American Idols - Use Me

Warning: American Idol chatter and enthusiasm. Do not read if this turns your stomach.

There is something about the live performance of Taylor Hicks and Elliot Yamin on this clip that just feels so right. First of all, it is nice to see the two cross collaborating "Jam Band-style" on this live version of Bill Wither's 'Use Me' at a live concert in Alabama. Second of all, singing a song called 'Use Me', after being subjected to the contractual handcuffs and goofy Ford commercial confines of America's favorite reality talent competition just screams perfection.

"Oh you just keep on using me until you use me up
Until you use me up"



In all reality (no pun intended) the best part of the clip is the tremendous vocal chops of Hicks and Yamin. Their voices suit this song perfectly and they seem so much more laid back in this environment seemingly in front of hundreds rather than millions. Plus, the band is really, really solid.

I'm really happy for these two as they seem to be able to separate themselves from the Clive Davis/Pop world much more so than many of the other late-round finalists whose voices and personalities are too thin to do anything else. I hope they are able to make music on their own terms for a long time.