In the July episode of "Live From Daryl's House" Daryl Hall welcomes rap duo Chiddy Bang and singer/actor Frank Stallone brother of actor/singer Sylvester Stallone.
When some fans heard that Chiddy Bang and Frank Stallone would be gracing Hall's upstate New York home for an afternoon of song and food some wondered if this award-winning web series had jumped the shark, run its course, seen better days, given up the ghost, and other euphemisms in that ilk.
Fans wondered about the connection of Hall with Chiddy Bang and Frank.
Hall tells his viewers that he and Frank have been friends since they were 19 years old. Well, there's the connection between Daryl and Frank but how do rap singers Chiddy Bang fit into this puzzle? Oh, they come Philadelphia where Daryl and Frank also hail from. Okay, if anything the show should be interesting.
Chiddy Bang is a rap duo made up of Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege and Noah "Xaphoon Jones" Beresin. Viewers first see them talking about how happy they are to play music with Hall and his band. They take one look at Daryl's large New York State Estate and they comment that you're able buy a home this large by "selling records to people who buy records." The two have a definite point there. Where are the days of liking only one song but having to have to buy an album just to have a copy of it? Long gone.
Something different is happening as Hall invites the rapping duo into his home; the only people viewers see are his band. Where's Hall's wife, Amanda, who shyly lowers her eyes and then races out of the room that somehow seems more like an act than anything else? Where's the step-daughter, March, who stands there playing with her hair so nicely? Where's step-son, Orson, who even when he's around no one really notices him? Where's sister Kathy with her hubby Jeremy? And there's no sign of mom Betty and dad Frank. Maybe they're hiding in the basement because they're not on camera.
Not having the family around is actually a good thing. Hall's guests always seem a bit overwhelmed walking into the house and meeting everyone. Viewers are getting a little tired of this too.
Finally to the music. The first song is "Opposite of Adults." It's a rap song.
Most of Daryl Hall's fans are in their late 40s up through their 60s. How many of them really appreciate rap music? Yeah, some do but not a whole lot. "Opposite of Adults" is a good song but really, the best part was when Daryl started waving his guitar around like he was trying to break-dance. Hall had some interesting moves in the day maybe waving the guitar is his rap dance move.
Chiddy Bang then say that the group used to have five people in it, then it went down to three people, and now there's just the two of them. The two do seem to be very polite and nice and they spoke about how they first got their big break. The sound was very low and it was hard to hear what they were saying, something about England.
Then fans hear another rap song called "Ray Charles."
The next scene has Hall's band talking with Chiddy Bang about "see you next Tuesday." This is not a song but maybe a pick up line? Apparently women in Britain are fine with being told this but American women take offense at it. Hall's band used a lot of curse words in this segment. Just what does "see you next Tuesday" mean anyway?
The third song is "Mind Your Manners." Another rap song. It kind of sounded like the previous rap songs but Hall wasn't waving his guitar around here so maybe it was different.
Food segment is next on "Live From Daryl's House." Chef Vito is making Summer Meatballs. The original recipe is Frank Stallone's but Vito tweaked it a little to make it healthy. Vito also added his "healthy sauce" which is a balance of fat, proteins, and carbs. Raisins are mixed into the meat. That kind of stood out.
For the next song Hall, his band, Chiddy Bang, and Frank sing acapella. The song is called "Take You Back." Frank had the lead in this one.
"Fall in Philladelphia" is next on the set list. The most interesting part was trying to figure out the spelling—Philadelphia or Philladelphia. Usually a pretty good song but tonight it was boring. Maybe Hall should have tried to make it into a rap song for this very special rap episode.
The next song is "Talking to Myself." Please don't let it be the "Talking to Myself" from Daryl's newest album. We've heard it too many times on this show. Okay, it's a different "Talking to Myself." Surprise, this is rap song.
The very last rap song is "She Got Me Bad." And with this the show finally comes to an end. It was almost like torture.
Daryl Hall is doing a nice job trying to introduce different kinds of music in the web series and it's hard to find fault with that ... but not impossible. It's time for Daryl to go back to the way this series was when he first brought it to the web. Hall is trying too hard and the show is starting to lack something. Many fans are getting bored with it and the same old things going on each month.
Viewers need to see less of the family, less of the food preparation, less talking, and more songs. Chiddy Bang did a nice job and were very likable but really Daryl, Frank Stallone? Maybe the producers should try to get singers like Queen Latifah, Stevie Nicks, or Steve Perry. Cater to your real fans, the 45 to 70 year olds. They're the ones that watch Live From Daryl's House every month. They're the ones that will keep the show around.
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Comments: 9
Obviously you are unaware that the tune "She Got Me Bad" is a Hall & Oates tune and not a rap tune. Ms Katz you are entitled to your opinion of Daryl Hall and his web series, but please don't speak for the collective fans when you say that viewers need to see less of Daryl's family, less talk, and less food. I find it lovely that he includes his extended family as part of the series, after all it is Live From Daryl's House and he doesn't live in that house all by himself. For heaven's sake please don't tell people that we don't want to hear rap music on the show either. The music of Daryl Hall and John Oates doesn't just belong to the 40 plus crowd, it belongs to everyone!!! In the last 7 years or so, the younger generation of musicians and music lovers have been discovering the music of Hall & Oates and have come forth in delight to bestow accolades and respect upon these two very gifted songwriters and performers. Feel free to share your opinion with your readers, but please don't speak for the masses.
As for the show jumping the shark, I feel it's just hitting it's stride. I for one enjoy the variety of music genres, the diverse musicians, and being a gourmet cook and semi professional chef and baker, I really enjoy all the food prep segments. The interaction is my favorite part.
I recap LFDH and give my opinion, that's all, and of course I expect people to disagree with me. That's fine.
Younger listeners might have discovered Daryl Hall and John Oates but let's face it, a majority of their fans are from their mid 40's and older. I've had many emails from people in that age group saying that they like discovering other singers like Chiddy Bang and others but they feel like Hall is now neglecting them. They'd like to see more singers from the 80s and 90s on his show. It's this group that made Hall & Oates popular and are keeping them in the public eye. LFDH would be nowhere without them. Hall has to cater to them a little too.
The show is past its stride, in my opinion. It's getting slow and predictable. Each month is the same. I liked it a lot more it the earlier years.
I don't speak for anyone but myself but, as I said earlier, many people feel the way I do about LFDH. No one is taking anything away from Hall. I rave about him all the time, read some of my other articles and see for yourself. But when something about him and the show seems wrong I state that as well. Hall is not above criticism like I'm not above it. Just because I might not like everything he does doe not mean that I'm not a fan.
As for the food segments, why does anyone need to see how to make a steak sandwich? Is that really gourmet cooking? There's nothing special or different in these segments except for the small talk which is fun at times.
I do respect Daryl Hall. He's reinvented himself and has brought himself into the public eye again. His voice is still wonderful and he's a great song writer. But that doesn't mean that I have to love everything he does.
Thanks again for your comment. I appreciate it.
When you say "For the next song Hall, his band, Chiddy Bang, and Frank sing acapella. The song is called "Take You Back." Frank had the lead in this one," it's again, shocking how little you know. Frank took the lead because that song IS Frank's song and is one of the most successful songs, on one of the most successful sound tracks from one of the most successful Oscar winning films in history. Maybe you've heard of ROCKY? Or is that lost on you too? If you did any kind of research you'd know that Frank's band was known as the Street Corner Band in the film, singing Take You Back. The song is iconic and the acapella modern version they did was beyond COOL. I suppose if Chiddy Bang had done a rendition of Eye of the Tiger you'd say they sang some song about wildlife.(?) Frank is Golden Globe and Grammy nominated for his work on the Staying Alive and Rocky sound tracks but to you, he's just some friend of Daryl's who took the lead of a song. It's a disgrace.
It's because of artists like Daryl Hall, John Oates, Frank Stallone and others of their generation that helped pave the way for artists of today. And these guys are STILL relevant. Daryl's show is the only outlet that lets musicians cross genres and generations in celebration of real music and real talent. For you to find fault in any of that - especially when you don't even get it - is a disservice to viewers and readers. The only thing that "jumped the shark" is your writing...and it didn't clear the landing.
Thank you for telling me about the "Rocky" movies, I would never have known about them without your help. I guess you did your research.
But, Sylvester Stallone had done his share of singing in his time. Research some more.
As for the See You Next Tuesday segment, I didn't know what it meant because it's something that 13-year-old boys laugh about. That segment should never have been allowed to remain in the program because it showed the band acting like a bunch of children. It's fine if they act that way alone together but to proudly show that they snicker at the phrase makes people think that these "men" still has some growing up to do. And I am not alone in feelingthis way.
Frank Stallone and Chiddy Bang? What's the connection? If Hall wanted Frank on his show by himself or with another singer then that would be fine but teaming him up with a rap group makes no sence. Just my opinion.
No one said Hall and Oates is irrelevant. One one even said that Frank Stallone is irrelevant.
And just what don't I "get?" A silly joke that kids giggle about? The combination of Chiddy Bang and Frank Stallone?
I've been a fan of Daryl Hall and John Oates since the 80's, possibly before. I've bought their albums, I've spent money on their concerts, I know all about their talent; I've made them into stars along with the millions of others in my age group who helped to make them stars as well.
I helped put Hall into his Upstate New York home. And I have every right to say that I think his show is starting to jump the shark if that's what I believe.
What you don't "get" is that just because I might not bow down to the mighty Hall and praise him no matter what does doesn't mean that I'm not a fan. I'm not obligated to sing his praises for every show. When an episode of LFDH is good I say so; when it isn't so good I say so.
Thank you for your comment. But there's really no need to take offense at my recaps and get upset over them. There are more important things in this world to get upset over.
By the way, not one of those guys in the show is 13 years old, their audience is older and you don't even get that 13 year old boys are too immature to get that joke and it's grown ups who use it...especially women. Just admit that you're ignorant to it and leave it at that. You didn't get the joke but you criticized the show for it. That's what pisses me off. And if you saw Rhinestone, you'd know that Sylvester Stallone is not the singer - Frank is.
I had never read one of your "recaps" before and I won't read them again. And your "recaps" aren't what I "take offense at," but rather your inability to get basic things right. It's rampant in the world of online journalism. Stick to what I said. Incidentally, a "recap" is a summary. When you inject your opinion its called a commentary or a review. Enjoy the view from your high horse.
As for Sylvester Stallone as a singer here are a couple of his song videos for you to listen to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRQjn5djUd0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1WSPAvT7qE
And the view from up here is just fine.
I really don't feel comfortable criticizing you for your opinions, but I have no problem criticizing you for your inability to understand what your readers are trying to say. I see Ricki's point, if you want to get technical then you must realize that Sylvester is not a singer by trade and leave it at that. I am a true fan of music in general and if Daryl wants to incorporate his family into the fabric of the show then so be it. For some odd reason you have a problem with that,their interaction is minimal for the most part. The point I really want to get across is that Daryl Hall is not beholden to you because you are among the millions of baby boomers who've afforded him the ability to live large,he is entitled to pick and choose which artists get the honor of coming to play at his home. He owes you nothing, hopefully he appreciates the fans who have made him a millionaire.
So you don't like rap, hey I'm sure plenty of people your age feel the same way, no big deal just move on then. I'm not sure what your background is but it isn't as a professional journalist, so tell your friend Alice to stop going to bat for you in trying to establish that NON fact. You,are a blogger, plain and simple. Enjoy what you do, after all I always tell people to live their dream, and if blasting your opinions across the Gather site is something you love to do, I say carry on.