Seriously, that is my only question: why? The Backstreet Boys. Really?

If you don’t what I am talking about, the Backstreet Boys sang the National Anthem last night for Game 1 of the World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies. Yes, those Backstreet Boys — Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, and Joe Buck.

Here, just hit play and watch the annoying video below:

Game 1 was a very good game. Cole Hamels was masterful, and is quickly earning a reputation as a Josh Beckett-style big game pitcher. And a record was set last night: the Phillies went an ARod-like 0-13 with runners in scoring position, yet still won the game. That is the most hitless at-bats with runners in scoring position for a team that won a World Series game. For the Rays, they had plenty of opportunities as well, but playoff hero BJ Upton grounded into consecutive rally-killing double plays. All in all, it was a great Game and portends good things for the future of this series. I see a Game 7, minimum of 6.

But getting back to the Buckstreet Boys (that was not a typo); I only decided to post about this because I was the morning radio show I was listening to it had some excellent commentary regarding the National Anthem. Too often, as was the case with the Backstreet Boys last night, artists use the National Anthem as a personal showcase to promote their own interests and careers. However, in doing so they miss the post: the singing of the National Anthem is to honor America, not your new album or vocal range.

There is no problem with an inspired rendition. Easily the greatest National Anthem I have ever heard is the famous pre-crack Whitney Houston version from the Super Bowl during Desert Storm. The video is below:

Seriously, if you don’t get goosebumps listening to her sing I have to question whether you are actually have blood pumping through your veins. It was some 17 years ago in 1991, I was around 10 at the time, and I can still remember it vividly without watching the video. That is what a National Anthem is supposed to be. Heartfelt, passionate, and inspired — where the artist’s talents complement the song, not the other way around.

With the Backstreet Turds you got the sense that every single note was strategically choreographed and they sounded almost mechanical to me. Plus, they changed the key in so many places. Umm…you’re the frieking backstreet boys. You made your names singing bubblegum pop and doing lame dance moves for teenage girls. What exactly gives you the impression that we want your interpretation of one of the most perfectly constructed songs ever written? Besides, if anyone is going to switch it up and put their own spin on it, leave it to a master. Like Marvin Gaye:

Maybe I’m being too harsh on the Backstreet Boys, I don’t know. But listening to them sing last night was like nails on a chalkboard. I just miss the “old days” when legitimate singers like Whitney Houston actually paid tribute to America with their versions, and literally inspired people. Do you remember how many people actually purchased the single of the Whitney Houston National Anthem? Her talent had a lot to do with it — she could sing the phone book and capture an audience — but I think more importantly it was the passion that was palpable as she sang.

I just didn’t get that feeling last night, or anything close to it. Maybe it’s because I think the Backstreet Boys suck, and maybe I was just personally biased against their version from the start. But it’s a trend I’m noticing: pop stars using the stage of the National Anthem to promote themselves, and not the glorious history of freedom and liberty that defines America.

Or maybe, as I near 30, I’m just getting old-fashioned. But for the National Anthem, and especially on the grandest of stages like the World Series, give me Whitney Houston or Marvin Gaye any time. Leave the Backstreet Boys for TRL and the minor leagues.

[tags]mlb, world series, backstreet boys, whitney houston, marvin gaye, national anthem[/tags]