Pia Toscano was one of the favorites on the odds all season long and most people – not just bettors – expected her to win the show. She had displayed her versatility throughout the season, but the judges felt she had been a bit one-dimensional by doing too many soothing ballads. Well this week, she decided to rock out and in turned, she was rocked out of the competition.

Toscano produce a performance of an upbeat Tina Turner song this week and it looked like a smart decision on her part. It looked like for the first time this season, she had really put some energy and life into one of her performances.

But as it turned out, that was not a good move as she was in the bottom three and now she’s been eliminated.

Everyone was shocked, including judge Steven Tyler, who was seen giving an expletive-laden reaction when he first found out. Even the members of the Idol Mansion were floored – including Stefano Langone and Jacob Lusk, who were also in the bottom three with Toscano.

Randy Jackson was equally surprised and called her “one of the best singers” in the competition. Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez had no words for what happened as she was short on words in her flabbergasted follow up speech.

In the end, maybe Toscano’s supporters liked what she was doing originally and weren’t as interested when she tweaked her style. Regardless, she has been eliminated and while it was a big shock to everyone involved with the show, the reality is that she’ll likely get another shot to succeed with a record label.

It has been said that the 80’s was a decade of tasteless music, fashion and greed but the music from this era has seen a big comeback. During 2009 there are 82 bands from the 80’s touring. Not just in the UK either. It seems that the Germans’, the Japanese and the Americans all want to remember the good old days…Or listen to ‘Old School Music’.

For those who were around during the eighties, it is a chance to reignite the age old argument, who was the better of the ‘Power Dressing’ bands,  Duran Duran or Spandau Ballet?  Thankfully these two bands don’t seem to take themselves too seriously the second time around, which is just as well when you see how they have ‘grown’. It wouldn’t be a pretty sight if they were still wearing the same suits or hairstyles of 30 years ago!!

Then there are the New Romantic bands. They celebrated glamour following the drabness of the punk scene but how ridiculous would they look now in their frilly shirts and big hair?

Then of course there were the girls, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Sheena Easton and Bananarama. How would they look these days, with their big teased hair, vivid make up and leggings or Ra-ra skirts?

Maybe that’s why the music from the 80’s has seen such a big comeback during these difficult times. It gives some a chance to reminisce and others a chance to enjoy or maybe laugh at what people ‘back in the day’ used to listen to.

Many people enjoy making memorabilia collections including 80′s Popstar autographs, photos, and albums to hold onto the memories of ‘Old School Music’.

Alanis Morissette has been a super star in the Pop genre for quite a while now and Feast On Scraps is an excellent illustration as to why.

Feast On Scraps is a pleasantly varied, mix of 9 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are her own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.

Overall Feast On Scraps is excellent from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Pop fan. Really sensational from beginning to end.

While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 2 – Bent For You, track 7 – Simple Together, and track 9 – Hands Clean.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Fear Of Bliss. This is a great track!

Feast On Scraps Release Notes:

Alanis Morissette originally released Feast On Scraps on December 10, 2002 on the Maverick label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Fear Of Bliss 2. Bent For You 3. Sorry To Myself 4. Sister Blister 5. Offer 6. Unprodigal Daughter 7. Simple Together 8. Purgatorying 9. Hands Clean – (acoustic)

The FEAST ON SCRAPS DVD included in this package features a live show from Alanis Morissette’s European tour, studio footage and various behind-the- scenes clips as well as 8 previously unreleased tracks recorded during the UNDER RUG SWEPT sessions.

Personnel: Alanis Morissette (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Tim Thorney (guitar, bass); Nick Lashley, Joel Shearer, Dean DeLeo (guitar); Charlie Bisharat (violin); Larry Corbett, Ruddy Stein (cello); Richard Causon (piano); Jaime Muhoberac, Zac Rae (keyboards); Chris Chaney, Meshell Ndegeocello, Eric Avery (bass); Gary Novack (drums).

It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it’s own.

Dido possesses the characteristic of being able to win you over with her talent alone. The kind of artist I really enjoy listening to.

Overall Life For Rent is excellent from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Pop fan. Really sensational from beginning to end.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 3 – Life For Rent, track 9 – Do You Have A Little Time, and track 11 – See The Sun

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – White Flag. What a nice track!

Life For Rent Release Notes:

Dido originally released Life For Rent on September 30, 2003 on the Arista Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. White Flag 2. Stoned 3. Life For Rent 4. Mary’s In India 5. See You When You’re 40 6. Don’t Leave Home 7. Who Makes You Feel 8. Sand In My Shoes 9. Do You Have A Little Time 10. This Land Is Mine 11. See The Sun

Personnel includes: Dido (vocals, programming); Adam Zimmon, Paul Herman (acoustic guitar); Rick Knowles (guitar, keyboards); Rusty Anderson, Dave Randall (guitar); Sister Bliss (piano, keyboards, programming); Mark Bates (harmonium, keyboards, percussion, programming); Aubrey Nunn (bass); Andy Treacy, Mako Sakamoto (drums); Carlos Paucar (percussion); P*Nut, Steve Sidelynk (programming); Pauline Taylor (background vocals).

Unfortunately, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Powerful People. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Powerful People is a pleasantly varied, mix of 9 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.

Powerful People is a first rate CD, delivering a little something for everyone. I give it my highest recommendation. It’s quite simply great listening. A must buy for the Pop fan.

While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 3 – Son Of A New York Gun, track 8 – The Work Verse, and track 9 – Poor Happy Jimmy (Tribute to Jim Croce).

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – People Gotta Move. Outstanding!

Powerful People Release Notes:

Gino Vannelli originally released Powerful People on October 25, 1990 on the Universal Special Products label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. People Gotta Move 2. Lady 3. Son Of A New York Gun 4. Jack Miraculous 5. Jo Jo 6. Powerful People 7. Felicia 8. Work Verse, The 9. Poor Happy Jimmy (Tribute to Jim Croce)

Personnel: Gino Vannelli (vocals); Joe Vannelli (electric piano, synthesizer); Richard Baker (organ, synthesizer); Graham Lear (drums); Tony Golia (bongos, congas); John Mandel (percussion); Lani Hall (background vocals). Producers: Gino Vannelli, Joe Vannelli, Herb Alpert. Recorded in 1974.

This CD grabs your attention right from the outset with Door #1 and doesn’t let go until the very last note of the very last song Where Would We Go, which by the way is another great track.

Levert-Sweat Gill is a pleasantly varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly superb musicians. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

Overall Levert-Sweat Gill is outstanding from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Pop fan. Really sensational from beginning to end.

While the entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 3 – You Got Me, track 9 – Let A Playa Get His Freak On, and track 12 – Where Would We Go

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Door #1. This is a great track!

Levert-Sweat Gill Release Notes:

LSG originally released Levert-Sweat Gill on November 11, 1997 on the EastWest America label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Door #1 2. Round & Round 3. You Got Me – (featuring The Lox) 4. Where Did I Go Wrong – (featuring Jermaine Dupri) 5. My Body 6. All The Times – (featuring Faith Evans/Coko/Missy Elliott) 7. My Side Of The Bed 8. Curious – (featuring Busta Rhymes/LL Cool J/MC Lyte) 9. Let A Playa Get His Freak On – (featuring Jazze Pha) 10. Love Hurts 11. Drove Me To Tears 12. Where Would We Go

LSG: Gerald Levert (vocals, keyboards, drums, programming); Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill (vocals).

Additional personnel: Edwin “Tony” Nicholas, Darryl “Delite” Allamby, Allan “Grip” Smith (various instruments); Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, MC Lyte, Faith Evans, Coko, The Lox, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, Jazze Pha, Jermaine Dupri (vocals); Craig T. Cooper (talk box, guitar); Randy Bowland, Robert Latham (guitar); Tumblin’ Dice, Inc. (keyboards, programming); Niles Mc Kimkley (keyboards); Cliff Colson (bass).

Producers include: Gerald Levert, Keith Sweat, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Edwin “Tony” Nicholas.

Engineers include: Steve L. Croom, Karl Heilbron, Phil Tann, Kevin “E.Q.” Stone, Victor “Lundon” Jones.

I wish it weren’t the case but, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with No Place That Far. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Sara Evans is one of those musicians that has the ability to just win you over with her talent. The kind of artist it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.

Overall No Place That Far is outstanding from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Pop fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.

While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 3 – No Place That Far, track 7 – The Knot Comes Untied, and track 11 – There’s Only One.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – The Great Unknown. What a nice track!

No Place That Far Release Notes:

Sara Evans originally released No Place That Far on October 27, 1998 on the RCA Nashville label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. The Great Unknown 2. Cryin’ Game 3. No Place That Far – (with Vince Gill) 4. I Thought I’d See Your Face 5. Fool, I’m A Woman 6. Time Won’t Tell 7. Knot Comes Untied, The 8. Love, Don’t Be A Stranger 9. These Days 10. Cupid – (with George Jones) 11. There’s Only One

Personnel: Sara Evans, Vince Gill, George Jones (vocals); B. James Lowry (acoustic & gut string guitars); Jim Hurst (acoustic guitar, background vocals); Larry Byrom (acoustic guitar); J.T. Corenflos (electric 6- & 12-string guitars); Billy Sanford (electric guitar); Sonny Garrish (dobro, steel guitar); Larry Franklin (fiddle, mandolin); Chris Carmichael (fiddle); John Hobbs (piano, Hammond B-3 organ, synthesizer); Randy McCormick (synthesizer); Larry Paxton (4- & 6-string basses); Eddie Bayers (drums, tambourine); Lonnie Wilson (drums); Terry McMillan (percussion); Martina McBride, Alison Krauss, Jamie O’Hara, Larry Marrs, Curtis Young, Liana Manis, Dennis Wilson, Lesley Lyons, Ashley Evans, Dan Tyminski (background vocals).

Principally recorded at Emerald Sound Studios and Starstruck Studios, Nashville, Tennessee.

Libra literally grabs your attention right from the start with Please and won’t let go until the very last note of the very last song Shadowless, which is another great track by the way.

Libra is a nicely varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly outstanding artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are her own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.

I give Libra my highest recommendation. It just plain belongs in any serious music collectors collection regardless of genre preference.

While the entire album is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 3 – What’s Good, track 6 – I Wanna Be, and track 10 – Shadowless.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Please. Great track!

Libra Release Notes:

Toni Braxton originally released Libra on September 27, 2005 on the Blackground Enterprises label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Please 2. Trippin (That’s The Way Love Works) 3. What’s Good 4. Take This Ring 5. Midnite 6. I Wanna Be (Your Baby) 7. Sposed To Be 8. Stupid 9. Finally 10. Shadowless

Personnel include: Toni Braxton (vocals); Rich Harrison (various instruments); Dan Shea, Siete (guitar); Kendrick Dean (strings); Greg Phillinganes (piano); Tamar Braxton, Babyface (background vocals). Recording information: The Hit Factory, Criteria, Miami, Florida.

Unfortunately, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Some Things Dont Come Easy. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Some Things Dont Come Easy is a pleasantly varied, mix of 11 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.

I’m of the opinion that Some Things Dont Come Easy is certainly England Dan’s best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it’s a collection that even the casual Pop fan can appreciate and enjoy.

While this entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 2 – If The World Ran Out Of Love Tonight, track 6 – We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again, and track 11 – Just The Two Of Us.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Some Things Don’t Come Easy. Good stuff!

Some Things Dont Come Easy Release Notes:

England Dan originally released Some Things Dont Come Easy on May 31, 2005 on the Wounded Bird Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Some Things Don’t Come Easy 2. If The World Ran Out Of Love Tonight 3. You Can’t Dance 4. Who’s Lobely Now 5. Hold Me 6. We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again 7. Lovin’ Somebody On A Rainy Night 8. Beyond The Tears 9. Calling For You Again 10. Wanting You Desperately 11. Just The Two Of Us

This CD grabs your attention right from the outset with That Healin’ Feelin’ and won’t let go until the very last note of the very last song Summary, which by the way is another great track.

Horace Silver is one of those musicians that has the ability to just win you over with him talent. The kind of artist it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.

I’m of the opinion that United States Of Mind is certainly Horace Silver’s best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it’s a collection that even the casual Pop fan can appreciate and enjoy.

While this entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 6 – disc 1 – Permit Me To Introduce You To Yourself, track 9 – disc 2 – How Much Does Matter Really Matter, and track 14 – disc 2 – Summary.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – That Healin’ Feelin’. It’s a great track!

United States Of Mind Release Notes:

Horace Silver originally released United States Of Mind on October 5, 2004 on the Blue Note Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

DISC 1: 1. That Healin’ Feelin’ 2. Happy Medium, The 3. Show Has Begun, The 4. Love Vibrations 5. Peace 6. Permit Me To Introduce You To Yourself 7. Wipe Away the Evil 8. Nobody Knows 9. There’s Much To Be Done 10. Acid, Pot Or Pills 11. What Kind Of Animal Am I 12. Won’t You Open Up Your Senses 13. I’ve Had A Little Talk 14. Soul Searchin’ DISC 2: 1. Big Business 2. I’m Aware Of The Animals Within Me 3. Old Mother Nature Calls 4. Total Response 5. Merger Of The Minds, The 6. Cause And Effect 7. Forever Is A Long Long Time 8. My Soul Is My Computer 9. How Much Does Matter Really Matter 10. Horn Of Life 11. Who Has The Answer 12. From the Heart Through The Mind 13. All 14. Summary

Personnel: Horace Silver (piano); Andy Bey, Salome Bey, Gail Nelson (vocals); George Coleman , Harold Vick, Houston Person (tenor saxophone); Randy Brecker, Cecil Bridgewater (trumpet).