has another guy who plays banjo and ganjo. Sometimes he is on lead and sometimes not. It doesn’t take anything away from KU. That is how it works.
I appreciate the analysis – it doesn’t affect how much I love and derive pure joy from the Jonas Brothers – nothing could – but it’s interesting to me since I am not learned in this & you guys are! Thanks so much for the schooling.
I don’t think any of us implied that, Anna. I am sorry if it came across that way. Please re-read Coolmom’s assessment of Kevin’s invaluable contribution to the live performance. There would be no JB without Kevin. We all know that and wave that flag hearitly here. Kevin is awesome. No one here will dispute that.
Oh, no. You misread me. I just meant that if one of those “fans” happen across this fine site, they may use it as ammo against him. I know this is a place of love of all 3 guys
well, what those kind of people say is none of our concern. Look at all the people talking about Joe’s “love nest” and that Paranoid is about TS. I don’t believe either of those things are true at all. Joe’s not going to move in with a girl until he is married – if he gets an apt on his own, that is his business. Anyway, people say dumb stuff all the time. There’s nothing we can do to stop it.
Anna, I find it hard to believe that the kind of fans who think Kevin Jonas could be “replaced” would even come to this site, or care about what we write here. Sonnnn is perfectly correct that we can’t control what every fan thinks.
And as sharpld pointed out, you shouldd read ALL of my assessments of Kevin’s abilities, not just the ones you can construe negatively.
so did you read somewhere how he picked up instruments? I have always wanted to know this. How did you know drums was first for him? (I mean, now we’ve seen how good he was at 5. My DH who is a drummer also said you can tell Nick knows what he is doing in that video because he is playing double beats)
I’m figuring maybe Nick wasn’t playing guitar at the time of his solo CD but started when he was 12/13 when he was writing with his brothers?
So when/where did piano fit into this?
Oh and totally OT – how did Nick and Joe learn gymnastics?!
But Nick must have learned quickly because he was playing guitar in early performances from what I’ve seen – but we don’t see him with a guitar on the solo CD. Plus the music on the solo CD is so lame and electronic.
From what I’ve read, Nick started playing drums in church (at least by age 5). He also was picking up musical tips from his father. I think I read an interview with Denise once where she said that Nick would sit next to his father at the piano and try to mimic whatever he did. An interview with Nick that I read said that when they decided to be a band, he asked John Taylor and Kevin to give him guitar lessons so he could play with the band. His quote was, “Cool! I’m going to learn how to play the guitar!”
Whoooo….I’ve been gone a LONG time! But I have been checking in here, just haven’t commented. I like Paranoid and am getting ready to buy it off iTunes. It’s not what I expected, but it’s kind of refreshing and different. Funny thing, my Top 40 station here played it on a “Mix it or Nix it” thing they do (call in and say if you like it or hate it) and about 80% liked it! I was shocked, because they NEVER ever play JB. And I haven’t heard the song on their station since. Whatever. I’ve ended up listening to my oldies station, mostly! My daughter, who like Amanda’s daughter says she’s just not into their music anymore, does not like Paranoid. She’s moved on to much edgier, harder, punkier music, and she’s only 14. Makes me sad! She does watch Jonas, though, and giggles. And after we moved into our new house, she put up a couple of posters of JB, along with Adam Lambert, Paramore, Forever the Sickest Kids, and Taking Back Sunday. She was an insanely hardcore fan of JB, and she’s not as crazy about them now, and it makes me worry that there are thousands of other fans out there like that. If their CD doesn’t do well, they will again have to put up with the critism from the media who feel they are “spiraling downward.” Ugh, not looking forward to that. I did, however, read some comments on the Rolling Stone online article about Paranoid (I guess I was feeling feisty that day – I normally avoid the comments) and surprisingly, there were many comments in support of them and the song. There were your typical hater comments from disgruntled, insecure old men, but many were supportive. I felt a little happy inside after reading some of those. Anyway….sorry so long, but I’ve been AWOL for awhile. Love reading everyone’s views!
We’ve missed you Monica! Welcome back to the comments!
BTW, LOL at “disgruntled, insecure old men”! You speak the truth.
You can’t keep that young girl fanbase around more than a couple years generally. What they will probably do is pick up new fans, and they have a good chance at picking up some older fans, if not now then eventually. I definitely think that.
I agree. They are coming to a crossroads, but they should be able to weather it. I am behind them and support them totally…
I think it’s a shame that young fanatics are so all-or-nothing, but I know how it can be. I would think even people who are no longer crazy fans will still pick up the album. They could never go platinum on superfans alone!
So, we’ll see!
Hi Ladies,I havent been here in a while.Uni work is ongoing til next week.I just got back from Paul oGrady live with the Jonas Brothers and Alan Menken(Disney song legend)My Mum and I went,the boys look so amazing in real life.Its the first time I had seen them not on my tv/computer screen.They seemed happy and tan,and they sang along with ‘A Whole New World’
Happy Days I can’t wait for Wembley 
Welcome back Becky!! We’ve missed you! WOW that’s so awesome that you saw them today. I’m so excited for you!!! I hope that shows up on youtube soon- sounds like a winner.
I missed you too.It looked like they knew every word to the Disney songs.They sort of mimed the lyrics.Anyways,now I’ve been in the same room with them I feel a glow,I haven’t stop smiling.Teenie day!
Oh I’m so jealous! It’s completely ok to act teenie after that! I can’t believe you saw them so close!!!!
I’m jealous, too!
I am completely envious, becky! Enjoy the concert!!!
It’s really addicting. TO be close to them.
That must have been incredible!!!!!
Awesome!
Jonas Brothers AND Alan Menken? That’s awesome! Alan Menken writes such amazing music – I think all my favorite Disney stuff is his. (Little Mermaid, Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin)
YES! (Newsies.
)
Erm….what is newsies? lol!
OMG, Becky.
Just kidding.
It’s a Disney musical from the early 90s…kind of an odd plot for a musical, it was all about the paperboy work strike at the turn of the 19th-20th Century. Sooooo adorable. It was actually also choreographed/directed by Kenny Ortega of HSM fame. And Christian Bale, then in his early 20s, was the star. It has to be seen to be believed.
I might check that out.I have time to kill in the summer.
did you say KENNY ORTEGA ? and CHRISTIAN BALE?
OK. I will be SO watching that.
Whew! I feel better if you haven’t seen it, Sondra! I was having some serious so-you-think-you-know-Disney-but-you-really-don’t moments, not having a clue about “Newsies”. But then, the early 90’s were a busy time for me -just graduated college, new job, new husband, new house, another new job, etc. I didn’t get much Disney time back then.
right – me too! I was busy with real life LOL
Yay! I love Alan Menken, too! Newsies is great, you gotta see it! Now I’m going to have “Seize the Day” stuck in my head…
Love love love Newsies! Love Seize the Day, the dancing in that scene is amazing, lol!
I think The World Will Know is my favorite though. Wow, this is bringing me back, I had no idea Alan Menken was involved in that.
i have been thinking of you Becky!!!
They really are tan, right? THey look so tanned in the photos.
PS do you shop at that store they like – All Saints? Mememoi and I were checking out their Web site earlier. I have always heard of Topshop (I used to have an obsession with the UK) – is that a small boutique or a medium sized store? I know Harrods is a dept. store.
All Saints isn’t near my hometown and its real expensive(I’m a student!) But I can see why the boys like it so much.Very fashionista.
Topshop is a massive store, it is at my nearest shopping centre and in quite a few locations in the UK.I love it,more in my budget range
Yeah, it’s real expensive! TOddler clothing was like $30 for a shirt.
Ive got to go offline.My bro wants his room back.Bye!!!!!
bye!!!!
I just put Newsies on hold at my library. LOL
It’s totally on YouTube if you can’t wait…it was my tween obsession. I have probably watched it 3,000 times. It has some cringe moments, looking back, but it was so FULL OF BOYS. Boys who were not afraid to dance and sing.
My real teen obsession was Christian Bale. I am pretty over him now – he just seems VERY different from who he was as a boy (or picks different roles), but I was devoted to him for years. I was in the original group that coined the term “Baleheads” for Christian Bale superfans when he was really pretty obscure, as a child actor. He was very young, very sweet in Newsies!
I had such an obession with Newsies – wrote fanfic, belonged to an online lodging house. Last year I was in a tap piece to Seize the Day and King of New York, and it was amazing.
Though my faves have always been Spot and Dutchy. Um, did you ever see Blood Drips Heavily on Newsie Square? I know that’s up on YouTube. And it has like two seconds of young Christian Bale with his real Welsh accent.
That is so cool!! I have seen parts of the Blood Drips, LOL. My goodness, those crazy Roundhouse boys.
I had a huge crush on Spot when I was younger (or maybe I was assigned to him, don’t remember…with two older sisters, we each had to pick our own crush in whatever movie). And also Mush as a close 2nd.
Whatever way, my love was very real and I still adore it.
Oh I loved Christian Bale in “Little Women”! I love that movie up until the scene where Jo turns down Laurie’s proposal. Ugh! I know that’s the way L.M. Alcott wrote it, but still… It’s just not right. Not right! How could any woman say no to Laurie? The proposal’s so beautiful.
Gosh I’m such a romantic…
That is probably my last true beloved CB role…I loved that movie, love the director, love the book too! All among my favorites.
I liked him back in that movie based on that Bret Easton Ellis book – god that was a long time ago. And I really like him as Batman a lot. I’m sure I will like him in Newsies. I’ve heard of it but never saw it! It’s in the adult section of the library – is it an adult film?
Adult?! Make sure you’re getting the right film there….it’s definitely “family”.
it’s listed in the adult DVDs. How stupid, huh?
OK, off to photograph some inventory! See you lovely ladies tonight!
I am so excited for Becky! What a day she had.
Coolmom, thanks once again for your thorough and fascinating analysis! Even though Kevin prefers guitar to singing, I would give my left arm to have him sing an entire verse alone on the new CD. LOL
Becky – so awesome you got to see them! And “A Whole New World” is my all-time favorite Disney song. To hear them sing it would just, make my life!
Monica – that is a shame about your daughter. I don’t know why so many girls have turned away from them. JB has stayed in the spotlight this past year, always something going on with them it seems like. I could understand if they were off the radar for an extended period. But, somebody had to buy all those concert tickets so I don’t think there is a downward spiral in their near future!
Hmm. I guess I am lucky. I know my daughter will support them forever. She has had some weird obsessions (!!) in her life and she still adores them all and is fiercely protective of her fandoms if provoked! LOL But, being homeschooled, there is no peer pressure; she can love what she wants without having to worry how she appears to others.
Paranoid is, IMO, very different from anything from them thus far. I adore it and feel compelled to listen to it repeatedly. It pulls me in. That said, I still hope the rest of the album does not carry the same tone. I want more fun music, like Burnin’ Up and SOS.
As for radio play, with it’s “edgier” theme, I think it will get more play than other songs from them. But I hate, loathe, and despise Top 40 radio…
I love Paranoid. I think it’s a lot different than what we’ve heard and I know it’s only a small snippet of what will be “Lines, Vines and Trying Times” and I’m insanely excited to hear the rest!
Hi everyone,
I’ve been a “lurker” and reading for a couple of months now and I love what you all have to say. I thought I was the only 40 something mom who felt this way about JB but It’s like you all are reading my mind!
Yay, livegood – welcome!!!
Nope, you are not alone…you’re in good company. We have lots of lurkers, but a fun group (a range of ages and types “too old for the Jonas Brothers”, LOL) who speak up lots. Please join us on the new posts!!!