Albany wrapup...

Here's a quick sweep of the scene after Tuesday's concert:

Edited to add a link to the Albany Times-Union review. Here's what the reporter had to say about Bucky:

Bucky Covington, who ought to be singing Lynyrd Skynyrd, is instead sent out to do Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," trying to dance atop his pipe-cleaner legs but looking more like he's shimmying in a hard-shocked F-150 pickup driving over a washboard dirt road.

(You know, between the F-150 mention here and the "Dukes of Hazzard" reference in the Boston Globe review, I'm wondering if some entertainment writers have a list of cut-and-paste cliche references when writing about Southern rock performers. Having said that, I think the Lynyrd Skynyrd shout-out was a compliment--and perhaps a nod to the edgier side of Bucky's sound that "Idol" couldn't quite showcase--so we're about even. Here's a handy link to Bucky Covington Online for the benefit of those who haven't had the pleasure of hearing Bucky's haunting original "Can't Be Wrong". There's a lot more to him than Idol cover tunes...)

The first recap of the night popped up at MJ's comments section pretty early in the evening; the poster there called Bucky "adorable on stage" and mentioned that he was a crowd pleaser, but wished someone would "give this boy a country song that he can sink his teeth [into]". (A lot of us are still wishing "Real Good Man" had been part of this year's setlist...)

A writer who interviewed most of the Idols backstage last night tells her story here--sounds like someone had an excellent time. The finished article will probably be linked from that thread later, so stay tuned...

And the reviewers at the official boards appear to agree--Bucky had a great night last night. (Favorite comment: "I really enjoy him, I'm not sure why, but I do!")

No photos from Albany as of yet, but if you're eager to catch up on some shots from the first few shows, this brilliant thread at Rawkhands is the perfect place to start...kudos! There are also a few photos of Bucky in this extensive album from Hartford, shared by a talented fan at the Fox boards. (Gotta love this one. Coolest hat ever, honestly.)

Back later to expand this post (and with any luck, add a few fresh photos, as well.) And if your plans are flexible, there might be a few good seats released for tonight's Hershey show. Best of luck at Ticketmaster--more later!