Rod Stewart's transformation from randy rocker to sentimental stylist is arguably the most radical high-profile turnaround. His MOR manifestation coincided with his signing to J Records, a label that could dull the edge of a switchblade. Many who have tracked Stewart's career — from his days of belting the blues with the Jeff Beck Group and his rowdy revelry with the Faces — were justifiably dismayed when he embarked on his Great American Songbook series. Four albums on, Stewart's songbook selection seems a bit dog-eared (two would do), but his smooth moves still have their charm. The question is... do ya think he's sexy?
We'd bet that few Michael Bolton fans (if there is such a thing) realize that before he became a soul-sucking pseudoballadeer, the former Michael Bolotin was a big-haired vocalist for wannabe heavy-metal outfit Blackjack. Still, with four albums of classic covers to his credit (including a set of arias, no less), Bolton's attempts to emulate his idols are as vapid as his ability to court credibility. A perennial target of critical scorn, he still finds favor with those who believe Kenny G plays real jazz.
Pat Benatar's hit-making days were long behind her when she switched gears with her standards album, True Love. Still, credit her with taking her best shot by stocking it with vintage blues and R&B chestnuts. Benatar's brassy pipes still tend to over emote, but even so, she's no heartbreaker; the sass and soul are genuine, not artificially induced.
Girls just wanna have fun, but eventually they just gotta grow up too, which was apparently the point of Cyndi Lauper's At Last. Unfortunately, the idea of the giddy gal with the multihued hair as a torch singer just didn't jell. Her latest try at being taken seriously finds her cast in The Three Penny Opera on Broadway. As for a comeback, we're still waiting, time after time. — Lee Zimmerman
Linda Ronstadt performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, January 14, at the Sinatra Theatre at the BankAtlantic Center, 1 Panther Pkwy., Sunrise. Tickets cost $57.25 to $97.25. Call 954-835-8499.
Prez Play
Following the successful September release of The Bill Clinton Collection: Selections From the Clinton Music Room, the estates of several other presidents released their own music compilations in time for the holiday season.
The CD honoring William Henry Harrison is tentatively titled Beginnings and will feature the first minute of 30 different songs, one for each day he served in office. "We'd like people to remember him for something other than, well, dying," explains Sarah Pulliam of the William Henry Harrison Memorial State Park in North Bend, Ohio. "After all, the Claims Convention was signed with Peru during his time in office. Oh, and he was secretary of the Northwest Territory." Rumored to have been included on the CD is the first minute of Johnny Rivers' "Rockin' Pneumonia," a lighthearted nod to the illness that claimed the life of the ninth president as a result of his particularly long, hatless inauguration speech in freezing weather.
Having the distinction of its namesake's being the only swinging bachelor to live in the White House, the James Buchanan Society is marketing to the 18-to-35 male demographic with music fit for a White House bender. Its playlist pulls heavily from the Beastie Boys ("Hey Ladies" and "Funky Boss") and Sublime's 40 Oz. to Freedom. While the James Buchanan Society concedes that Buchanan was never in a fraternity while in college, they say he totally hung out with guys who were. And he was kind of a hottie.
John F. Kennedy's forthcoming release, Video Killed the White House Star, links JFK across generations to other great Americans — like Kelly Clarkson — who were voted upon by the American public owing largely to their television appearances and general good looks.
At press time, the Supposed Illegitimate Sons and Daughters of Thomas Jefferson would neither confirm nor deny the whispered existence of their own collection, reportedly called T.J.'s Hiztory Jamz. — Kristie McClanahan
Evil, Done Doggystyle
Since his debut solo video, 1993's anthropomorphic "Who Am I (What's My Name?)," Snoop Dogg has been one of our most cherished hip-hop icons. In the first phase of his career, he was Shaggy to Dr. Dre's Fred — slightly mischievous and dopey and generally too silly to be taken seriously. Since that time, we've rewarded him with one of the most profitable and long-lasting careers in hip-hop. Last year's "Drop It Like It's Hot" was his umpteenth major hit, and Snoop has recently appeared in ad campaigns for Mobile Sidekick and Chrysler.
But in a slightly different place or time, Snoop would be a pariah. He's an ex-gangbanger who still reps the Crips, a consummate champion of drug use, and a serial misogynist who openly brags about beating women in his songs. More alarmingly, he has been accused (and subsequently acquitted) of murder and rape.
So how exactly does Snoop get away with it? It's called image manipulation. Outtakes takes a look at two other notable bad boys and suggests ways they could Snoopify themselves.
Osama Bin Laden
Problem: World public enemy number one.
Solution: As Snoop has shown, there's nothing wrong with having a strong pimp hand. But Osama fails to carry it off with the same panache as Snoop, who redefined the role with colorful clothing and playful videos. For starters, we'd suggest OBL rein in those rambling, fire-and-brimstone speeches. After all, the only thing worse than being a terrorist is being a bore. Osama should also spice up his all-too-infrequent videos with some hot-ass "burqa babes." Even if Muslim women can't show skin, that inch-wide eye swath will drive dudes crazy.
As a secondary line of offense, we suggest that Osama lose the drab traditional robes. While he may feel silly in a velvet pimp suit and top hat, it's way sexier than the "fugitive in a cave" look.
Kim Jong-Il
Problem: Dictator and cult leader. And he's lonely.
Solution: Fewer nukes, more Daisy Dukes. We suggest Kim Jong-Illin' (his new handle) throw himself headfirst into film and television. Snoop was able to parlay his rap career into several movie appearances. Yeah, the movies were generally horrible (The Wash and Soul Plane, anyone?), but his roles reinforced his lovable, innocuous image. It's doubtful that the sexless and savage Ill One ever had any acting lessons. But like Snoop, he's probably a natural just waiting for his big break — his cameo in Team America notwithstanding. Does Dr. Evil need a long-lost twin?
Snoop Dogg performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 14, at Revolution, 200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $40. Visit www.jointherevolution.net, or call 954-727-0950.
