a post about David Cook

Those who know me, know that I'm a fan of this man's work. Not an out-of-control, GPS-using fan, but one who enjoys his win on AI, his music (his music!), and the steadfast way he comports himself as he wends his way through the razor-strewn labyrinth of fame. He's adept with the press and kind to his fans. Cook seems to be working at being genuine and protecting his privacy at the same time; largely he succeeds, a very tough job.

Now his music, on first listen, seems to be garden-variety post-grunge indie, with good guitar work. The more one listens, the more gifts reveal themselves: the shifts in tone, the way he ends his songs (no cheats for him of a fade-out on fast-playing guitars), the depth of the imagery. (I don't know how to write about music. Gack.) The voice is adept at not only staying on pitch but reaching out to the listener, giving her the feeling that Cook is singing only for her. Add to this his beauty......And this is a person whose career I will continue to follow with interest, whose albums I'll buy. (Of course I bought the first one. Two versions.) I'll go to a concert when I can get tickets. My closest venue, in Alexandria, Virginia, sold out in some ridiculously short amount of time. Yes, I'm complaining! I do so want to see him live.

Go check him out for yourself. Rejoice, because someone genuine came through not just the AI meatgrinder but the long process of becoming a real musical artist. Good luck, young Cook; you'll use it well.