Glee Season 2: A Very Glee Christmas Episode Review

Wow. This was surprisingly a solid episode. Way to transition into the hiatus! Yay.

To be honest, I actually thought that this was the best "themed" episode yet. After the disappointment that was the Britney episode and somewhat the Rocky Horror episode, this I thought made up for it. It was really cute and heartwarming. Who knew? It was, to me, so enjoyable and so great that it just ended a rocky beginning to the second season on a great note. It fit right in with Glee, I think.

But, I will be going through withdrawal until February now! Haha.

THE GOOD:

- Frankly, I thought that the whole Brittany still believing in Santa was going to be stupid, but it was actually too adorable for words. This storyline made me realize that Artie is actually a caring partner and even though Brittany is - yes - dumb, she's got a huge heart. It was such a good story for both them. I was afraid it would go downhill fast, but it was surprisingly good.

- The PRESENT IDEA FOR SUE was really funny. A robot dog? A soul? Haha. Awesome.

- Brittany and Bieste scene was amazing. I loved how they paralleled Brittany's impossible wish with Bieste's wish as a little girl. I thought it was really well-written - sweet and sad all at the same time. Then, at the end, when Artie got a present from Bieste, I couldn't control my emotions. Haha. I was a mess. Warm fuzzies. Perfect.

- The Christmas carol in the classroom at the beginning of the episode was arguably one of the funniest scenes this season!! Haha.

- The Grinch concept was a little too much for me but I didn't hate it. Somehow, the whole bit with Sue in her Grinch outfit and Becky as Max - which had me chuckling like crazy - was a great homage to the original without going over the top. I came into terms with that.

- I was glad that Glee went back to it's roots and shed light on the fact that these kids are still losers. I mean, I haven't felt that all season. It's hard for them to be considered underdogs when they're all football players, Cheerios, or dating one. 

- The Glee Club's wishes were absolutely hilarious, especially when Lauren said "I would like Puckerman to love me." Haha. EPIC! 

- While I thought there was too much of Kurt earlier in the season, there was just the right amount of exposure for him in this episode. Oh, and that moment with Will Schuester seemed really nice, especially since he already left McKinley.

- Finally! Will Schuester was somewhat likable in this episode. I liked the fact that he's backing off from Emma and I was really hit by his speech about how Christmas changes when you're an adult. I actually agree. The world isn't such a horrible place when you're a kid, and I think it's so sad when you lose that feeling you had now that you're older. Sigh.

- The ending is just lovely. Enough said. 

THE BAD:

- I'm still a little disappointed that the girls didn't do God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, that the boys didn't do their awesome version of Jingle Bells, and, of course, that Rachel didn't sing O Holy Night. I think those were the strongest tracks in their Christmas album. But, whatever, I'd get over it. Haha.

- Finn should stop acting like a douche. Seriously. He's getting on my nerves. Finn's acting like Rachel kissing Puck was the end of the freakin' world. Yes, I understand that she kissed him when they were still together, but this is seriously being blown out of proportion. Besides, he's being a bit hypocritical. Remember? He cheated on Quinn with Rachel before he knew that Quinn cheated on him with Puck. It's stupid.

- Hello?  Finn and Puck are friends? I don't get it..

THE MUSIC: 

THE MOST WONDERFUL DAY OF THE YEAR. This to me was a good old Glee scene. It's a great groups song for them. I liked how they were just singing because they want to while they decorate the Christmas tree. It was just a fun number, almost seemed like it was spontaneous. Plus, I didn't mind that Quinn got Kurt's line in the song. She and Sam sounded really god together - what's new? Ha!

WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS. As I've said, one of the funniest scenes this season. Really. They also sounded lovely in this short performance. Oh, and how I love Rachel Berry. She's got her show face on  ALL THE TIME. Haha. Hilarious.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, DARLING was beautiful. The scene leading to this performance was actually acted really well by both Rachel and Finn. I thought that set design was gorgeous and Rachel, as usual, sounded great. It was a great scene with snippets of Finn and Satana. Waah!

BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE was so charming, I can't even stand it. Haha. Absolutely loved this performance. I thought there was a good transition to the song and it was just a delightful duet. They both sounded great together. It's fun, playful and flirty. Never expected that. Possibly one of the best numbers in this episode.

YOU'RE A ONE MEAN MR. GRINCH. I'm just glad the random KD Lang didn't appear in this episode just to sing this song. Haha. This scene, as I've said, was a nice homage to the original. That is all.

LAST CHRISTMAS. I have to say, this scene was wonderfully acted and the duet sounded absolutely amazing. However, I really found the camera work and panning - and probably the direction - a bit lazy and unimaginative. I mean, they have a great set design and set pieces to work with but just settled for shots that were uninteresting, to say the least. Maybe that's just me nitpicking though. So, whatever. 

WELCOME CHRISTMAS. I just loved the holiday spirit of this performance. They sounded lovely and I really like how the faculty embraced the number. I also think that Finn's speech at the beginning was really good.

Download music HERE.
Download episode HERE.

SEE YOU ON FEBRUARY!! 

Album: Farmer's Daughter - Crystal Bowersox

Here it is!! Crystal Bowersox's debut album, Farmer's Daughter. Her record drops on December 14, 2010.

Now, Crystal sounds great in this record and I think her fans would love it, but personally, I probably won't buy it because I can't see myself listening to more than a couple of the songs over and over again. Still, this is a very nice debut effort that she should be proud of. I'll be writing a track-by-track review of the album - just like any other American Idol albums - which will be posted in the next coming days. So for the meantime, Enjoy!

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1. Ridin' With The Radio

2. For What It's Worth

3. Farmer's Daughter

4. Holy Toledo

5. Lonely Don't Come Around

6. Hold On

7. On The Run

8. Kiss Ya

9. Speak Now

10. Mine All Mine

11. Mason 

12. Arlene

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Glee Music 2: A Very Glee Christmas

Here are the songs for Glee's last episode for this year, A Very Glee Christmas. So far, these are the songs that reportedly will be featured in next week's episode. Three of the four songs are also part of their Christmas album, Glee: The Music, Christmas Album, which was released a few weeks ago.

Now, I'm not so sure if they will include more songs for next episode, but I'll post it once I've confirmed the others - if there's any. For the meantime, enjoy!

ETA: Ok. So, I've seen the episode and 6 tracks from the album and 1 additional track actually made it to the actual episode. Thus, I'll be posting two more songs here! Also, Welcome Christmas is already the iTunes version.

We Need A Little Christmas

It's nice. It's light and airy. I have to be honest, the first time I listen to this, Kurt's voice is a little jarring for me - possibly because it's the highest he's sang all season. But, his "cartoonish" singing works perfectly here. I'm still not a fan of Kurt's upper register, but whatever. This song puts me in a Christmas mode. Seriously. 8/10

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Baby, It's Cold Outside

I have no words. Haha. Of course, I do. I love the old school feel to the arrangement. I think that really does it for me for this song. It's sweet and light and so familiar. It gives me that warm, Christmas fuzzies - the perfect feeling for the most wonderful time of the year. Haha. Yes, this is pretty repetitive and if you're not into the characters that much or any of that, it's probably kind of dull. But personally, I really enjoy Blaine and Kurt's voices together. It's like warm honey in this song. I can't stop listening to this song. 9/10

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Merry Christmas, Darling

As usual, Rachel rocks this song. She is just wonderful. It's a great fit for her voice and what a warm, smooth performance of this song. Obviously, Rachel is singing this for Finn and I think this could really be a moment for these two. It sounds fantastic and I'm very pleased. 9/10

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Welcome Christmas

To be honest, it's a bit silly that they recorded another song that's not part of their Christmas album. Ha! But, whatever. I like this. They sound lovely as a group. I like the fact that it's really hard to tell who's singing what. Closer to the end, I can sort of hear Tina and maybe Artie, but barely. It's definitely a good mixture of all their voices and they all kind of complemented each other here. 8/10

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Last Christmas

Very sweet. I heard it ages ago when it was released last year, but this is a catchy tune as well. My only complaint is that I wish the vocals were more balanced or equal. It was released almost a year ago so it has lost its edge a tinsy bit, but it can still hold its own with all the new Christmas tracks. It's a really good version, and I always love a Rachel-Finn duet. 8/10
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The Most Wonderful Day Of The Year

I'm loving the old, classic sound to this! They sound phenomenal. I have that same feeling I used to get as a kid when I would hear the Christmas songs. I love the old fashioned feel of it, and it definitely helped me like the song better. Great job. Oh, and I love the little talking parts, especially Brittany's. Haha. 8/10
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You're A One Mean Mr. Grinch

Meh. The narration is uncomfortable to listen to and the cover pales in comparison to the original. Plus, I could have done without it. The very random KD Lang sounds great and I think it's a great match for her voice. But it's very.. blah.. for me. I could forgive them for not using Jane Lynch in it if they had done a better job. I'm not very enthusiastic about this song at all. The harmonizing parts sound nice, but.. again.. BLAH. 5/10
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(all 8 tracks)

Glee: Glee Cast Performs at The X Factor UK 7 Top 5 Results Night

Yay! The Glee Cast performs their hit, Don't Stop Believing, at The X Factor UK Results Night.

Now, I kind of wished they did their whole Journey Medley instead of just this, but who am I complain really? I thought they all sounded great - though they definitely had backing vocals somewhere in that performance. Ha! I also liked the fact that they didn't just let Lea or Cory sing the leads. Jenna, Chord, Dianna, Naya, Mark and Amber all got to sing! Oh, and Amber singing right in Simon's face was EPIC. I bet you regret your decision now Simon to reject her on American Idol huh? Haha.

Too bad, Chris Colfer is now filming with Darren and the Warblers that's why he can't come with the rest of the cast. Enjoy!!

ETA: Mary Byrne got eliminated and my Cher Lloyd is safe!!! Yay!!

Album: Adam Lambert Acoustic Live! - Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert releases an Acoustic Live! featuring performances from his Glam Nation and radio tours! This is set to come out December 6, 2010.

Quite frankly, I'm not really a big fan of Adam Lambert but this Acoustic Live! album is just AMAZING. Seriously. The upbeat version of Mad World is crazy good. I love that his voice is front and center in his stripped down take of Whataya Want From Me and Music Again is just pure fun. Now, I have to be honest, I was a bit iffy when he included both Aftermath and especially Soaked in this record because they are just not the strongest tracks on his debut album, For Your Entertainment. But now, I take it back.

I didn't think Aftermath fits him well - because the song got that terrific big rock ballad sound, which reminds me so much of Daughtry - but he worked it out here and I'm now loving the song. However, the biggest shocker for me is the idea of how much I enjoyed Soaked. It seemed a little too Andrew Lloyd Webber-y for me, but I somehow dig it now. I don't know. Haha.

DOWNLOAD LINK WILL BE UP FOR ROUGHLY 24 HOURS ONLY!!

1. Whataya Want From Me

2. Music Again

3. Aftermath

4. Soaked

5. Mad World

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BUY THE ALBUM!

X Factor UK 7: Top 5 Performances

It's the semifinals already!! Waah. I can't believe this season is almost done. Haha.

Now, the performances were nothing terribly impressive but I think some people stepped up their game this week. Actually, if I will base it from the judges' comments, it's pretty obvious that they want Mary Byrne gone but those few tears may have saved her. And as much as I hate to say this, I think Cher Lloyd is in danger of elimination. Oh no.

Anyway, since it's the Final 5 already, I decided to make this review like my American Idol review minus the ranking. Haha.

So, here's how I rate the performances after the jump!

Rebeca Ferguson

Show Me Love 9/10

Amazing Grace 8/10

I was initially a fan of Rebecca but through out the whole competition, I actually felt that she hasn't really improved.. until now. I really think she proved herself worthy of a Finale slot. Yes, she can't dance - or even sway to the beat to save her life - but the singing, especially in her first performance was really good. Her second performance was good though a bit overrated. Personally, this song makes her vocal flaws more noticeable. I don't know. That said, I think it's a no brainer that she'll be in the Finals.

Mary Byrne

Never Can Say Goodbye 7/10

The Way We Were 6/10

Boring. I'm sorry. The world doesn't need another Susan Boyle. Yes, Mary is far more interesting vocally than SuBo but just no.. Really. This week, Mary seemed lost in a few places. Her first performance was decent - at least, she moved on stage - but her second one was just too dated for my taste. She's just not my cup of tea.

Matt Cardle

You've Got The Love 9/10

She's Always A Woman 8/10

I really thought he was going to pass out anytime. Haha. Matt looked so sick during his performances. But in that context, I really think he still managed to give good-to-great performances. I love his version of Florence and The Machine's You've Got The Love. He sounded really good. His second performance wasn't as great and it was an odd song choice but it was heartfelt and he sounded fine considering the flu. He actually made it work. I think he's a shoo-in for the Finals. It'll be a travesty to see him get eliminated tomorrow.

Cher Lloyd

Nothin' On You 8/10

Love The Way You Lie 9/10

Say what you want, but I love her. I think Cher is still doing something none of these other contestants can do and has the confidence none of them are showcasing which will help lead her to success after this show. Her rapping makes her unique and give her commercial appeal. Sure, she’s not perfect, but I think she’s competent. I just wish she'll work on her transition from rapping to singing, but other than that, the song choices are ridiculously current that I don't have anything to complain about. Oh, and the staging of her second performance was amazing. That is all.

One Direction

 Only Girl In The World 7/10

Chasing Cars 7/10

Harmony meet One Direction. Haha. It's about time!! I somehow enjoyed their first song, Only Girl In The World despite the poor lead vocal. The second song was slightly better. The harmonies still weren't any good but I think they're improving. And just like Cher, One Direction has ton of commercial appeal. That being said, if they managed to sneak their way after this week, I dare say that they are the lamest group ever to make the finals.

Glee Season 2: Baby, It's Cold Outside Sneak Peek

OK. So, aside from the heartbreaking version of Merry Christmas, Darling by Rachel. Here's another sneak peek for next week's episode, A Very Glee Christmas. As of now, there are still no confirmed songs yet to be performed on the actual episode - well, except for these two sneak peeks, of course. All I know is that the songs that will be featured in the episode are off their Christmas album.

This performance is absolutely adorable. There's some obvious flirting going on in this scene but I'll just leave it at that. But I really think this was intended to be sweet, cute and playful. It's not overly romantic, which I somehow like. Now, I think that the song suits them, especially Kurt. Both complemented each other's voices really well. Good job!