Blake Doesn't Translate

One of the consequences of the writers’ strike is that artists have very few outlets to promote their music. So they’re forced to debut music to much of the country on shows like “Live With Regis and Kelly,” which forces artists to reduce their songs to only two minutes in length, often restraining performances. And sometimes it just doesn’t translate.

Unfortunately, that’s what happened to Blake Lewis on Friday’s “Live”…

Blake gave an incredibly energetic performance of “Break Anotha” Friday morning as he jumped around the small “stage” rocking out with his guitar player and working all of his electronic equipment.

But with the heart of the song removed to fulfill the time requirement, no one quite knew how to take it, as the audience didn’t really muster much excitement. Ted McGinley, the guest co-host, said he was a Blake fan, but he seemed completely appalled. And Kelly could only muster a weak, “Well that was certainly an enthusiastic performance.”

Blake was totally charming during his short interview, but it was hard to show a lot of personality when he was getting such stupid questions. After Blake said he had this album in his head for years, Kelly asked if “American Idol” helped make that happen.

Uh, hello? Did he have a CD on a major label before “Idol”?

Blake closed the show with a little of the CD’s best track “How Many Words,” which I hope means it will be the next single.

If the “Live” performance was your first introduction to “Break Anotha,” please don’t judge it based on those two minutes. It is a good song and “Audio DayDream” is a great CD.

I just hope everyone gives it a chance...

You can see the performance here…