Philadelphia Weekly

1. BernieCap said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 10:53AM

“Chris you ingredient slut, apparently you have not seen Justin's show. And brother let me tell you, he is more of a musician then you'll ever be. You are the hack here and I would suggest taking the time to actually know what your speaking about before you open your big mouth. This article gives you as much credibility as Al Gore.................”

2. Anonymous said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 11:44AM

“This article was written before Justin Guarinii or Drivetime even performed! It was written yesterday, and they perform tonight. So someone is a blowing hot air here, Mr. Parker and that's you! Justin and Drivetime are incredible. Go see 'em Mr. Parker and do penance, then write up a review! Otherwise, you're nothing but a hack writer. Tsk, tsk, for shame!”

3. Anonymous said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 01:51PM

“It seems you Mr. Parker have more of a problem with American Idol then you have with Mr. Guarini. Get the stick out of your butt and get out once in awhile. You might be surprised at what is really going on.”

4. Anonymous said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 02:22PM

“I agree about Guarini. He has a pleasant voice but all the ham gets in the way of the meat of his abilities. Next!”

5. Chris Taylor said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 02:30PM

“Mr. Parker, first I would like to say, I am ashamed to have the same first name as you. It is obvious to me you have not seen this show. This will be my second time seeing Justin with Drivetime. They put on an excellant show, I was not to sure what to expect the first time, but they blew me away. I would HIGHLY reccomend anybody to go and see them perform.........

KEEP UP THE FANTASTIC SHOW BERNIE AND JUSTIN !!!!”

6. Joyce said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 02:33PM

“I had the pleasure of seeing Justin Guarini and Drivetime in concert in October. They put on an incredible, entertaining show with something for everyone from jazz, to pop, soul, and R&B. Justin's smooth, soulful vocals and this tight jazz band make a perfect match. I wish I could attend tonight's show. I hope they tour nationally because I certainly plan to catch the show again. This is a must see show that should be more expensive for such quality music.”

7. Anonymous said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 02:41PM

“Chris, I think you might have accidentally mix your far left veil blog with your Philly article. To bad, it makes you look foolish.”

8. Anonymous said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 02:43PM

“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehne5tA8SjM”

9. Anonymous said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 03:04PM

“Drivetime and Justin Guarini combined have over 30 years of experience in writing, recording and performing music.

If you did a little research before you published this article, Chris, you would see what an amazing group of accomplished performers they are.

As far as the Idol machine, hate the game, not the player. Justin writes and performs his own music...if you caught any of their appearances in the past few weeks (Preston and Steve, NBC10! Show), you would see that.

Oh, and in addition to all this, Justin and Drivetime have been nominated for a Grammy this year for their cover of "What You Won't Do For Love".





”

10. Lisa Rambow said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 03:14PM

“Dude, are you on crack??? Did you even LISTEN to them?? I've been following Drivetime for years and Justin has a fantastic chemistry with them...beautiful voice...they've played for Warmdaddy's, on TV and locally...I fully expect them to be playing at bigger venues soon....if you love Smooth Jazz, this band is a guilty pleasure...I adore them...I introduced my fiance to them and he fell in love with them instantly...why don't you come to the show tonite and show some love...we'll buy you a drink....remember, if your head's up your ass, your ears ain't listening!”

11. Becky Capodici said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 03:36PM

“you have got to be kidding me. OnlyFOOLS open their mouth about something that they themselves have NEVER experienced. Excuse me: dont you have to read a book before you can judge it. well: Same concept! You must hear Justin and Drivetime before you judge them. If you are brave enough come out tonite and experience what you are writing about. Then you can write about how they were tomorrow. Taste and see that it is sweet music.”

12. Chris Parker said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 03:38PM

“My complaint is, as someone noted, more with American Idol than Justin Guarini. I have listened to all of Guarini's music and find it rather bland and boring, but then I prefer my jazz in the form of Ornette Coleman, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. Admittedly, if you're into sentimental, Teflon smooth jazz you might really like it. I have no complaints with Drivetime (note they're not mentioned). Gaurini has a nice voice, but that's about all that's appealing about him for me. Sorry I don't share your opinion. But then, five million people bought a pet rock, too.”

13. SueB said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 03:38PM

“I have had the pleasure of seeing Justin and Drivetime on numerous occasions, including Clubs, and their shows are phenomenally entertaining. No lights and costumes here Mr. Parker, just raw talent.
You should do yourself a favor and check out the Show!”

14. Don-O-Phonic said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 04:06PM

“Everyone is entitled to their Opinion...........
However..................
You need a brain to form an Opinion..........
And it sounds like You, Chris Parker, Have a lot to say about something that You really have not experienced.”

15. Mitch said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 04:41PM

“I've seen this band many times. Are you sure YOU did?

While agree with the general comments about Idol and the silly mania it generates, this guy-and the band-are excellent. I see them as often as I can.”

16. Anonymous said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 04:49PM

“You have no idea what you are talking about. Justin and Drivetime are amazing musicians. You need to listen to their music before writing your "opinion".

"It's better to be silent and thought a fool, then speak out and remove all doubt." ~Abraham Lincoln

”

17. Anonymous said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 04:50PM

“I cannot convey how very tired I am of the trend for entertainment writers who are too lazy to do their homework, or to think originally, to be bruisingly cruel while hiding behind the guise of junior high humor. They succeed smashingly with the former and fail abysmally at the latter, while proving their ignorance on both counts.”

18. Amanda said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 05:13PM

“Chris, you're a grade-A moron. I just love how some people are so willing to just jump on the American-Idol-Contestants-Are-Not-Real-Musicians bandwagon without doing even a micron of research. Yes, there are some hammy, terrible, no-good musicians that "grace" the American Idol stage with their presence. Justin Guarini is not one of them. Gather some information about a topic before forming an opinion, sport.

For lack of anything better to say, you're a jackass.

”

19. Anonymous said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 06:17PM

“I prefer my jazz to swing. Saying swing jazz is "bland and boring" and touting jazz a la Miles Davis or T. Monk as the only kind of "worthy" music, is ignorant. Many jazz fans lost interest in the genre when it stopped swinging, and became too esoteric to simply enjoy. I was thrilled to get hold of Drivetime's last cd, with Justin featured on the jazz song "What You Won't Do for Love" precisely because it captures that special something that makes jazz great - its swing! Thank you Justin G. and Drivetime!

And Mr. Parker, from reading the above mentions, methinks you need to go see Mr. Guarini and Drivetime tonight, to regain some respect. I am looking forward to your review tomorrow! :)”

20. Gina Ferrero said... on Dec 16, 2009 at 10:21PM

“You are a F*CKING asshole! You can not judge something you have never seen. Do you not have any other actual valid material to write about that you must resort to this....perhaps you should find a new job!”

21. Katie said... on Dec 17, 2009 at 12:49AM

“Right... so you've listened to ALL of Guarini's music? Please. If you want to pick a fight with American Idol, be my guest. Just don't be an ignorant asshole by judging a musician without having ever seen them.”

22. Kate Green said... on Dec 17, 2009 at 10:47AM

“Unfortunately, this is what happens when a person like Justin reaches a national level. There immediately are HATERS out there to try to tear you down. This so called writer, music critic, has a tiny forum and has to spout his ignorant, biased opinion instead of actually reviewing a show. You realize his opinion is about as worthless as two cents....even less. It has no substantive basis...but it will get a little airing because it is NASTY....a pathtic situation.
For anyone reading that blurb...catch a show with Justin, and you will instantly know how untruthful and unfair are the comments this so called writer has written.”

23. Ladeda said... on Dec 17, 2009 at 12:07PM

“Justin's music is as beautiful as the man, singing it. It comes from his heart. Justin stood behind his dreams and worked hard his WHOLE life to get where he is. Wether it would have been idol or another venue Justin would still be where he is today. It is more then obvious the dude who wrote this needs to meet Justin before voicing his really unwanted opinion.”

24. Anonymous said... on Dec 17, 2009 at 12:27PM

“Judging from who's making comments, it looks like you pretty much have to be a chick to be into his sappy music.”

25. Anonymous said... on Dec 17, 2009 at 01:42PM

“Chris, next time you decide to trash someone you might consider thinking about offending their fan base as you apparently have done. Looks to me like Justin & Drivetime have some serious supporters who wholeheartedly disagree with you, which means your opinion is null & void.”

26. Kathy K said... on Dec 17, 2009 at 02:18PM

“Nice to give an opinion on a performer you've never seen or heard live. Justin is incredibly talented. He has an amazing smooth soulful voice with an impressive falsetto. Do you think that maybe there's a reason he did so well on that TV show you seem to hate? Next time, watch the show, THEN give an opinion. An opinion isn't valid if it's formed without experiencing what you are evaluating.”

27. Reedman said... on Dec 17, 2009 at 02:27PM

“Chris, you're a moron. The whole premise of your column ('Week's Worst') is invalid because you've obviously never seen Justin Guarini or Drivetime, so putting them in this column is ludicrous. Secondly, Justin has progressed beyond American Idol and continues to do so. Maybe you prefer punk rock or something else, but don't bash people when you don't know what you're talking about.”

28. Anonymous said... on Dec 17, 2009 at 03:06PM

“Only I can get away with this kind of criticism Mr. Parker, because I actually know what I'm talking about. Pray I don't turn my attention on you.”

29. Anonymous said... on Dec 17, 2009 at 03:14PM

“To #24, You sexes pig, what? you wouldn't like woman following you around,
Great another geek who thinks he can spill his opinion because he doesn't have to leave his name. Chicken Fag!!!!!!!!!”

30. Sarah McTamney said... on Dec 17, 2009 at 05:54PM

“Wow, if this isn't the most sad, sorry excuse for an attempt at an educated article, I don't know what is. You can have a problem with American Idol until the cows come home, knock yourself out. The 150 million people who watch it must all need something better to do with their time, but to sit here and pick at honestly the most talented man I have ever seen, heared, met, and had the pleasure of sharing time with, is beyond ignorant. Don't you even for a second sit there and write you've "heared all his music" because I can bet every penny to my name, and my life against that statement. If you did any homework AT ALL before you wrote this, there is no way you could say anything bad about this man. Talent oozes from his pores, and he performs because he honestly LOVES music and only wants to grow and learn as he gets older. That is so rare these days and for you to say he's boring, well sir, judging by the comments and my own opinion on this article, BORING is nothing compared (cont..)”

31. Sarah McTamney said... on Dec 17, 2009 at 05:57PM

“BORING is nothing compared to a grown man sitting at home with nothing better to do with his time then write an article (a poorly written one at that) against a man whom he's never met/seen live once in his life. He's possibbly one of the ONLY people off of American Idol that has grown so much and CONTINUES to do so each and every time he does something new. So please, sorry that your stuck writing for Philadelphia Weekly, but do your homework next time before you get your granny panties in a twist and try to bash someone. :)”

32. Susannah Noble said... on Dec 17, 2009 at 09:00PM

“Okay, I am a "chick" and while I personally think Mr. Guarini has a nice voice, I have been exposed to enough of his performing to realize that he is not ever going to have as much staying power as his hat size. He caters to his groupies (the very young, giggling girls), and his modesty is non-existent. Watching him "play" to the camera is an exercise in narcissism to the extreme. Every single pro- Justin response was written by either a family or extended family member, or one of his giggling groupies who doesn't know how to spell. (I.e. #29 "Sexes"- I believe you meant "sexist;" #7, that would be "mixed" (past tense) and "too bad." #23, that would be "whether.") Clearly Justin or some family member put the word out to gather the groupies. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Mr. Parker exercised his. Grow up Mr. Guarini and Mr. Capodici: Take it like a man. Not everyone in the world is going to like your talents, nor be mute.”

33. Keith said... on Dec 18, 2009 at 02:38AM

“Hey Chris. I would not want to have to make a living doing what you do. I am sure you are not in the business to make any friends because it's obvious you haven't accomplished that today...I felt compelled to make a comment here after just getting home from work at this late hour. I am not a "chick" and do not think Drivetime's style deserves the "teflon" comment. You said you do not attack Justin or Drivetime but that is just what you are doing. I agree with other remarks that Justin has a great chemistry going with the band and he is more than just a pretty voice. Bernie has a great group of musicians together. It's what the music is about and they deliver. They help you forget about your troubles and relax and enjoy the moment. Believe me when I say I have a diverse taste in music but I have some background on the subject and consider myself fair and open minded. Do you? Or are you just an opportunist trying to shake the tree and make a buck $? Like I said, your job sucks.”

34. Sarah McTamney said... on Dec 18, 2009 at 05:33PM

“Hey Susannah, next time you want to try to make a witty post back, make sure it doesn't make you come off as a bitter bitch who got ignored by Justin once and is trying some lame attempt at revenge. You obviously know NOTHING about Justin if can honestly sit there and say anything about him being narcissistic. Justin is the most humble, down to earth, and GRACIOUS man I have ever met in my life. To sit there and say he only caters to his "groupies" is almost laughable. I've been around Justin MANY times in situations where people have stopped him for pictures and autographs and he stops and spends time with each and every single person that wants it, and never pays any more or any less attention to any of them. So please, pull the stick out of your ass and find someone else to heckle.”

35. Kathy K said... on Dec 19, 2009 at 07:22PM

“Hey Susannah, I'm not a young giggling girl by any stretch of the imagination. I'm also not a family member or extended family member. I stand by what I said. Mr Parker formed his opinion without ANY information i.e. he's never seen Justin perform. That is ignorance.”

36. Kat said... on Dec 24, 2009 at 03:20PM

“After reading all of the comments I can say that I am neither a family member,extended family member and haven't been a giggling girl for quite some time.I have never even met Justin or the band . What I do know is that they have amazing talent! Justin has an infectious smile and a beautiful humble spirit that keeps me wanting to hear more..I love music and these days everyone sounds the same so Justin's very distinct soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics are refreshing and I only wish them the best ..Looking forward to seeing them live one day!.”