Carly Smithson–the 2008 American Idol contestant who was also the poster child for the record industry’s problems in a 2002 Wall Street Journal piece–is joining forces with all the dudes fired from Evanescence to form a new band called The Fallen, according to USA Today. (Any resemblance between the band’s name and the title of Evanescence’s 2003 breakthrough album is probably coincidental.)
It’s probably a good fit, all around–the tattooed, world-weary Smithson sang the band’s big hit “Bring Me To Life” on last year’s Idols Live tour, and she can certainly belt out a tune or two. Her journey along the Idol path last year ended too soon in my opinion; while I was certainly skeptical about her major-label past when she first was announced as a finalist, her puppy-like demeanor and undeniable pipes gradually won me over, and I was kind of sad when she got the boot instead of the irritating Syesha Mercado two Aprils ago. Plus, check out this quote she gave to USA Today Idol reporter Brian Mansfield: “The first time we rehearsed, everybody started in on this jam of Iron Maiden. I was like, ‘I’m in a band! I love this!’ ” How can you not like that enthusiasm?
The Fallen [Official site]
“Idol” belter Carly Smithson’s band falls into place [USA Today]
collaborations
Carly Smithson: The New Amy Lee?
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I’m on board with this. Can’t wait.
interview w/ben and carly
Q: How did the plan change?
BM: Our plan was when we first started, before they opened the door, go back to the time period of recording “Fallen” and make that move of going back to the time period of 2003 and move forward musically from that point. But the name The Fallen seemed to be the perfect fit because we’ve all fallen away from our original course somewhere along the way and that record is what set us all up with the platform to do this. And it just seemed right.
“If it’s me and the dudes from Evanescence on bongos, it’s still The Fallen!” - Mark E. Smith
@baconfat: LOL!
You know, When you look and see how many people love Evanescence, You can just imagine people getting very angry when som idiot says “Carly Smithson: The New Amy Lee?” No one, and i mean NO ONE can replace Amy Lee. She is a one-of-a kind person. I like carly, but i’ve been an Evanescence fan from the start, and will always be one. The way i see it, Ben, John and Rocky, gave up, during the middle of tours, Amy has survived as the ONLY original member, and she’s still going. And I find it insulting that they’ve been playing Evanescence’s songs, Yeah, they may have all been in ev at the time of “Going Under”, but that is an Evanescence Song, Not a We Are the Fallen Song. I hope someone can see what i’m saying, and not think that i’m some obsessed Amy Lee/Evanescence Fan
I’m sorry – I’m still not feeling it. Carly does have a great voice – but I listened to her for the first time in “Bury Me” (quite honestly – I don’t watch American Idol) and I guess I was expecting the same intricate detailing and beautiful drama of Amy Lee’s voice – and it just wasn’t there. Maybe Carly would be better suited to a different music genre? I find that she has a peculiar sort of accent/drawl at the end of her voice that I simply don’t find becoming at all. (Granted – that is personal opinion). Also – I don’t really like the song – I find it a bit dull – the cascading chords and variances in the old Evanescence music is missing… (I used to almost feel transported to another realm – it was that beautiful - that powerful – and no – I’m NOT on psychedelics – lol!) Sorry guys, (i.e. Ben Moody and supporting clan) but if you think you’ve left the band and you’re going to somehow outdo Amy Lee and politely “compliment” her in public as if you’re the “better band members” that got booted – think again. They say there’s no competition, but let’s get real here – and as far as I’m concerned – Amy Lee wins… and always will… the girl’s got talent and good luck finding someone to measure up to that voice… it’s incredible. Musicians – though these particular ones are indeed talented – there are many – but finding someone blessed with an incredible voice is a task – it’s something you are not just taught or “gifted” AT – as in the differences in nuances of - let’s say – an original pianist – someone else COULD pick up the sound if they were gifted that way , a piano doesn’t change in it’s construction, but a VOICE inherently is ONLY yours – every one is unique…. But I understand the desire for the left-behind band members to find another outlet to play – I surely do –musicians crave people of like mind to share in the experience – it’s powerful when everyone clicks… >> … but as far as this band is concerned - I still miss Amy Lee… they should have just taken a completely different path rather than this obvious and futile attempt at mimicking the old success. I still remember the first time I saw “Bring Me To Life” on MuchMusic with Amy Lee – I bolted out the door to the store and back and had the CD within an hour playing in the house – I still remember the day – very impacting – but this “We are the Fallen” with “Carly” - I was all ready to hear this amazing new band they’d formed to pacify their woes and help the fans along – all the publicity – and I heard it and kind of “Meh….? That’s it?”….