It's been forever and a day since I've been able to sound off "From Where I Sit", and there've been no shortage of events and topics that I've been itchin' to share. So, here goes, get ready for the editorial rollercoaster ride of your lives....
I'm certain we've all seen the latest MTV Ultrasound that recently aired on the network and brought droves of BSB fans to their television screens like an outdoor blue light lamp attracts bugs. While I was quite agitated to find that MTV productions cheated our Boys out of an entire hour (*coughNSYNCcough*), I soon forgot my disappointment in the face of the high emotional content the show featured. Kevin's account of losing his Dad brought a tear to my eye, and Brian's recollection of his heart surgery unleashed Niagra Falls in my living room. I was also VERY happy to see that the production staff knows how to spread the on screen wealth into five equal parts. I am certain I was not the only one to jump for joy when the camera focused on D's face for more than the traditionally alotted ten seconds. His rememberances of Caroline were poingant and served to make me REALLY anxious to jet on down to the 2000 Lupus event in Orlando with the rest of the hootchies...unfortunately, I'll just have to watch this edition of Ultrasound a few more times to appease that craving. Perhaps the most enjoyable, in depth segment was that which featured wild child AJ. By far the most emotionally charged chat session, AJ's candid talk regarding his father's estrangment was heartwrenching...
Which brings me to Bob McLean's rebuttal of AJ's interview comments directed at his negligence during Alex's childhood. While I'm not exactly teeming with sympathy for the elder McLean, he makes a very valid point. Often, when one parent leaves the family fold, the other will cast the absentee in an unpleasant light, while not sharing all of the facts -just the sordid ones- with the child(ren) held in the balance. Now, whether or not this sort of thing was practiced by Denise and AJ's grandparents, we'll never know. But I would like to recognize that there are two (or more) sides to every story, and BSB fans should refrain from crucifying Bob McLean. As for the rest, it's certainly not our place to judge, but the drama is...shall we say, VERY interesting. More than anything, I'm relieved to see the Boys step even more from behind their pre-packaged industry facades to become REAL people. To the Boy loving masses dealing with every day problems (particularly a 12 year old who's parents are currently filing for divorce), AJ's up front attitude about his own familial woes may give kids (and adults, alike) reassurance that they're not alone. And that's even more priceless than a concert experience or a signature scribbled on a Hard Rock cocktail napkin.
TV's been catering to the BSB fan in all of us, particularly with the stellar Men Strike Back concert which aired (and continues to air) on VH1. In my opinion, the Boys couldn't have made a better move, than to accept the VH1 Stike Back contract, as they've just opened yet another door for themselves...the mature audience. Granted, there are fistfuls of other adult fans floating around on the web today, but an appearance on VH1 prompted the network to begin airing BSB videos in earnest, exposing the Boys to the 9-5 crowd who may or may not have time to tune in to the boyband pop phenomenon. I'm willing to bet VH1's rating have sky rocketed since, and the Boys were certaintly in good company...Between Sting, Enrique, Sisqo, and the Boys, yours truly was close to passing out with the excitment of it all! Too bad VH1 doesn't air during the evening hours in Seattle. I got to view the MSB special via a VHS tape loaned to me from a (very kind) friend. Thank God for VCR's and nights when there just isn't anything happening on the club scene. Let me rummage around to find my Fashion Diva hat, and give you the short and sweet run down on the Boys' attire...Brian was angelic in pristine white, definitely an off-set yet not off kilter ensemble. Two thumbs up, AND a snap.
While many are off questioning Kevin's sexual orientation, I'm singing praises of that Diva-esque outfit he donned in honor of the MSB occasion. One can only guess at his true motives, but I'm thinkin' he didn't want Christina Aguilera to feel alone in the whole ordeal. *wink* In any case, Kevin's choice of clothing was edgy, just a little frightening, and definitely buzz worthy. Howie was a teeny tiny itty bitty bit of a disappointment. *gasp* Did I just say that? Seriously, the sleeveless rhinestone shirt is now officially overplayed, considering both he and Kevin wore much the same thing at the '99 VMA's. The world is watching, Howard. Get en vogue. His luxurious locks, however, are growing to never before seen lengths and that in itself ups his "schwing quotient" 100%. Thank you God, for giving us such orgasmic eye candy. My new found respect for Nick's delights has grown by leaps and bounds, due in large part to his "I-Just-Had-Wild-Monkey-Sex-Backstage" hairDO. Wow. Where'd that sexy man come from, and why haven't I noticed before? Am I giving up my life as a hootchie? Not a chance. But I do appreciate his new cut and hope to see more monkey sex reminders in the future. AJ, AJ, AJ, my faithful fashion plate, was once again understated and utterly gorgeous. I could stare at that man all day, and with Sisqo standing by his side at the final curtain call, it was Bad Boy heaven in a 24" screen. All in all, I'd say there weren't any fashion faux pa, no complete bummers, but in the future, I hope D will consult a hootchie on his outfit of choice...better yet, just show up nekkid. The world would be a much happier place.
Senseless acts of devotion have been in Backstreet news lately, in the form of an overzealous fan who tackled AJ in a misguided effort to win his life long affection. Unfortunately, she has more likely captured her idol's life long abhorrance due to her behavior. This little fiasco took place at a recent autograph signing, and bodyguards literally had to scrape the girl from off of AJ's back...I'm guessing AJ was seriously sending up praises for the burly men watching his six. Personally, I'm wondering what was in the water that fan's been drinking because she's definitely a few sandwiches short of a picnic. Per Hootchie Harem prediction: coming soon, to a channel near you, When Fans Attack. Somebody call the Fox network; this sounds right up their alley.
The video for "The One" is currently circulating the MTV wires, making plenty of appearances on TRL as usual. What doesn't fall under the "norm", however, is the nature of the piece. A montage of backstage and concert footage, "The One" can be labeled nothing but a disappointment from where I sit. While it's wonderful to see the behind the scenes action -for the first 5 or 10 times- this video soon wore on my nerves as the fast clip editing was much too rapid for my taste, and the concept fell utterly beneath par for the course. What's more, the excitement preceeding the video's release was simply not matched by the end result. I can't speak for the rest of the world, but I sit on pins and needles when awaiting a video's debut simply because I crave to see new shots of the Boys, view their interpretation of the lyrics expressed on film, and applaud the new effects they come up with. "The One", while high up on the "awww!" scale thanks to several split second clips filled with hugs and morale support, lacked the poignancy seen in "Show Me The Meaning...", the action seen in "Larger Than Life", and even -yes, even- the sexy facial focuses as seen peppered throughout the "I Want It That Way" vid. I was relieved to find Howie created 'equal' via on screen air time, but that just wasn't enough to make me overlook the supreme mediocrity of the video as a whole. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm kinda wondering what happened to that whole wild west, cowboys, and horses theme Nick alluded to. And why the heck did we have to vote for the next single we wanted released if all we were going to get was a compilation of home/live footage? And who's messing with the Boys' schedule enough that they (perhaps?) didn't have time to film a full fledged shoot? I don't know, but the cheap seats are starting to look alot cheaper, thanks to "The One". C'mon Boys, you can do better than this.
And finally, Backstreet romance is in full bloom, or is soon to be, anyway. Apparently, an upcoming issue of TV Guide will feature the KFC and their fianceés in the Wedding 2000 edition. Kevin and Kristin Willits are set to grace the cover and inside, articles on both couples appear. Speaking on behalf of those of us who're pro-KFC engagement, I'm unbelievably excited! And hey, if you smelled a double wedding from the get go, like yours truly: you're absolutely right! It's going to be a Richardson-Littrell clan gathering at a picture perfect wedding site. A beach, maybe? Tahiti, perhaps? Nope! The event of the new millennium will commence -where else?- in the only place on Earth where dreams really do come true, Cinderella's castle at Disney World. Talk about a fairy tale wedding...and a double one at that! The invitation is reportedly pastel purple and white (rest easy, avid fans, a picture of the invite is featured in the TV Guide as well) and is tied to the heel of a minuture glass slipper that sits atop a royal-blue velvet pillow. The invitation reads, It fits! Join us as we marry our Prince Charmings. Okay, everybody all at once: "Awwww!!!!". This is the ULTIMATE in romance; even better than "An Affair to Remember". Someone pass me a tissue.
And now, a fond farewell from the Boys' harshest critic and biggest fan. Until next time, MANIAcs,
~Jessi
Links to other sites on the Web
© 1997 crunkgrl62382@yahoo.com
Get your own Free Home Page