Since Jimmy Kimmel live is on at 1am in my neck of the woods, I recorded the episode for later viewing. Imagine my shock and surprise when my DVR malfunctioned and I was unable to watch it the following day. Luckily, it was HuLu to the rescue and I was able to see the "chat" and both song performances this morning. (better late than never!)
There's no way around it, Kimmel makes Barry feel relaxed. He gives him time to talk, asks some cute questions and uses his unique form of comedy to take jabs but make it all in fun. Something I learned: Barry followed Ozzy Osbourne years ago. Now that's an interesting tidbit of information. Was anybody there that remembers it???? (I'd PAY to see a clip of that show!)
All in all, it was a great guest appearance and two good performances of songs from the new album. He looked good in that blue suit and black shirt and his band looked amazing as well on that stage with him. It's so good to see familiar faces when he performs--there is comfort in the familiar.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alert! Personal opinion to follow: I watched the clips several times and I can't for the life of me figure out why people thought he was lip syncing the songs. It's obvious he was actually singing. The only answer I could come up with: it's the botox that keeps his face from moving. I'll add my comment to YBA's: it's time to age gracefully and own your years. Trust me, I know what it's like to look in the mirror and see those wrinkles and gray hair. But seriously, how many of us would LOVE to see Barry look "natural" again??? Save some bucks and take the Robert Redford route--you've earned every one of those 60+ years!
It's official. Barry's new album entered the charts at #5. I'm a "believe it when I see it" kind of girl, so the early reports that it jumped from 13 to 5 on the sales charts did not convince me until I saw it for myself. According to Robin Leach, it may even climb to #1 next week. That would be a noteable feat, but one that wouldn't surprise me.
This album seems to strike a chord with so many of the fans and it's release date just in time for Valentine's day was definitely perfect timing. As always, Barry's arrangements make classic songs come to life again and this album seems to be no exception. If you're a romantic, you might want to snatch one up for someone special in your life. Heck, "Where Do I Begin" might just be worth the price!
Of all the guest appearances Barry makes I LOVE it when he appears on Rachel Ray. Why? Because she actually "talks" to him. She does her research and knows that of which she speaks. And...she's a fan herself. The audience questions were actually quite good (as opposed to the ditsy phone calls he gets on QVC). You have to wonder if they are vetted before hand.
Things we learned from the questions and the interview: He actually seemed interested in the 5 ingredient meal Rachel cooked before he came out on stage (pasta, broth and spinach) and said he thought he might be able to cook that (I'm for that since it had spinach in it--high in iron content) Barry and his band go bowling on their days off (call me crazy but that was the LAST activity I would expect him to be doing in his leisure time) He uses his first Emmy as a doorstop to his studio (the reasoning behind that is he wants everyone to see it--hmmm...guess putting it there is a place of honor for him since the studio is his mecca) Before the show he and his "gang" get together, amp the music up, and get pumped up to go out on stage (Lady Gaga????) His favorite song "today" was Could It Be Magic AND his least favorite used to be Can't Smile Without You until he started singing it with the fans
About the music today: I have to admit that I love when he performs songs live. It's when I fall in love with them for the first time (just like I did with Islands in the Stream). The theme from Love Story (Where Do I Begin) is taking on that life for me. I loved it on Conan and now today, it's growing on me even more. This is one of those songs where the arrangement is the star. Then Barry works his magic with the lyrics and the delivery. Love Story was THE movie when I was a teenager and the music brings back all kinds of memories when I hear it. Warm fuzzies all around!
Great show! Texas Fan
Here's the BIGGIE: log on to Rachel's website and win a chance to go to the show in Vegas (once you sign up as a member)
It’s a Manilow Media Frenzy! It's that time when the media is blitzed with appearances by Barry promoting his new album. And that means every Manilow starved fan can turn on the television for a glimpse of the man who we can't smile without. Mark your calendars; set your tivos or DVRs; tune in for some Manilow magic!
Watch Barry perform songs from his new album on the following shows:
Wednesday, January 20 - Entertainment Tonight Thursday, January 21 - The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien Monday, January 25 - The Today Show Friday, January 29 - Rachel Ray Friday, February 5 - Jimmy Kimmel Live
Is everything truly sexier in Paris? You bet it is! The excitement is building as the signs are up, the press releases are flowing, and the Manilow packages are being offered online. Tonight in our email we got a little preview of Barry at his new home, talking to us about the QVC special. I don't know about you, but I'm love the connection. What could possibly be better than Barry Manilow and The Paris Las Vegas? It's going to be an exciting next few months as the anticipation of opening night builds and the release of his new album jump starts the media frenzy. I won't be there, but I bet the energy next week at the QVC show will be astounding and it will only build until the opening in March.
Music...love...passion...and Barry, Ooo...la...la! Texas Fan
Ok Clive--enough is enough. Can we PLEASE have some original music? Pretty please with sugar on top? We promise we will promote the heck out of it, buy it, buy it for presents, buy it for non-fans, and sing its praises. Just give us a chance. We LOVE Barry's music and we will come out in droves to support any ORIGINAL album.
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