2003-04-17
9:34 a.m.

Trouble in Manilow City

I love Barry Manilow. There - I said it.

Although, the last time I saw him (at the Boston Pops July 4th bash on the Esplanade), he had his mic going through some kind of harmonizer patch or something, creating this creepy little "ghost voice" that A) did not sound at all natural, and B) was "singing" sharp to boot -- I'm talking almost a half-step up from where it should have been. I was horrified, and my husband didn't believe me when I said he was singing through a harmonizer.

"No, that's the bass player singing with him."

"Nuh-UH! Listen while he's talking in between songs! The creepy little voice is trying to harmonize with his speaking voice!"

Eventually I had to call my mother, also a singer, to verify that -- indeed -- something was not right in Manilow City, and that the robots were taking over. Months later, I still can't for the life of me figure out why he thought that was a good idea. Too cheap to hire backup singers? What?

That being said, though, I'm wondering when they'll bring in a live band. That, my Broads, will separate the wheat from the chaff. Plenty easy enough to sing along with those ghastly pre-recorded tracks, although if you're prone to doing those Mariah-esque "runs" where they don't belong, you've got to cram 'em in there. Live accompaniment will prove to be more than challenging to a few of those kids, while for others, it'll be a true chance to shine.

Discuss.

-Lisa